Religion, Ethics & Philosophy Students Visit Bolton Parish Church

A Level Religion, Ethics & Philosophy students enjoyed visiting the historic Bolton Parish Church last week to listen to a talk by the Church’s resident lecturer, Revd Ian Hepburn. The trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop their wider awareness of the role and activities of the Church of England – a significant institution and employer – and understand different job roles both within ordained and lay ministry and secular roles within the CofE organisation.

Students observed Holy Communion and the different stages of a service. The visit connected to key topics studied on the course such as faith and salvation, the person of Jesus, religious diversity and interfaith, the nature of God and Christian living.

Our students benefited from viewing the rich heritage of the site, in which a church has existed for over 1200 years, and engaged in discussion with Revd Ian, Revd Grace Hart and the Church Warden raising the ‘big questions’ with them from pre-determinism and the nature of God through to views on euthanasia. They also gained insight into their distinct roles, the history of the church and the idea of ‘living faith’ revelling in learning about Revd Ian’s former role as a paramedic. The group heard about the church’s social, cultural, and spiritual work in the community from its work with Urban Outreach, Fort Alice and local government through to links with schools and hospitals. 

Thank you to Revd Ian Hepburn, Revd Grace Hart and Church Warden Evelyn Weston for their time and warm hospitality. This was a wonderful experience for our students.  

Find out more about studying A Level Religion, Ethics & Philosophy here.