|PIC1|The University of Staffordshire, the Diocese of Lichfield and its cathedral have signed a ground-breaking agreement to establish the Lichfield Centre for Christian Studies, a ground-breaking partnership which will offer an MA course in 'Theology, Context and the Pastoral Imagination'.

The agreement was signed at a lunchtime reception at the University's Lichfield campus on Wednesday by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, Professor Christine King; the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev Adrian Dorber; and the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill.

The MA course in 'Theology, Context and the Pastoral Imagination' will examine the way the Bible and Christian doctrine is used in everyday contexts and offer insight into questions of mission, appropriate models of leadership and ministry, and will link with the University's interest in the study of spirituality and health care.

The course will provide a supportive return to study for those who have been away from education for a while, and it will be shaped to accommodate some of the pressures and demands of parochial ministry.

Rev Dorber, said: "I am delighted that the Cathedral has been able to bring all the partners together, and that it has pledged its support and teaching contribution to this new venture along with diocesan and university colleagues.

"This will be an immensely creative network that wants to work at helping grass roots parish ministry to flourish."

Alongside the MA, the Lichfield Centre for Christian Studies will be responsible for delivering academic and Continuing Professional Development programmes, and to develop joint research interests between the cathedral, diocese and university. It will hold public lectures and short courses tackling some of the big questions of the day.

Recruitment for the MA will start early in 2008 and a taster day will be held between 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Lichfield campus of the University of Staffordshire on Monday 19 November.