ii.Forms of presence

What might ‘presence’ mean at a practical level? There are at least four relevant dimensions to the notion of presence:

• Geographical (physical) presence
• Organisational (structural) presence
• Symbolic presence (signs, posters, websites – virtual presence)
• Accessibility of presence (the when and how of its availability)

In thinking more deeply about presence, consider the following thought experiment. There are two extreme forms of presence which constitute two end-member types on a spectrum of options. Thus on the one hand:

1. One could permanently set oneself up in the Chapel. Such a concentrated presence would allow a near continual round of opportunities for worship and events, a predictable location where others could find one and a fairly unambiguous demonstration of one’s distinctive identity. It would, however, leave chaplaincy unseen and apparently irrelevant to the broader functions and geographical diversity of the university. On the other hand:
2. One could attempt to maintain a presence (albeit fleetingly) in every space, and make (albeit the briefest of) contributions to every function the University possesses. Now every member of the University would encounter you, and could perhaps pick you out from an identity parade, but would be completely mystified as to your purpose.

Clearly some solution is required between: (a) concentrated local identity, clear but largely irrelevant; and (b) universal presence, but dispersed and essentially meaningless. But every solution will admit of some degree of compromise.

The extent to which dispersal can be maintained without loss of meaning depends very greatly on the degree to which ‘symbolic presence’ (see above) can be made to work in one’s favour. For the meaning of one’s presence is also determined by:

• The framework of self-understanding of the institution, facilitated by the Governing Body and the Senior Management Team, within which chaplaincy takes its place – the overarching cultural framework of interpretation that helps render our contribution meaningful and of value.
• The potency and clarity of signs and symbols around the institution that alert one to the Christian metanarrative in which the story of the university takes its place.
• Those who, in our absence, are prepared to speak on our behalf and point in our direction.
• Finally, and especially, the gracious and disturbing work of the Holy Spirit is something to which one might give attention in prayer.