Meet the team

Rev. Kate Harford

• kate.harford@brookes.ac.uk
• +44 (0) 1865 484690

Kate is a Christian priest who leads the Multifaith Chaplaincy. She coordinates chaplaincy events and makes sure that all staff and students can access the Multifaith Chaplaincy for support. Along with her colleagues, Kate offers spiritual and pastoral care to any member of the university of any or no faith - get in touch if she can help.

Kate was ordained in November 2015 by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). She has a particular interest in interfaith dialogue, queer and intersectional feminist theology, and theologies of disability and mental health. She is studying for an MA at the Queen’s Foundation and in her leftover time she enjoys knitting, crochet, and playing the flute. She is married to Emily and they live locally with a cat called Mrs. Evadne Cake. 

You do not have to have any sort of faith or belief to use the services of the Multifaith Chaplaincy, please feel free to visit.

Rev. Heather Leppard

• hleppard@brookes.ac.uk

Heather is here to offer pastoral and spiritual support to students and staff of all faiths and none. She is ordained in the Church of England, and worked in parishes in Salisbury and Basingstoke before joining the team here at Oxford Brookes.

As a student, Heather valued the multifaith chaplaincy at Bristol, both the friendships formed and the richness of interfaith dialogue. Heather loves hearing people’s stories, especially over a cup of tea, and can offer a friendly listening ear when life gets tough. She also likes being active - running, walking and swimming, as well as building Lego and doing puzzles with her children. 

Heather is usually available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Fr. Prem Fernando

• prem.fernando@brookes.ac.uk
• +44 (0) 1865 750463

Reverend Dr. P. Prem Jayalath Fernando obtained his PhD in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Systems from the Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge in 2004. Besides his priestly training starting as young as the age of 12 and then obtaining the Bachelors in Philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, he also went on to specialise in Mathematics and Computing. He obtained his BSc in Mathematics and Computing from University College London, and his MSc in Industrial Mathematics in Sri Lanka. He also completed his Diploma in Education in Sri Lanka.

He comes to Oxford Brookes University with over 20 years of university experience across countries and cultures, including 7 years of experience as a chaplain in the UK. His research interests include areas such as:

• machine learning - learning techniques that mimic human brain
• shape recognition in manifold high dimensional mappings
• discussion of faith and reason, science and religion in a secular setting
• religion in the public sphere as a moral compass, and many more. 

Beside his academic career and research interests, he also has broader interests such as in music, art, theatre and sports. He is especially ready for a challenge in table tennis!

You do not have to profess his faith or share his interests to say hi! Be in contact when you feel like it, or need to have a chat or just be curious! He is ready to welcome you.

Fr. Prem is available for confessions. More information is available on the Catholic Chaplaincy page.

Jonnie Green

• jonathangreen@brookes.ac.uk

Jonnie is here to offer Christian care for all international students - whether they are Christians or not. He works with several local churches and Brookes Christian Union to provide international student-friendly events, such as the International English Club (IEC) and the hospitality scheme.

Jonnie works at several university centres so he is not full time at Oxford Brookes. You can find him most easily at the International English Club on Monday nights. Alternatively, you can email. If he can help in any way, listen to your questions, or discuss matter of faith, culture or anything else, just let him know.

Rabbi Michael and Tracey Rosenfeld-Schueler

• rosenfeld@brookes.ac.uk
• 07717 742 835 (Michael)

Our local Jewish chaplaincy couple are committed to empowering students to grow and explore their Jewish identity. They provide opportunities for students to engage in new Jewish experiences and welcome them to their home in the familiar Jewish home-away-from-home environment.

Michael, originally from the United States, graduated from University of Wisconsin (History, Hebrew and Jewish Studies) and received smicha from Yeshivat Hamitvar. He studied and lived in Israel for 8 years.

Michael participates in local and national interfaith groups. He enjoys educating Jews and non-Jews about Jewish practice, observances, thought and philosophy. He was most recently the Rabbi for Kingston, Surbiton and District Synagogue where he served for nearly 5 years. He loves biking around Oxford, photography, rock climbing and ultimate frisbee.

Tracey graduated from Monash University, Melbourne with a double Bachelor degree in Arts (Drama and Theatre Studies / Business Marketing). Having spent the last 10 years working in the Arts, her most recent post has been as the Marketing Campaigns Manager at the Barbican Centre where she worked for 5 years looking after the programme for Theatre and Dance. She is passionate about student theatre, and practices mindfulness and yoga.

Tracey has been extensively involved in Jewish youth education, and recently completed the Susie Bradfield Leadership and Education Programme at the London School of Jewish Studies.

Vacant

• chaplain@brookes.ac.uk
• +44 (0) 1865 484690

Our previous chaplain, Rev. Miriam Moul has been appointed Superintendent of Oxford left Brookes on 30th June 2023; we wish her well in her new role. We will seek to appoint a new chaplain this academic year. In the mean time, you are welcome to contact Rev. Kate Harford, University Chaplain.

Sheikh Ramzy

• hramezanzadeh@brookes.ac.uk

Hojjat Ramezanzadeh, known as Sheikh Ramzy, was born in the Middle East but has lived in Oxford for over 30 years. He achieved an undergraduate degree from Oxford Brookes University, and went on to complete further Islamic studies at Markfield Institute in Leicester. Sheikh Ramzy is an Islamic scholar, versed in Islamic law and jurisprudence. 

For a number of years, Sheikh Ramzy has been working with the Muslim Council of Britain and with local, national and international religious leaders of all faiths. He established the Oxford Islamic Information Centre for the purpose of providing accurate and accessible information about Islam with a view to promoting understanding, peace and brotherhood within the local and national community.

Sheikh Ramzy is available to any student or staff member who would like to discuss Islam - whether you share his faith or not - and he leads Friday Prayers on campus at least once a month.