Morling College and Perth’s Vose Seminary have announced they are merging stating, “we believe we are stronger together, and we can achieve more as one”. The move, which will create one of the largest theological colleges in the Southern Hemisphere, will enable students and staff to access greater resources, better facilities, and more expertise. Both colleges have a rich history, with Vose starting under the oversight of Baptist Churches Western Australia more than 50 years ago, and Morling commencing over 100 years ago.
Chair of Baptist Churches Western Australia and its ministry Vose Seminary, Pastor Karen Siggins said the merger was a milestone in the life of the Seminary. “The world is changing, and we must change with it, and our students will now have access to more subjects and many more options towards their desired outcomes.” She said the most exciting result will be the Kingdom impact. “Our graduates already serve across many denominations and locations, and this will enable us to more effectively influence the mission field and the marketplace.”
Chair of the Morling College Board, Kel Willis explained that going forward as one entity is a continuation of the combined vision of both colleges. “Our call is both national and global, and this historical agreement will enable us to better impact the world with the Gospel of Christ.” He said progress was a part of their history. “In 1957 the NSW Baptist Assembly resolved that our college functions and training program would be enlarged to train women, lay workers and missionaries, and in that era that was a significant step…We will look back on this step in the future with the same sense that it was a natural progression that honoured God and was led by him.”
There will only be one College and one name, that being Morling College. The Perth Campus will be known as Vose Campus, Morling College. The transition to one College takes place from January 1st, 2021. Please be in prayer for the next few months as there is much formal and legal work to be done. Please also be in prayer for the Vose community, as understandably they face the greater change.
