Chaplains
The Revd Penelope Swithinbank has served as chaplain to St Mellitus since June 2008. She attends both London Centres, at Shadwell and Kensington, as well as residentials. Like Sue Cruse, she helps to lead services at residentials. Penelope is a widely recognized international conference speaker, both for Alpha International and for women's conferences and retreats. She is author of Women By Design and has been involved in ministry for over 25 years, as pastor's wife, volunteer, and now as an ordained Anglican clergy. As a young mother she started her own business, "Bumpsadaisy", which she developed into a successful national franchise across the UK, hiring out designer maternity wear. Later, she ran a flourishing Bed & Breakfast business to help pay the bills! She has three children, all of whom are married, and she and her husband Kim recently moved from the USA to north London. Penelope divides her time between her own "Ministries by Design" (speaking on conferences, writing, leading pilgrimages) and helping her husband with the church at St James’ Muswell Hill where he is now the Vicar. She is also training to be a Spiritual Director in Ignatian Exercises.
Penelope has led retreats for several churches and led pilgrimages in Europe. Penelope has a Masters in Theology from St Andrews University, and degrees in both Education and Pastoral Theology from Cambridge University. She prefers to be with the family, travel, read, sunbathe, cook or walk.
The Revd Sue Cruse herself studied at NTMTC, graduating in 2004. She has served as Chaplain to St Mellitus College since October 2007. Sue attends most teaching evenings at the Chelmsford Study Centre, and also comes to residentials, leading some services. Having completed her title post at St Edmund and St Mary Ingatestone with St Mary the Virgin Fryerning in the Brentwood Deanery of the Diocese of Chelmsford, she is now Associate Minister there. Sue is married to Ian. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. As a former student she understands at first hand the advantages & stresses of trying to combine study with home, work, church and family life.
The Bishop of London Richard Chartres
“At a time when fragmentation and partisanship can appear to threaten the credibility and effectiveness of our ministry, St Mellitus represents a bold step of faith and trust. We believe that as we pursue the harder path of unity in diversity, the College will prove to be an instrument of the Spirit in equipping the whole people of God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford John Gladwin
“The establishment of St Mellitus College is an exciting development for Chelmsford Diocese. It offers us new opportunities to develop theological and ministerial education to assist us in the mission of the Gospel in our time.”
The Dean Revd Dr Graham Tomlin
“St Mellitus College is a very exciting place to work. It brings together students from across the spectrum of the church to learn about and prepare for mission in the contemporary world, in a way that tries to be open to the Spirit of God and learning from each other. We have a fantastic group of students, a great staff team and it is a privilege to be part of it.”
Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, David Ford
"One of the most important experiments to have happened in British theology and church theological education for a long time. The way it is bringing together academy and church, including church at the grass roots - that collaboration is just full of potential for the future and I feel everyone should watch this space. What it can do is something that really no other theological institution in the country can achieve at the moment."