Reviving this partnership…

The team visiting Bishop Gwynne College

After an inspiring team prayer session in the cathedral we enjoyed the middle of the day at the Episcopal University (Bishop Gwynne College).  We had a very blessed extended conversation with Dr Eeva John from the UK who is the vice chancellor of the university, and also used to be at Trinity College Bristol.

So it was quite a Trinity reunion with four of us in the same room (Helen, Jael, Richard and Eeva) graduating/working from that college. Eeva made the public request to Helen to renew the link between the two colleges.

The visit also gave some excellent chance for theological reflection with the acting Dean and Chaplain on a wide range of subjects ranging from spiritual warfare and the benefits of fusing Anglican foundations and liturgy with free and Spirit-filled worship, to protecting the values of college when faculty have been trained in a wide range of denominational colleges (and students up to now have had to finish off their degrees in other denominational institutions), and there are new ideas on doctrine from within and without the country to contend with on a regular basis. 

The tour of the college included the chance to compare facilities with those of Trinity college and see the unsung heroes of the college working away in the kitchen. Not all the students have mattresses and those who do share four to a room. They have to raise fees each semester of $400 subsidised from a real cost to the college of $1000. But this can be very difficult to find and in particular there is prejudice in some areas against sending women to study as they are worried that they will get married and the training will be wasted. Many students are put off studying theology because of the uncertainty about jobs after graduating. However, in the law school, which is also part of the Episcopal university, half of the students are women. 

One interesting point to note was the problem of very short term funding. Support from an external partner would be incredibly helpful but a medium long-term commitment will be needed to help it get to self sustainability. In the meantime they are looking for funding for laptops for students as they move to digitalise in the coming years. 

It was a moving visit in the hot sunshine and we look forward to returning later in the week.