St Francis College joins the University of Divinity

The University of Divinity is delighted to welcome St Francis College as its newest College and its first ever in Queensland. Students will be able to study at the University of Divinity directly through St Francis College from Semester 1, 2023.

St Francis College, founded in 1897, is the provider of theological education and formation for ordination for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. St Francis College’s aim is to advance theological education and faith formation within the context of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland through the provision of a range of educational programs that support the needs of its diverse student body. St Francis College is located on a renowned heritage site in Milton, just 3kms from Brisbane’s CBD, and is part of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s Ministry Education Commission.

The University of Divinity and St Francis College both have had a long history of working collaboratively and ecumenically in theological scholarship and research. The establishment of St Francis as a College of the University of Divinity represents a renewed commitment by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to preparing leaders and ministers to serve the church and wider community.

The admission of a new College to the University follows a process of rigorous assessment, during which the College must demonstrate its capacity to meet the academic, governance and financial obligations required to deliver education and research at university level.

The partnership between the University of Divinity and St Francis College will enable current and future students to undertake theological study on the Milton campus, where they will have access to the resources of the Roscoe Library, one of the best theological libraries in Queensland, with a substantial collection of theological books, journals, and electronic resources. There will be new opportunities for collaborative events and symposia between St Francis College and other colleges of the University.

The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall AC, Archbishop of Brisbane, said:

At their best, Anglicans prize freedom of intellectual inquiry as we correlate the revelation of the scriptures with advancing knowledge and new discoveries in a rapidly changing world. The University of Divinity provides fertile space for St Francis’ College to pursue this vocation together with other Anglican colleges in a rich, broad ecumenical context. It is an exciting development.”

Professor Peter Sherlock, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:

The University of Divinity is Australia’s premier provider of theological education and research. We look forward to the significant contribution St Francis College will make to our shared mission of forming graduates for Christian ministry and service. It’s a particular joy to welcome a third Anglican College to the University, with emerging opportunities for national collaboration in Anglican theology and ministry.”

The Reverend Dr Ruth Mathieson, St Francis College Principal, said:

The St Francis College community is energised by becoming a member College of the University of Divinity. We welcome the opportunity this new development offers to strengthen the College’s contribution to the ongoing work of theology and theological education at many levels. Through a refreshed curriculum attuned to our local context and needs St Francis will continue to offer quality theological education, especially for those preparing for Christian ministry and for the churches and communities they serve.”

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