Sussex University first in UK to appoint humanist chaplain

James Croft became the new lead faith adviser at the University of Sussex last month.

James, from St Louis in Missouri, USA, is the first chaplain in the UK from a humanist background. It comes after Brighton was recently found to be one of the least religious places in the country.

The new chaplain said: “I am delighted to take up my new role at the university and I’m incredibly excited to engage with the Sussex community, which encompasses people from all walks of life.

"I see my role as listening to people’s beliefs and understanding how they are challenging the way that they see the world, and responding to that.

“I look forward to working with the other chaplains and meeting with as many staff and students as I can.”

According to the American Humanist Association, humanism is a “progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good”.

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In data from the Census in 2021, Brighton was named as the most godless city in England, with more than half of people in the city reported to have no religion.

The only city that is less religious in the UK is Caerphilly in Wales.

Professor David Ruebain, pro vice chancellor of culture, equality and inclusion at the university, said: “We are delighted to have appointed James as our university chaplain and lead faith adviser. We are committed to supporting the diversity of religions and beliefs of staff and students and James’s experience and extensive background in pastoral care and leadership of a large congregation will be a huge benefit to our community.

“While James’s appointment was based on his ability and not his beliefs, we are pleased that he will bring experience that will complement our other chaplains, who represent a range of faiths and beliefs, including the Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Christian Missionary Alliance, Quaker, Buddhism, Orthodox, Judaism and Islam.”