Promising Start for New Venture in Ecumenical Theological Education

From the middle of this year, as part of a three-year trial, introductory subjects towards a Bachelor of Theology degree will be taught in Geelong at the Wesley Centre by teaching staff of the United Faculty of Theology. This is an ecumenical theological teaching endeavour formed from an association of the Jesuit Theological College, the Theological School of Trinity College and the Theological Hall of the Uniting Church of Australia (Synod of Victoria).

The local arrangements are under the guidance of a committee made up of members of a number of churches in Geelong.

The Wesley Centre, in Yarra Street, is providing practical and administrative support for the program.

The first subject to be offered will be ‘Groundwork in Theology’. It will be taught by Rev. Bruce L. Barber, BA, BD(Hons), STM, FMCD.

It is anticipated that this will be taught in the form of a twilight program on Wednesday evenings commencing at 5.30 p.m., with tea being provided. Already there have been a significant number of enquiries and expressions of interest, indicating a real need for such a program to be offered outside the environs of Melbourne.

If interested, you may contact the Wesley Centre office, phone 5229 0719, fax 5223 3094, or e-mail: wesley@ne.com.au.

In a letter to the parish priests and Catholic school principals of Geelong, Monsignor Murray stated:

‘It gives me great joy to recommend to you an opportunity to study theology in Geelong, which is a combined venture of the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran and Uniting Churches.

‘Theology has been defined as "Faith seeking understanding", hence it is valuable to study theology for one’s growth in personal faith as well as having the possibility of obtaining a Bachelor of Theology.

‘I strongly recommend this venture to you and I hope and pray that a number of Catholics will avail themselves of this great opportunity to study theology.’

Rev. Paul Stephens, Director of the Wesley Centre and Convenor of the Continuing Education for Ministry Committee, for the local region of the Uniting Church has stated: