Manager and Education Officer at Byd Mary Jones graduates with an MA in Biblical Interpretation

Nerys Siddall, Manager and Education Officer at Byd Mary Jones near Bala has graduated from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David with an MA in Biblical Interpretation. 

Looking forward to the ceremony, Nerys said: 

“I am so pleased that I have succeeded in completing the degree. Although there were many times during the course where I didn’t think I would ever finish, I am extremely proud, and I’m looking forward to the graduation ceremony and having the opportunity to meet others who have completed the same course.”

During her MA Biblical Interpretation course, Nerys closely examined the conversation between the Woman of Samaria and Jesus in John’s Gospel, Chapter 4, verses 1- 42 and researched the development of the woman’s faith as her dissertation topic.   

Nerys said there was no specific reason for researching the Woman of Samaria as such, but she has always been interested in studying Biblical women. She added: 

“The Woman of Samaria is a very interesting character - she is a character on the margins of society both religiously and socially, but plays a key role in calling the other Samaritans to come and experience Jesus’ presence for themselves. Despite her status within society, she shows that she has an understanding of her identity and shows a curiosity for what Jesus has to say and wants to know more.

“In the past, the role of women in some aspects of society has been more marginal, with men appearing more prominent, leading the way. That was the culture of the Biblical era. But in the story of the woman of Samaria, the system is challenged and this woman who is to some extent an outcast from society, in the eyes of the Jews, occupies a central place and proves that she too has a place within the family of the faith. This is an inspiration to anyone today who feels that they are on the margins of society to find their voice and their own central place within society.”

Nerys completed her course whilst working full time as Manager of the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre in Bala. Completing the course was a challenge for Nerys, but it offered something different to focus on from her daily work. Despite this, she discovered a resemblance between the Woman of Samaria and Mary Jones. 

“In terms of similarities to Mary Jones, they are both examples of how an average person can make a difference. Mary Jones had a strong faith in Christ and we see in the gospel of John 4 the suggestion that the woman of Samaria had possibly started on her journey of faith, although this is not confirmed in the text. But it demonstrates a leading role for the women in both stories.”

One of the advantages of the course for Nerys was the fact that she could complete it from home with online sessions with the tutor, and it was also possible for her to submit her dissertation through the medium of Welsh.

During her time as a student at UWTSD, Nerys said she had received excellent support from her tutors.

“The support I received from Professor Catrin Haf Williams was fantastic. She really went the extra mile to support me. Her advice and encouragement were excellent. I was very fortunate to have her as a tutor because of her expertise in the Gospel of John and I benefited from her extensive knowledge of the subject.”

In addition to that: 

“Trying to find time to study between working and having two little ones at home can be challenging (my youngest daughter was born during my two years studying the course!). Therefore it was during the evenings that I was able to do the majority of the work. I certainly wouldn’t have been able to complete the course without the support of Carwyn, my husband, and of course Miriam and Marged.”

Professor Catrin Haf Williams said, 

“I am delighted that we are able to celebrate Nerys’ success today. The connection between us goes back to her time as an undergraduate student at Bangor, when I was a member of the academic staff at the College on the Hill. Nerys was very interested in the New Testament then, so it was a natural step – over a decade later – for her to write her MA dissertation on one of the most prominent female figures in the Gospel of John, the woman of Samaria.  This was an excellent way for Nerys to return to Biblical studies but also, at the same time, to address an area of great importance when discussing the place of women in Christianity today.”

Nerys is pleased that she persevered with her study, and wants to encourage others to follow in her footsteps: 

“I would encourage anyone to take the course. The support and expertise I received from the department was second to none. It was a different experience to my first degree at Bangor about 15 years ago as I attended lectures, seminars etc. But now with family life and working full time, it suited me better to do the course from home as everything could be done online.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476