In September 2025, The Revd Liam Cartwright joined Queen’s as our new College Chaplain. At the end of his first term we asked him about his Michaelmas experience, and what he is looking forward to in 2026.
How would you describe your first term at the College, and what has stood out to you the most so far?
It has been a bit of a whirlwind – I hit the ground running with the Old Members’ Evensong and Dinner on my second day in post and the pace didn’t slow until after the Boar’s Head Gaudy!
It’s been great to join in with the rhythms and traditions here at Queen’s. I really enjoyed meeting all the Freshers in October, and my official licensing service was a really special occasion – it was lovely that members of my family, as well as friends and colleagues from various different parts of my life, could join us too.
Much of this term has been spent getting to know people and how the College works. In many ways it’s a very different job to being a parish priest, but I’ve quickly realised that an Oxford college is very similar to a parish in as much as you have a geographical location which is home to a diverse community for whom you have pastoral and spiritual care. I still have much more to learn, but as Hilary Term approaches I feel like I’m starting to get the measure of the place and my role within it.
What have you enjoyed most about joining the College community?
It’s very humbling to be part of a community in which I’m surrounded by such inspiring people – people who are or who aspire to be the brightest and best in their field and with whom I get to interact on a daily basis. I’ve loved getting to know members of the student community – especially the Freshers, the student presidents, the choir, and the welfare reps, and I hope I’ve begun to establish myself as a supportive presence. I’ve really enjoyed the various dinners – whether it’s been meeting Old Members, learning about the lives and work of the academic staff, or chatting with current students, it’s a really enriching part of the job. I also really enjoy the conversations I have with the many dedicated people who enable the College to function on a day-to-day basis, whether it’s by cleaning the rooms, preparing the food, or keeping the site running. It’s striking how many of these people have worked here for very many years, which I think is testament to the sense of wellbeing and community here at Queen’s.
Have there been any particular moments, events, or interactions that have helped you feel settled in?
I’ve found Queen’s to be a place in which it’s very easy to feel at home very quickly. I’ve been really touched by how welcoming everybody has been. The lodge team, academics, and senior officers have made such an effort to get to know me and to help me navigate the College and its systems and traditions, which I think it’s fair to say are sometimes idiosyncratic to say the least!
It’s been helpful starting alongside the new Provost, Domestic Bursar, and others – we’ve enjoyed a great sense of camaraderie as we try to figure out our new environment together! I’m really impressed with the emphasis the College puts on welfare and it’s brilliant working alongside Luke Young, from whom I have already learnt from so much. I’ve especially enjoyed spending time with the student welfare reps who’ve helped me understand the student experience here and respond to it. Owen Rees and the choir put me at ease right from the start and have been so kind and welcoming. After my first evensong one of the choir members told me it felt as though I’d always been here, which was such a positive affirmation. Prior to ordination I pursued a career as a professional organist, choral conductor, and church musician, so it’s a privilege to be working alongside such gifted musicians on a day-to-day basis at Queen’s.
What are you hoping to bring to the role of Chaplain as you continue into the year?
I hope to continue getting to know the community through listening, deepening existing relationships, and forging new ones; being present and building trust; and ensuring that welfare support as well as pastoral and spiritual provision for the whole College is as inclusive, accessible, and effective as possible.
Is there anything you would like the wider college community to know about you or your hopes for 2026?
The most important thing I’d like to reiterate is that I’m here for everyone – whoever you are and whatever you do here, and wherever you are in terms of beliefs – whether you’re a scout, student, domestic, administrative or academic member of staff – I’ll always be happy to see you for a chat and a coffee.
Similarly, the chapel is there for the whole community. There’s no right or wrong reason to come – whether you want some quiet contemplative space, or to attend a concert, or to come to a service – please make use of it whenever you like. My hope is to see the chapel being used for a broader range of events and activities, and that in doing so a more diverse cross section of the community will enjoy it.
We’re incredibly privileged at Queen’s to have one of the best choirs in the world right here in our midst, singing Evensong in the Chapel every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening. Wherever you are on the spiritual journey, it’s a truly wonderful antidote to the busyness of college life – a chance to unwind at the end of the day, perhaps before going to dinner – and to experience world class music and timeless liturgy within the awe-inspiring surroundings of our chapel. It’s an experience unlike any other; please do come along – you can always be assured of a warm welcome.
