Pagan becomes Leeds
University chaplain
A MAJOR step has been taken along the road of religious tolerance with the establishment of a pagan chaplain at Leeds University. The post has been filled by Susan Leybourne 29, a local
clairvoyant living in Belle Isle, who studied for a ministerial diploma in the US. "After obtaining this a friend suggested I approach Leeds University with a view To becoming a chaplain. "miss
Leybourne told PN last week. I help to run 'an, occult society there and It, was thought I could offer a hand to. the many pagans in the university lacking someone to talk to." Encouragingly, an Anglican priest at the university expressed his interest in the idea. It was passed by the committee he chairs. Occultists have greeted the move with enthusiasm. "The general reaction was very positive," explained Miss Leybourne. "My work as chaplain lies mainly with being an adviser, but if people approach me seeking an opportunity to worship I can cater for this on a private basis. "I am also in contact with many Spiritualist churches in the area, so I can tell anybody interested in this field  who have perhaps lost a loved one-- where to go." Miss leybourne now forms one of 12 chaplains at the university, working alongside a rabbi and representatives from various Sections of Christianity. "There has been some unrest, with certain people not
very keen on the idea of a pagan chaplain," said Susan, "But there has been no real trouble.
"Hopefully I will be able to dispel many of the misconceptions which surround paganism. I believe this move represents an excellent step forward."
 

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