CCJ National Campus Leadership Programme Launched in Manchester

In collaboration with St Peter’s House, Manchester, the Council of Christians and Jews is delighted to announce the hire of two new managers for its flagship Campus Leadership Programme, now based in the heart of Manchester’s higher education institutions. 
 
The Campus Leadership Programme has been the UK’s leading university-based national programme promoting dialogue between Christians and Jews and students of all faiths. Since its launch in 2016, more than 70 students have been trained to stand up to antisemitism and Islamophobia; conduct balanced and respectful debate over the Israel-Palestine conflict, and more. 
 
Moving to a Manchester base, the Campus Leadership managers will work closely with the University of Manchester Students' Union, and others, to help foster dialogue and respect in centres of student life. It is hoped that this way of working will be developed across other universities in the nearby cities, and beyond. The programme will also collaborate with Manchester’s wider faith communities and faith leaders. 
 
The new Campus Leadership Managers are Elizabeth Henwood, former Coordinator of Near Neighbours, Leicester; and Bethany Williams, who holds an MRes in biblical studies. The incoming Campus Leadership managers will be supported by the recently appointed Georgina Bye, Co-Director at CCJ, who has six years’ experience working with students on campus through University Jewish Chaplaincy and UJS (Union of Jewish Students).
 
CCJ Chair Bishop Michael Ipgrave said, ‘Universities must be places of support and welcome for Jewish students — as for Christians, and indeed for all students. The Campus Leadership programme has never been more needed, and we are excited for this next step.’   
 
Sophie Dunoff, Chief Executive of University Jewish Chaplaincy, said, ‘UJC are delighted to be welcoming newly appointed CCJ campus leaders to Manchester. Anything that fosters deeper understanding and coexistence on campus should be encouraged; we look forward to supporting CCJ with this re-launched initiative’.
Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Dr David Walker said, ‘Manchester is a leader in good interfaith relations nationally and internationally, and we are delighted to have this important programme take root here’. 
 
Manchester Students' Union Chief Executive Ben Ward said, ‘As a Union, we stand against antisemitism and all forms of racism, and the programme will help create real student spaces in Manchester in which to act out this commitment’.
 
The Council of Christians and Jews was founded in 1942 and is the nation’s oldest interfaith charity. Its patron is HM The Queen. St Peter’s House is the Anglican, Methodist, URC, and Baptist chaplaincy to the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University Academy 92, and the Royal Northern College of Music. It oversees the multi-faith chaplaincy teams at the Manchester universities.