Sean the Baptist (in the UCA)

A New University of Divinity in Australia

The following notice appeared today in the Victorian Government Gazette:

Education and Training Reform Act 2006
APPROVAL FOR THE MELBOURNE COLLEGE OF DIVINITY TO OPERATE AS A SPECIALISED UNIVERSITY

1. Authority : This notice is issued pursuant to section 4.3.30(1) of the Education and Training Reform
Act 2006.

2. Definitions
Melbourne College of Divinity means the Melbourne College of Divinity continued as a body corporate under the Melbourne College of Divinity Act 1910.

3.    Approval of institution to operate as a University
Pursuant to section 4.3.30(1) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) approves the Melbourne College of Divinity to operate as a specialised university under the specialised title of ‘MCD University of Divinity’.

4.    Period of approval:The approval herein remains in force for 5 years commencing on 1 January 2012.

The common seal of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority was hereunto affixed on the 25th day of August 2011 as authorized by it pursuant to section 4.2.1(3) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

What this means is that, subject to the veto of the Victorian Parliament, what was formerly the Melbourne College of Divinity has been given permission to operate as a Specialist University within the Australian Higher Education System. Like RMIT University, the new name is made up of the familiar acronymn, but the lack of a specific mention of the word 'Melbourne' indicates that this development aims to secure the national and international profile of the new University. The history and background to this important decision is outlined well by Andrew McGowan here.

If you didn't know already, I teach for a College, within an ecumenical teaching institution within what will now be a University. This is a historic day for the MCD, and all associated with the application for Specialist University status are to be congratulated on securing this outcome.

Weekend Roundup (3): BICTE Conference Statement

Finally,

Geoff Pound at Theologians Without Borders has posted the final statement to emerge out of the 7th Baptist International Theological Educators Conference held in Prague this summer.  I re-post it here:

Report and Declaration of BICTE VII Held in Prague, Czech Republic, July 26 - 29, 2008

Gathered July 26-29 in Prague, Czech Republic, for the seventh Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE), Baptist educators, pastors, practitioners, theologians and emerging leaders from the worldwide Baptist family reflected on the theme "Probing the Theological Boundaries: The Baptist Story from Amsterdam to Tomorrow."

The program began with a session tracing Baptist theological footprints over the past 400 years. Subsequent sessions explored topics relating to ministerial formation and heard reports from member regions about the status of theological education around the globe. Participants were particularly challenged to consider how their institutions could address the contemporary ecological crisis; the exploitation of women and children; the changing forms of worship in the church; greater utilization of art, film, and other media in the classroom; and a radical spirituality that is open to fresh winds of the Spirit.

As a gathering of Baptist theological educators open to God’s self-disclosure, expectantly awaiting God's coming reign in both time and space, we commit ourselves to:

1. Enact convictions and practices evident in the historic walk of early Baptists: reading the Bible, living the life, nurturing the community, redeeming the powers, and telling the story.

2. Welcome from our many cultures and contexts new insights in the form of diverse enactments of our common Baptist way of life.

3. Pursue theological education that involves a life-long process of learning for both students and teachers to be carried out in joint partnership with local churches.

4. Uphold the sacredness of all life, actively demonstrating our faith by respecting and caring for God's creation.

5. Seek repentance for our failure to advocate for those who are abused, impoverished, and marginalized.

6. Prepare leaders who will equip local communities to live the Christian life, share the gospel, and engage in works of justice as expressions of Christian love.

7. Glorify the Triune God through holistic practices of worship, work, and witness in which our Lord Jesus Christ summons us through the power of the Holy Spirit to join in God's mission to all the world.

The Other Journal: Essays on Education

The latest issue of The Other Journal will be devoted to exploring 'the state of education and what theology may offer to the current crises of education'.  The first 2 articles are available online:

A Pedagogy of Submission: Reeducating Ourselves to Embody Our Belief in a Good God :: Christopher L. Heuertz.  Some reflections on education in the Indian context drawing on the resources of Paolo Freire.

From Church to "Rhizone": Reconfiguring Theological Education for the Postmodern Era :: Carl Raschke.  An important essay on the place and nature of theological education in the contemporary context.

There is also poetry and will be further articles posted in due course.