Set in the welcoming and contemplative surroundings of George Bell House, this day offers space to think deeply, listen attentively, and speak honestly about God, Jesus, and what faith means for real life today.
Designed for anyone who is curious, thoughtful, or simply wanting to explore the foundations of Christian belief more deeply, the day combines accessible teaching with open conversation. No prior knowledge is needed, and there is no expectation to arrive with ready-made answers.
The sessions will be interactive, with input followed by questions and discussions. Participants need only bring themselves. We will work through relevant biblical passages, and some reading material will be provided.
Sessions
The study day runs all day on each of the following dates and includes both sessions listed below. Full timings and breaks will be shared in advance.
Date | Sessions |
| Tuesday 30 June | In this session we will look at how 'God' has been viewed by some Christian thinkers and grapple with issues like: what do they mean by 'God', how do we speak about God at all, and does the notion of God help us live dignified, beautiful, and worthwhile lives? |
| Tuesday 14 July | What difference does Jesus make? At Easter we sing, 'What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our redeemer?' Looking at the New Testament witness to Christ and based on his name and titles – 'Jesus, Christ, Lord' – we will ask key questions about who he is and what difference he makes for living and dying. |
Each session follows a simple structure: work from 10:00am - 12:30pm with a short mid-morning break, pause for lunch at 12:30pm, then continue with a focused afternoon session from 1:30 - 4:00pm, again split by a short break to reset.
About Canon Earl
Reverend Dr Earl Collins leads on theological education and Christian formation as Canon Chancellor. A former Benedictine monk, His ministry has taken him across the globe, with teaching roles in Rome, Ireland, the United States, India, Nigeria, and Jerusalem, as well as for the New York Centre for Jungian Studies. He has also served as Chaplain and Acting Vice‑Principal at Westcott House, Cambridge, and has served in the Diocese of Chichester since 2019, before being installed as Residentiary Canon and Chancellor in 2025.
Booking
- Cost: £5.00 per person
- Booking: Prior booking is essential, as places are limited.
About the venue
George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane is a beautifully restored former archdeaconry set within the Cathedral Close, just a short walk from Chichester Cathedral. It is a centre for vocation, education, and reconciliation, it offers a peaceful and well‑appointed setting for learning and discussion.
Address: George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane, Chichester, PO19 1PX
https://what3words.com/manage.serve.from
Finding George Bell House:
- On foot: Less than a ten‑minute walk from Chichester railway station, with bus stops located at the end of Canon Lane.
- By car: Parking is available via city-centre carparks. There is no carparking available at the venue. Attendees are welcome to be dropped off outside the venue (PO19 1PX).
- Step‑free access: The building has level access at the front entrance, with no steps, and a movable ramp available if required. There is a raised pavement outside of the House, which can be accessed via a dropped curb. This session will be situated on the Ground Floor.
Image header: Gauguin, Vision After the Sermon, 1888 (Public domain).