New Religious Movements: Gregynog Annual Gregynog Colloquium 2008/09

Sara Mullery & Chris Knight, our first year Religious Studies & Religious Education students reflect on their two day stay at Gregynog in Mid Wales for the Gregynog Annual Conference organised by the School.

Chris Knight
BA Religious Education

I doubt I was the only one who was slightly nervous about spending a night with a group of people I barely knew, in a place I had never heard of, but my fears soon disappeared. Gregynog is literally in the middle of nowhere, set in 700 acres of land, away from any distractions. ost of us first years, especially those of us who lived off campus, really appreciated the chance to bond and to make new friends. The coach ride and the bar in the cellar helped us all to get to know each other and some of the second and third years too.

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As well as socialising, we were there for some studying too. The conference focused on New Religious Movements, with several seminars related to this topic. The most interesting was the talk by the founders of the Church of Jediism (Yes - as in Star Wars), who were passionate about their religion whilst open to some tough questioning by students and staff. We also had to create our own new religion, with a prize for the best idea - unfortunately ‘Sportism’ (my religion) only managed runner-up. 

Gregynog was talked about and laughed about all year, and was the best chance to get to know people. The seminars were useful and relevant to our course. I can’t wait for next year!

Sarah Mullery
BA Religious Studies

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Being taken away for a two day conference was a great start to the year, as just two weeks into the course we all used this opportunity to bond and are still talking about it now. Alongside a collection of fantastic lectures, including one delivered by the church of Jedi, every student had a chance to participate in a competition to ‘invent your own religion’. This was of huge personal significance to me as my religion made it through to the finals requiring me to present it to the entire conference; a terrifying feat for any new student, but one which prepared me for the following year of success. This trip brought everyone together and gave us a taste of what to expect as a student of the University.