Trinity College Advances Toward Lead Role in Future Church of Scotland Ministry Training

Trinity College Advances Toward Lead Role in Future Church of Scotland Ministry Training

(IN BRIEF) Trinity College at the University of Glasgow has been identified as the preferred lead academic partner for the Church of Scotland’s future ministerial training following a nationwide review. The recommendation, made by a General Assembly-appointed panel, will now move into a negotiation phase before being considered by the 2026 General Assembly. The proposal builds on Trinity College’s historic role within the University of Glasgow and the Church, while confirming the continued contribution of other theological centres across Scotland.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 7-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Trinity College at the University of Glasgow has emerged as the preferred institution to become the Church of Scotland’s lead academic partner for the education and formation of future ministers, following a denomination-wide review of ministerial training.

The recommendation was made by a panel appointed by the Church’s General Assembly, tasked with evaluating how ministerial education should be structured in the years ahead. After assessing proposals from all participating academic centres, the panel identified Trinity College as best placed to take on the lead role in training Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Deacons.

Before the appointment is confirmed, the proposal will move into a negotiation phase to define responsibilities and governance arrangements. The outcome of these discussions will then be submitted to the 2026 General Assembly, which will take the final decision.

For Trinity College, the recommendation represents a defining moment in a relationship with the Church of Scotland that spans generations. The college has long supported ministerial candidates within the University of Glasgow, providing theological education and formation alongside academic study.

Rev Dr Doug Gay, Principal of Trinity College and Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow, said the recommendation reflects both continuity and renewal. He noted that Glasgow’s contribution to ministerial education dates back to the Reformation and described the panel’s decision as an affirmation of Trinity College’s strengths in practical theology, formation, and its vision for the future of ministry.

The University of Glasgow has been involved in training Church of Scotland ministers since 1560, with an estimated 40 percent of ministers ordained over the past 50 years having studied there. Founded in the 19th century, Trinity College has served as the Church’s college within the University, accompanying candidates throughout their academic and vocational journey.

Alongside Trinity College, the Church of Scotland’s academic network includes New College at the University of Edinburgh, Christ College at the University of Aberdeen, and Highland Theological College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Rev Dr Sandy Forsyth, Director of Studies for Ministry at the Church of Scotland, said that all four centres submitted strong proposals. He explained that Trinity College scored highest against the agreed criteria and presented a particularly compelling vision for ministerial training that responds to the Church’s missional priorities and the practical realities of ministry in a changing social landscape.

The Church’s People and Training team will now work with Trinity College to develop a Memorandum of Understanding setting out mutual commitments. Subject to internal approvals, the recommendation and accompanying proposals will be brought before the 2026 General Assembly for a final decision.

Regardless of the outcome, the other academic centres will continue to play a key role in the Church’s training framework, supporting Ordained Local Ministers, Readers, apprenticeship pathways, and continuing professional development in worship and missional studies.

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SOURCE: University of Glasgow