Welcoming Rev Dr Matt Seddon as Visiting Scholar

We’re delighted to welcome Rev Dr Matt Seddon to St John’s College as a Visiting Scholar this month.

Matt is an archaeologist and priest in the Episcopal Church, serving at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Indiana, in the Diocese of Indianapolis. During his time at St John’s, he will continue his research into how the findings of anthropology can be more fully integrated into theological reflection and doctrine.

Alongside his academic work, Matt enjoys reading widely, kayak fishing, and listening to punk and 1980s alternative music on his vintage Tec-12 turntable. He’s married with one daughter who is now a graduate student in particle physics at Cornell University.

During his visit, Matt will also host an informal conversation over coffee and cake:

What is Anthropologically Engaged Theology and why would we want it?

Tuesday 14 July | 2:00pm | the Vice Principal’s Office

Coffee and cake provided.

All are warmly welcome to join the conversation.

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    Applications open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27

    Applications are now open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27, a unique opportunity for a scholar, writer or artist of Christian faith to spend a term in residence at St John’s College.

    Commemorating Ruth Etchells (1931–2012), the College’s first female Principal, the Fellowship offers time and space to pursue creative work while becoming part of the life of the College community. Fellows are provided with accommodation and meals during term, opportunities to engage with students and staff, and the freedom to focus on their own creative practice.

    As part of the Fellowship, the successful applicant will contribute to the intellectual and creative life of the College through a programme of public engagement, including talks, seminars and opportunities to support and inspire students.

    Applications close on 19 July 2026, with the Fellowship taking place in the Easter or Epiphany term during the 2026–27 academic year.

    Find out more about the Fellowship and how to apply.

    Ruth Etchells on Library Lawn

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      New Chaplain at St John’s

      We are delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Sarah Heslop as our new Chaplain.

      Sarah studied History at the University of Oxford before working as a teacher in London, Leipzig (Germany), and Cambridge. She has been closely involved in church and community life in and around Durham for many years, before training for ordination at Lindisfarne College of Theology. She has spent the past three years serving her curacy in the villages of Byers Green, Croxdale, Kirk Merrington and Tudhoe, all close to Durham.

      Sarah says:

      “Having lived locally for many years and having come to know many people connected to St John’s College, and as a DThM (Doctor of Theology and Ministry) student here myself, I know what a special place it is. Serving this wonderful community is a real privilege and one I am deeply excited about. I’m looking forward to getting to know the many people who make up this wonderful community, to walkingand worshipping alongside them in the years to come.”

      Professor Jolyon Mitchell, Principal, says:

      “We are delighted to appoint Revd Sarah Heslop as Chaplain. The role remains central to the life and work of St John’s, and we look forward to working with Sarah as she brings wisdom, care, and a strong sense of vocation to the College, our students, and staff.”

      Revd Dr Nick Moore, Warden of Cranmer Hall, adds:

      “Sarah brings a combination of energy, enthusiasm, and a deep spirituality. We greatly look forward to her joining the College. As Chaplain she will not only oversee our worshipping life, but also attend to the spiritual needs of all of our students and staff within both John’s Hall and Cranmer Hall.”

      Sarah will take up the role on 1 June 2026, subject to the completion of the usual administrative and safeguarding requirements.

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