A passion for theological education 

Bishop Libby Lane, Chair of Cranmer Committee and a member of the appointing panel, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Nick as the new Warden of Cranmer Hall. His passion for theological education and the formation of Christian leaders for today’s, and tomorrow’s, world is deeply rooted in his love for Jesus.” 

“I am greatly encouraged by Nick’s commitment to the thriving of Cranmer Hall as a place of learning and flourishing, and his vision for the contribution Cranmer can make to Durham University, the City and region, and the wider church. Please hold Nick in your prayers as he takes on this new and exciting role.” 

A North East grounding 

Nick grew up in the North East of England and attended Durham Johnston Comprehensive School. He studied French and Philosophy at university before moving on to ministry roles and theological study. He has lived in Cuba and Paris and has served on church staff teams in Buckhinghamshire and Hartlepool. He trained for ordained ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and while there completed a DPhil in Theology. He is an active New Testament scholar who has published widely, particularly on the Letter to the Hebrews and the theme of the Temple. He is married to Bekah and they have three children. He is passionate about conveying the riches of the Bible to everyone, including across languages and cultures. 

Nick commented: “I am humbled and honoured to be appointed to this role. Cranmer Hall has a wonderful legacy of training women and men for ministry and has a key role to play in serving the Church of England and other churches by equipping ministers at every level. I have loved serving at Cranmer over the past six years and look forward to leading the College in this next phase. 

“While there are many challenges facing the churches and wider society, there are also many reasons for confidence. Cranmer is well served by a strong staff team, excellent resources, and a fantastic location within Durham University and the North East. From this basis, and with God’s ongoing provision, we will continue to offer training that is theologically robust and orientated towards the needs of the world.” 

A St John’s College appointment 

The incoming Principal of St John’s College, Professor Jolyon Mitchell, celebrated the appointment, saying: “The appointing panel was unanimous in its choice of Nick Moore as the new Warden and are delighted that he has accepted the role. Impressed by Nick’s dedication, gracious determination, and proven commitment to excellent theological education, we are all hugely looking forward to working with him as he takes on the leadership of Cranmer Hall.” 

Local and global ministry 

Revd Steve Muneza, Director of Formation and Mixed Mode Training, also commented: “As Academic Dean and in previous roles, Nick has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both theological scholarship and the life and ministry of churches and communities in the UK and internationally. I look forward to working with Nick on building and strengthening new and existing partnerships with both our local and global partners in the training of Church leaders in its rich and diverse forms.”   

About Cranmer Hall  

Rooted in a generous evangelical tradition, Cranmer Hall was founded in 1958 as a distinct but integral part of St John’s College, Durham. A vibrant and diverse Christian community, it is unique in being a theological college embedded within a college of a world class university and is one of only two residential theological colleges in the northern province of the Church of England. In addition to those training for Anglican ministries, it offers training to leaders across many non-Anglican traditions on the Free Church Track, as well as for Baptist ministers-in-training. 

Cranmer Hall delivers three academic programmes: a BA in Theology, Ministry, and Mission, an MA in Theology and Ministry, and the sector-leading professional Doctorate in Theology and Ministry, delivered in partnership with Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion. Alumni include Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Bishop Libby Lane, the first woman bishop in the Church of England; and the late Bishop Francis Loyo of Rokon, South Sudan.  

For more information about Cranmer Hall, visit https://www.cranmerhall.com/  

The David Wilkinson First Generation Scholars Fund has been launched this year by the outgoing Principal, Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, himself a first generation scholar from the North East. The scholarship promotes widening participation and access by providing accommodation scholarships for students from first generation, BAME and lower income backgrounds, offering two scholars annually up to half of the College accommodation costs for their first year.   

Already alumni and friends of St John’s have contributed almost £30k to the scholarship fund. David Wilkinson comments: “My own opportunity at Durham University came in the days when grants were available not just for tuition but also living expenses. The situation is now very different and I am delighted at the launch of this fund to give opportunities to this generation of students. Thank you to all who have contributed so far and may I encourage others to consider supporting it.” 

“Delighted to support David’s great initiative in a small way which highlights the great spirit of St John’s to encourage and support those who would not otherwise be able to attend College as they see earlier contemporaries leaving Uni with huge debts.” 

Luke March, Law and Politics, 1970-1973 

New students to St John’s College for the academic year 2023/24 will be invited to apply for a scholarship. We continue to welcome donations to this appeal. Find out more: Principal’s Appeal