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Council of Lutheran Churches

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Student Chaplaincy

Student Chaplaincy

The CLC’s International Lutheran Student Chaplaincy (ILSC) not only supports Lutheran students across the country but is committed to the Christian ethos of hospitality, welcoming participants of all faiths and none. The ministry is focused on creating spaces where students can feel accepted, valued, and engaged with people and causes they’re passionate about. You can learn more via the ILSC Facebook page, or by emailing our student chaplain.

ILSC Facebook page

Rev Rebecca Daniel

Head of Chaplaincy

CLC Student Chaplaincy/ International Lutheran Student Community

The closure of the residential student centre (ILSC) prompted our chaplaincy programme to actively seek new and creative ways to serve students and young adults. Whilst our original ministry began in London, we continue seeking further partnerships with higher education chaplaincies across Great Britain, currently also supporting the Universities Chaplaincy in Leeds via our CLC staff chaplain Rev. Joseph Nelson. In London, Rev. Rebecca Daniel regularly gathers participants for Eat & Encounter, an opportunity to cook and share a meal over lively conversation and fellowship.

In every context we seek to offer a ‘home from home’—a welcoming and inclusive space—for international and domestic students as well as recent graduates and young adults of all backgrounds. This happens through opportunities for prayer, worship, shared meals, activities, and pastoral support.

A Welcoming Community for Students and Young Adults
The CLC Student Chaplaincy in London partners with our member church, St Mary’s with St George’s German congregation in Bloomsbury, who generously provide a home base—located on the ground floor of the former ILSC and renamed The Luther Hub. We also seek collaboration with other CLC member churches, university chaplaincies, and ecumenical networks to strengthen their existing ministries and enhance what we are able to offer our own participants.

To encourage participation by meeting others where they are, accepting them as they are, and engaging in ways that make a difference. 

 

We are committed to:
  • Supporting students and young adults 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 our chaplaincy within ecumenical and higher education settings.
  • Providing pastoral care and support in partnership with churches, universities, and other denominations.
  • Offering a Student Hardship Fund to support those in need of financial assistance during their studies or as they transition from academic to post-graduate life. 
 
Our work aims to help students build meaningful relationships, grow in faith, and become active contributors to the wider community.
1. Supporting Students and Young Adults
We offer the Luther Hub as a ‘home base’ for gatherings which nurture well-being, foster community, and provide spiritual and social connection. We take special care to reach out to and include international students who are far from home and stand to benefit from supportive networks which they may not already have in this country. Recognising that students and young adults bring valuable gifts and diverse perspectives, we further aim to amplify their voices and encourage active participation in community life and care for creation.
 
Offerings include:
  • Eat & Encounter: A community-building initiative centred on cooking, sharing meals, and conversation.
  • Mental health and well-being support.
  • Themed discussions hosted in safe spaces.
  • Opportunities to engage with justice, environmental, and local community projects.
  • Quiet spaces for worship, reflection, and prayer.
  • Trips, retreats and events connecting students across the UK.
  • Opportunities to explore Lutheran identity in partnership with the CLC and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
 
2. Strengthening Chaplaincy Work Across CLC Member Churches
Our chaplaincy seeks opportunities to connect with the ministres in which our CLC member churches are already engaged, strengthening our mutual efforts to serve students and young adults.
Potential areas for partnership:
  • Hosting collaborative events.
  • Providing opportunities for students from churches currently without a chaplaincy programme.
  • Mentoring new chaplains and supporting peer networking.
  • Offering training workshops on student mental health and chaplaincy best practices.
 
3. Enhancing Visibility in Ecumenical and Higher Education Circles
Through strong links with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the CLC Student Chaplaincy enables participants to join 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) in their young adult initiatives
  • 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 connections enable collaborative events such as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, World Day of Prayer, and the Climate Justice Vigil.
Looking ahead
We are excited about how our ministry of supporting young people is developing, and how it might grow in future through further liaisons with Lutheran, ecumenical and interfaith partners, as well as connections with chaplaincy sites throughout Britain. If you are interested in exploring possibilities for future collaboration, please contact rebecca.daniel@lutheran.org.uk.