College Chaplain - Dr Shaun Henson

College Chaplain

Shaun Henson is our College Chaplain, and a member of the College welfare team.

He is pleased to meet in confidence with any member of College (Junior, Middle, Senior, and any others associated with the College) about any matter, regardless of one's religious views or lack thereof.

Shaun is responsible for the religious life of the College, including all services in the Chapel. He has general oversight of the College Choir, with our Choral and Organ Scholars and Chapel Music Tutor. In addition to conducting routine Chapel services, he welcomes inquiries about baptisms, confirmations, and weddings.

Shaun teaches in the University's Faculty of Theology alongside his Chaplaincy, and is engaged in postdoctoral research and writing. He is currently a research team member with The Order Project, a philosophy of science research group based at the London School of Economics.

You can contact Shaun by e-mail as above, or by telephone on (0)1865 274955. He is in Room 24 of the Main Building, just outside the Chapel. Shaun is normally in College on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sunday afternoons and evenings, and is easily available at other times by appointment. He is always in his room between 3 and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays for casual inquiries, and welcomes any visitors during this time for any reason.

About the Chaplain

Shaun earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in America before coming to Oxford University. At Oxford, he was the first doctoral student to work with the first Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, John Hedley Brooke, a scientist and historian of science. He had co-supervision with Professor Keith Ward, a philosopher.

Shaun's doctoral research was on a current debate between physics and philosophy regarding the unification of laws of nature. In his thesis, he constructed a dialogue that highlighted and critiqued metaphysical aspects of that dialectic. His conclusions included forecasting possible directions for similar projects. Shaun's academic interests cross boundaries where scientific, philosophical, and religious concerns intersect, with a special interest in physics and physical cosmology. His teaching includes such topics as 'science and religion' and Christian beliefs.

Shaun became a priest in the Church of England near the end of his doctorate, working in parishes surrounding nearby Blenheim Palace. Prior to Oxford, he worked and lived for eight years in Boston, in New England, partly among the urban poor. His social concerns are now reflected in his life as a fully Professed Member in the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis (TSSF), European Province.

Of his role at St. Hugh's, Shaun says: "Being College Chaplain puts one in touch with a wonderful variety of people from different backgrounds, all with diverse interests and viewpoints on academic and religious matters. This diversity is a hugely stimulating aspect of College life. My hope is that all students and staff at St. Hugh's will see me as a friendly face and potential confidant, always certain to offer a warm reception. Do simply stop by to see me if helpful, or make an appointment using the contact information provided. I look forward to meeting you."