Canon Professor Jeremy Duff to lead Emmanuel Theological College
Canon Professor Jeremy Duff, Principal of St Padarn’s Institute, has been appointed as the new Dean of Emmanuel Theological College, which is based in North West England. He will begin his new role on September 1st.
Jeremy says: “It has been a huge privilege to be part of the Church in Wales for ten years, establishing and leading the St Padarn’s Institute. I have learnt so much from colleagues and learners, in all their wonderful variety.
“It has been a joy to see God at work across this amazing nation, and in the lives of faithful women and men who respond to His call. But now is the time for me also to respond to a new call, to return to my roots and use all that I have learnt here to firmly establish Emmanuel Theological College as an enduring, joyful place of missional, theological and spiritual depth.
“The North West was once a pioneer in theological education, with St Bees College in Cumbria, and St Aidan’s in Birkenhead, but for decades has lacked a sustained, thriving, Anglican theological college rooted in its communities, serving God’s mission here. I know from St Padarn’s how important it is that formation, theological education and ministerial development belong to the Church here, and are not located ‘somewhere else’.
“I am excited to see what, under God, and with new colleagues, can be achieved for the North West through Emmanuel, and I am thankful that I can leave St Padarn’s with thriving dedicated staff guided by an excellent senior leadership team.”
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd. Cherry Vann, says:
“Jeremy goes with our blessing and gratitude for all that he has achieved at St Padarn’s and the wider Church in Wales. Alongside his gifts as an educator and communicator, Jeremy has brought wisdom, creativity and energy to his work and a desire always for continuous improvement. His proven ability to work across the theological and ecclesiological traditions will stand him in good stead in his new role and across the dioceses in the North West of England. He and his family are in our prayers as they prepare to begin this new chapter in their lives.”
The Bishop of Llandaff, the Rt Revd Mary Stallard, who holds the Church in Wales Ministry Portfolio, says:
“This news is a wonderful affirmation for Jeremy. He will leave his post at St Padarn’s with our heartfelt thanks for all his hard work during his time as Principal. His love of learning and his committed Biblical scholarship have helped to form many clergy, ordinands and lay ministers and to shape provincial patterns of formation and training. We will miss him and we pray for him and for his family at this time of change and transition.”
Simon Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Representative Body, says:
“I join with others in congratulating Jeremy on his appointment as Dean of Emmanuel Theological College. Jeremy, as its founding Principal, was instrumental in turning the vision for St Padarn’s into operational reality. His colleagues at St Padarn’s and the wider staff team at the Representative Body wish him all the very best in his new role.”
Jeremy is married to Jill who is the Bishop of Lancaster and they have two sons.