As part of the University's support network for staff, students and their families, the service aims to:
- Provide a listening ear for students and staff
- Work with others in Student Services, offering confidential support
- Visit staff or students in hospital if requested
- Assist people with life event, conducting Baptism, Wedding or Funeral
- Provide links with local churches of various denominations
- Offer information to people of different faiths about local contacts in Aberdeen
- Work with the local community to advance mutual benefits
In addition, the chaplain participates in the wider life of the University, officiating at events such as Graduation Ceremonies and the annual RGU Christmas Carol Service, and Remembrance Day service.
The Chaplain
The chaplain, Isaac Pooblan, is on campus most Wednesdays, and can be contacted at the Rectory:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1224 640119
Email: chaplaincy@rgu.ac.uk
Chaplaincy Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms, Kaim Cottage
We have a dedicated prayer facility for members of the RGU Community at Kaim Cottage.
Kaim Cottage is located between the Aberdeen Business School and the Scott Southerland School of Architecture.
It is sheltered beautifully in the pines overlooking the River Dee and has open access throughout the week. The access details can be obtained from the Reception at the Riverside Building.
The facility is governed by the Student Services and as a Multi-Faith prayer facility has a Code of Conduct which the users are asked to be familiar with.
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
The Chaplain conducts Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals for members of the RGU Community.
He offers these services primarily as a Christian Minister and as an Anglican/Episcopalian Clergyman.
Baptisms
He has baptised family members of RGU community within St John’s Episcopal Church where he serves.
Weddings
The Chaplain conducts a number of Weddings each year in various locations. RGU has a special memorandum of understanding with the University of Aberdeen which privileges members of the RGU community to be married at the historic Kings College Chapel in Old Aberdeen. Beside, Weddings may be conducted in other historic chapels, churches and designated places.
Funerals
RGU as a community transcends beyond the learning environment of the class rooms, offices and labs. It is made up of real people with real challenges. The Chaplain aims to assist real people with real life challenges. When ambushed by the suddenness of death, the Chaplain is at the end of a phone call to be with people in grief.
Faith in the city of Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the most cosmopolitan city in Scotland according to the recent national statistics.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen celebrated this fact with a multi-faith gathering and invited the city to embrace and affirm it in every walk of life. Robert Gordon University is a community of unity in diversity. The University has a robust and effective diversity policy advocated through Student and Staff Champions.
The diversity in population is reflected in the diversity of Faith communities.
It is impossible to fully represent the richness of Aberdeen’s religious landscape, so if a specific faith community is not listed, please contact the Chaplain to be included as part of the listed groups.
Christianity
Baha'i
There is a very small Baha'i group in Aberdeen, its members are from different backgrounds and many different countries.
Buddhism
The Aberdeen Buddhist Group is an independent local Buddhist group, run by its members. It exists to help people practise Buddhism in Aberdeen, meeting every Wednesday in the city.
Hinduism
The Aberdeen Hindu Association is a trust set up by a group of dedicated volunteers in the North East of Scotland. It aims to promote the Hindu religion, traditions and culture, together with supporting the Hindu community.
Islam
There is a growing and active Muslim community in Aberdeen and the International Team has good contact with some community leaders at the Mosque. Facilities are made available for Muslim prayer at our prayer facility at Kaim Cottage in Garthdee.
Judaism
There is a small orthodox synagogue in Aberdeen with a very diverse and friendly congregation. It holds services and social events throughout the year.
Quaker
There is an active Quaker community in Aberdeen, with an average attendance of around 25 at the Meetings for Worship, about half from the city and half from the surrounding area. With a number of families attending, there is a wide age-range of children. The Meeting House itself was purpose built in 1903 and is of architectural interest. It is the only purpose-built Quaker Meeting House in Scotland that is still in use.
Chaplaincy Events
Kaim Cottage is used daily for prayers by various Christian student associations and the Islamic Students Society.
The Chaplain meets with staff and students for prayers on Wednesday at 13:15 which lasts no more than 20 minutes.