JourneyOnline
The affiliation between Trinity Theological College and the Australian Catholic University was formalised in an official ceremony in February.
Moderator of the Queensland Synod Rev Bruce Johnson said he felt a mixture of emotions on the day.
“The excitement I feel today is tinged with a sadness for the closure of the Brisbane College of Theology,” he said.
Mr Johnson remembered the excitement among Trinity students when they first joined with the Brisbane College of Theology and said he felt that same excitement about joining with the ACU.
“The hope I have for today is in broadening the scope of ecumenism in theological education.
“I am excited to sign this agreement and for the future that God has in store for us.”
The agreement is for a three year period, after which it will be reviewed and renewed.
The alliance means a wider variety of subject choices for all students while maintaining core subjects for ministry qualifications in both the Uniting and Catholic churches.
It also supports collaborations in research and recognises Trinity Theological College staff as designated affiliate members of the University’s School of Theology.
There will be a continuation of a shared library and teaching facilities.
Trinity Theological College Principal Rev Dr David Rankin acknowledged the work and cooperation between the two colleges that has meant the agreement was finalised in time for the start of the academic year. He also praised the official union of the two traditions.
“This is an ecumenical agreement where there is deep respect – there is a lot more in common than there are differences – and where there are differences those are respected,” he said.
ACU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Gabrielle McMullen said she was impressed with the ecumenical work that had already happened between the two churches.
“My colleagues and I have noted and appreciated the warmth with which the Uniting Church and its Synod have approached this collaboration with Australian Catholic University and we very much look forward to working together and building on the long-standing ecumenical collaboration in theological education that exists here in Brisbane,” she said.
“The new agreement represents an historic moment ecumenically and the University is very pleased to enter this partnership, which will enable such collaboration in theological education to continue and open up further opportunities for theological research.
“Through this Affiliation Agreement, the University and the College are seeking jointly to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, collaborate in the supervision of research students, and foster research.”
ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven expressed his excitement particularly for the potential of cooperation in research.
He also said he hoped this partnership would be an intellectual expression of the long-standing commitment the Catholic Church and the Uniting Church have both had to ecumenism.Photo : General Secretary Rev Douglas Jones, Moderator Rev Bruce Johnson and Australian Catholic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven sign the affiliation between Trinity College and ACU. Photo by Mardi Lumsden
