Wollaston Theological College joins the University of Divinity

The University of Divinity is delighted to welcome Wollaston Theological College as its newest College and first College in Western Australia.

Located in Mount Claremont, Western Australia, Wollaston is the Theological College of the Anglican Diocese of Perth, responsible for theological education, formation and training of lay and ordained people.

The relationship between Wollaston Theological College and the University reflects a significant investment by the Diocese of Perth, offering new opportunities to churches and communities in Western Australia.

The establishment of a University of Divinity College in Perth creates the opportunity for current and future students and scholars based in Western Australia from a wide range of churches to attend events and seminars, and undertake study on campus.

Since 2020, Wollaston has been an education partner with Trinity College Theological School, enrolling students in the University of Divinity through Trinity and creating the basis for this next step in partnership. Students will be able to study at the University of Divinity directly through Wollaston Theological College from Semester 1, 2023.

The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, said:

“The Diocese of Perth is delighted to be part of this new partnership.  We look forward to strengthening the theological education of lay and ordained Anglicans in order to teach, prepare and equip Anglicans to be God’s church for God’s world with grace and generosity.

This is an important investment by the Diocese of Perth in the wonderful future of the Anglican Church and reflects great confidence in the work of Wollaston College here in Western Australia.”

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

“The University celebrates its new partnership with Wollaston and the Anglican Diocese of Perth and the rich and diverse contributions staff and students will make in the years ahead to theological education and research. I welcome the opportunity to work together to meet the many spiritual needs in the churches and wider society, especially in Western Australia.”

In winter 2022, Wollaston appointed the Reverend Dr Raewynne Whiteley as Warden and Reverend Dr Christy Capper (UD alumna, PhD 2020) as Deputy Warden of the College. Archbishop Goldsworthy commissioned Dr Whiteley and Dr Capper at a service held at Wollaston Chapel on Sunday 21 August 2022 in the presence of staff, students, Board members and friends of the College. Professor Sherlock presented a public lecture at Wollaston entitled, ‘Learn to Live: The Future of Theology in Australia’ on Wednesday 24 August.

In celebration of the historic partnership, Reverend Dr Raewynne Whiteley said:

“We at Wollaston are looking forward to the new opportunities that our partnership with the University of Divinity will bring as we seek to continue to develop theological education rooted in our particular contexts in Western Australia, integrating academic rigour and ministerial practice to equip people, both lay and ordained, to use their God-given gifts to serve God in church and society.”

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 Higher Education as a member of the University. Wollaston has a proven track record with many staff having worked in the former theological faculty at Murdoch University.

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