I am Abouna Peter Farrington, a priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the Diocese of the Midlands in the UK. I believe that even more than ever, it is useful and even necessary for me to gain a greater understanding of the needs of the people in my care and those who come to me for help.

I recently gained a certificate in Understanding Autism, and in Providing Dementia Care and I have become a qualified Mental Health First Aider. These are all helping me to be a better servant and priest.

I have successfully passed the studies for the first year of a Masters degree in Theology and Disability at the University of Aberdeen. I believe that this two-year course will equip me even further to understand and teach about the love of God and his purposes for every person he has created, whatever their circumstances. Furthermore, I hope these studies will be helpful to the wider Coptic Orthodox Church as not many are considering Disability in this way.

I am now halfway through the second and final year of this course which includes two taught modules and a Dissertation. The outstanding cost of the course is £3300 for this year. I am asking that those who consider these studies to be useful and valuable will support me in this effort by making a contribution. If you are unable to contribute, then I ask you to pray for me in any case that I might honour God and become a better servant through this course of study.

God bless you all