First Muslim chaplain takes-up post
20 October 2011
Dr Sameh Otri
Staff and students looking for advice, support and pastoral care can now seek support from the University’s first Muslim Chaplain.
Dr Sameh Otri has been appointed Muslim Chaplain to offer advice and support to the Muslim community amongst the University’s 6,000 strong members of staff and 27,000 students.
Head of the University’s Student Advisory Services Division, Ben Lewis said: “The Chaplaincies at Cardiff University offer a place of friendship, hospitality, reflection, support, and dialogue. The Chaplaincies offer opportunities for students and staff of all religions to relax and unwind and to explore faith and spirituality.
“Our Chaplains are experienced listeners who offer pastoral and spiritual support to staff and students of the University. They also play a key role in sign-posting you towards other parts of the University and Students’ Union, where you will find counselling services, financial advice, skills development, and other forms of student support.
“The Chaplains also have close links with local churches, as well as places of worship of other faiths. They can, therefore, talk to you about your own local faith community needs.
“We try to offer advice and support to people from all backgrounds and all faiths – which is why the appointment of Dr Otri means we are now able, for the first time, offer this type of support to the University’s Muslim community.”
Dr Otri is widely recognised in the Muslim community of Cardiff – as well being as a graduate, gaining a Msc and his PhD from the School of Engineering.
He also holds a Certificate in the Training of Muslim Chaplains from the Markfield Institute of Higher Education, which included a placement shadowing Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, Cardiff University’s current Anglican Chaplain.
Whilst he will be a regular visitor to the University’s campus, he will be based at the Dar UI Isra Muslim Education and Welfare Centre in Cathays.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Otri said: “I am delighted to take up this new post and I look forward to offering advice and support to members of staff and students who need it.
“The Chaplaincy also offers a place of friendship, hospitality, reflection, support and dialogue for Muslims and provides an ideal opportunity for the Chaplaincy to encourage dialogue between students of different faiths and backgrounds.”
Further information on services and how to contact the University’s Chaplaincy is available at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/chaplaincy/
