Farmington Insitute

During World War II, a young man named Robert “Bobby” Wills served with the Grenadier Guards. Amidst the chaos of battle, an idea ignited within him. He pledged that if he survived, he would dedicate himself to making the world a better place. Severely wounded but alive, Wills fulfilled his promise. He established the Farmington Institute, right here at Harris Manchester College, part of the University of Oxford. The Farmington Institute’s primary aim is to bolster Christian education in schools, colleges, and universities. Initially, the Institute focused on setting up regional religious education resource centers. It also organized conferences for teachers. Wills then introduced the Farmington Fellowships. These scholarships give religious education teachers a term away from their classrooms. This allows them to delve into research at a university, with the Institute covering all expenses, including a substitute teacher. The Farmington Fellows share their research findings at an annual summer conference held here in Oxford. Thanks to Millennium Grants received in 1997 and 2000, the Institute expanded its fellowship program. It now supports primary and secondary school RE teachers, those working with special needs children, and even headteachers. The Institute’s reach extends to the British Armed Forces, offering fellowships for research into moral and ethical leadership. The Farmington Papers, available free to members, provide valuable insights for RE teachers and anyone interested in theological and religious subjects. The Institute also hosts conferences and seminars. The Farmington Institute embraces an ecumenical Christian perspective. It actively seeks to foster positive relationships with other world religions.