Student Chaplaincy
The CLC Lutheran Student Chaplaincy not only supports Lutheran students across the country but it is built on the Christian ethos of hospitality and welcomes students of all faiths and none. The chaplaincy works through the International Lutheran Student Centre which is focused on creating a space (currently virtual) where students can feel accepted, valued, and engaged with people and causes they’re passionate about. You can follow what the ILSC is up to through the website, Facebook page, or by signing up for the Chaplaincy newsletter. Additionally, you can also contact the Lutheran Chaplain for Students by email.
Rev Rebecca Daniel
Head of Chaplaincy
CLC Student Chaplaincy/ International Lutheran Student Community
Guided by the mission principles of encounter, engage, embrace, the Council of Lutheran Churches’ Student Chaplaincy (ILSC) is committed to supporting international university students and young professionals across the UK.
Our renewed, non-residential chaplaincy model—rooted in presence and flexibility—opens up inclusive and creative ways to serve. While our core work continues in London, we are also deepening partnerships with higher education chaplaincies across Great Britain.
We seek to offer a welcoming and inclusive space—a “home away from home”—for international students and young professionals of all cultures, faiths, and non-faith backgrounds. In this context belonging is nurtured through prayer, shared meals, meaningful conversation, and community life.
One of our signature programmes, Eat & Encounter, brings people together to cook, eat, and share stories—fostering friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
We recognise the many gifts that international students and young professionals bring. We encourage engagement with local communities through social, theological, spiritual, interfaith, and practical opportunities—all anchored in the values and witness of the Lutheran tradition.
A Welcoming Community for International Students and Young Professionals
The Council of Lutheran Churches (CLC) Student Chaplaincy has become a vibrant and inclusive hub for international university students and young professionals in London. Rooted in partnership with St Mary’s German Church—which generously hosts our home base, the Luther Hub—and supported by CLC member churches, university chaplaincies, and ecumenical networks, this ministry continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact.
Following the closure of the International Lutheran Student Centre (ILSC), the chaplaincy has entered an exciting new chapter. We are committed to offering spiritual support, companionship, and a deep sense of belonging to those navigating life here in London. This diverse and inclusive community welcomes individuals from a range of faith traditions—and those from none—into a shared space of welcome and mutual enrichment.
We embrace this opportunity to develop a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-looking model of chaplaincy that provided safe and supportive space which is open to all.
To foster belonging in ways that make a difference — through embrace, encounter, and engagement.
We are committed to:
- Supporting international students and young professionals in their academic, personal, and spiritual journeys.
- Strengthening Lutheran chaplaincies and congregations in their ministries of welcome and hospitality.
- Enhancing the visibility and participation of the CLC Student Chaplaincy within ecumenical and higher education settings.
- Providing pastoral care and chaplaincy support where none currently exists, in partnership with churches, universities, and other denominations.
- Providing a Student Hardship Fund to support those in need of financial assistance during their studies or as they transition from student life into professional life.
Our work is shaped by the core values of embrace, encounter, and engagement, helping students build meaningful relationships, grow in faith, and become active contributors to the wider community.
1. Supporting International Students and Young Professionals
In collaboration with St Mary’s German Church, we have created the Lutheran Hub—a welcoming, inclusive space that feels like a “home away from home.” We aim to nurture well-being, foster community, and provide opportunities for spiritual and social connection.
We recognise that international students and young professionals bring valuable gifts and global perspectives. Through this ministry we amplify their voices and encourage active participation in community life and care for creation.
Activities include:
- Eat & Encounter: A community-building initiative centred on cooking, sharing meals, and meaningful conversation.
- Mental health support and well-being signposting.
- Themed “brave and safe space” discussions.
- Opportunities to engage with justice, environmental, and local community projects.
- Quiet spaces for reflection, prayer, and rest.
- Student trips and events connecting Lutheran students across the UK.
- Opportunities to explore Lutheran identity in partnership with CLC and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
2. Strengthening Chaplaincy Work Across CLC Member Churches
Under this renewed vision, the chaplaincy works closely with CLC member churches to connect student ministries and amplify shared values and goals.
Key initiatives include:
- Hosting collaborative events and programmes across congregations.
- Providing chaplaincy space for churches without dedicated student support.
- Mentoring new chaplains and supporting peer networking.
- Offering training workshops on student mental health and chaplaincy best practices.
- Providing advisory support to congregations developing student outreach.
3. Enhancing Visibility in Ecumenical and Higher Education Circles
Through strong links with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we elevate the voice and presence of the CLC Student Chaplaincy in global conversations.
We also engage with:
- SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) Multi-faith Chaplaincy
- Churches Together in England (CTE) and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI)
- The Anglican-Lutheran Society, Camden Faiths Forum, Faith for Creation and local interfaith partnerships
- Student-focused organisations including SCM, YWCA/YMCA, and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF)
These collaborations allow us to participate in and co-host ecumenical events such as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, World Day of Prayer, and Climate Justice Vigil.
Looking ahead
With a focus on pastoral care, ecumenical collaboration, and inclusive community building, the CLC/ILSC Student Chaplaincy is becoming a beacon of hospitality, justice, and hope for international students and young professionals from around the world.
We invite you to journey with us—through embrace, encounter, and engagement—as we create spaces of welcome, connection, and transformation.