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Meet our new Chaplain We were pleased to welcome our new Chaplain Reverend Dr Deborah Wilson at the beginning of Term 2. Deborah grew up in Lincoln, England where her Christian faith was established, firstly in the Methodist church and then in the Anglican tradition. Deborah studied theology at the University of Manchester, becoming particularly interested in contemporary Christian responses to the problem of suffering. She successfully submitted her doctoral thesis on the work of the German theologian Jurgen Moltmann. Deborah trained to teach Religious Studies and led a number of Religious Education departments in schools in England, specialising in advanced studies and the preparation of students for University. Deborah is married with two sons and moved to New Zealand five years ago. She believes an empathetic understanding of religion is essential for young people navigating their way in an increasingly diverse society and she enjoys engaging with philosophical and ethical questions from students about the purpose andmeaning of life. “Special character schools in New Zealand are uniquely placed to offer this extra dimension of spiritual andmoral depth and to present Christian responses,” she says. “The wealth of our faith tradition is a source to strengthen and guide our students should they choose to participate in that journey of personal discovery.” Deborah was previously chaplain at Woodford House in Havelock North where she extended Religious Education into the senior levels of the school and introduced the Middle School Theology programme, developed by the Anglican and Presbyterian schools offices with Otago University’s theology department. Deborah was ordained as an Anglican priest in 2007. She is excited to collaborate with the Presbyterian Church in her new role at QMC. “Both traditions have so much to offer our girls in terms of faith development and social action. The Anglican and Presbyterian schools already work very closely together in joint projects and sharing resources,” she says. Deborah looks forward to working alongside Ken Edgecombe and Monika Demuth-Barber in developing the Religious Education programme throughout QMC. Reverend Dr Deborah Wilson. LEADING 29 Queen Margaret Calling :: ISSUE 63 :: May 2019