Student Minister - Welcome Message

2 Dec 2024

The congregation of Park Lane Unitarian Chapel cordially welcomes student Minister Robert Foreman to his 2nd placement serving both this chapel, Park Lane Unitarian Chapel, and Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel in Warrington.

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the congregation for the warm welcome you have already extended to me. Your kindness and support have been immediate and invaluable, making my journey into ministry here both uplifting and inspiring. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and caring community.

A little about me: I am 45 years old and currently a ministry student at the Luther King Centre in Fallowfield, affiliated with Durham University. I am pursuing a BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry, and Mission, which has been an incredible journey of exploration and growth. Alongside this, I have been studying at Unitarian College for my Ministry Formation, a program that has deepened my understanding of spiritual leadership and Unitarian values.

If all goes to plan, I hope to graduate in the summer of next year. Following a successful final viva, I will have the privilege of signing the General Assembly Roll of Ministers in 2026. This milestone will mark the culmination of years of preparation, study, and heartfelt dedication to this calling.

You could argue that I am something of a “gold star” Unitarian, as my connection to Unitarianism spans over two centuries and multiple generations of my family. My journey traces back to my fifth great-grandfather, Smith Whitehead, whom I discovered in the original treasurer’s book of 1806. There, I saw his name listed as a donor, giving £5 per month towards the erection of the first Nazareth Chapel in Padiham, East Lancashire—my ‘sending’ chapel. That chapel opened its doors in 1822, and my fourth great-grandfather continued the family tradition of donating resources and skills. As a master carpenter, he played a vital role in constructing the new Nazareth Unitarian Chapel, which opened in 1874.

Through the Whitehead family, I am also connected to John Bibby, who served as GA President from 1939 to 1940, and is buried alongside his wife—my cousin—in the Ditchling Unitarian Chapel. Another distinguished relative, Dr. Rev. Jeremy Goring, served faithfully as Minister at Lewisham Unitarian Church for many years.

This deep and abiding heritage has shaped my spiritual identity and my commitment to the Unitarian movement. It is both humbling and inspiring to walk in the footsteps of my ancestors while also charting my own path in ministry.

In my ministry, I feel passionately called to pastoral care. Supporting the spiritual journeys of individuals within our congregation is at the heart of what I do. I also strongly believe that a minister should be a person of action—deeds, not creeds. This means looking beyond the walls of our chapel to determine how I can be a visible and active presence in the wider community.

My hope is that our loving and vibrant congregation can extend its support, love, and welcome to those who may benefit from it. Together, we can create spaces of inclusion and care that reflect our shared values of love, justice, and hope.

As I continue this journey of learning and service, I am excited to work together with you all—exploring our shared faith, celebrating our diversity, and building a community that embodies these ideals. I look forward to getting to know each of you better and discovering the many ways we can learn from and support one another.

Thank you once again for your warm embrace and for allowing me to be part of this special congregation.

In faith and fellowship,

Robert Dennis Foreman

Student Minister