FAITH: Expressing Anglican identity

Reflecting on the history of the Trinity College Theological School, the Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Revd Dr Philip Freier, recognises the inevitability of change but the perpetuity of Anglican expression.

Over the past 50 years, there has been a decline in the proportion of Australians who report an affiliation with Christianity. Census data released in 2021 showed that the number of people identifying as Christian decreased by more than 1 million compared with 2016 data, though it is still Australia’s most common religion.

This sharp drop is disappointing, of course, but not a crisis. Those who have stopped identifying as Christian are mostly people who had only a cultural connection with the church, which they have now lost.

The Most Revd Dr Philip Freier

For those who want to explore, deepen or reinvigorate their faith within a supported academic setting, whether they identify as Christian or not, I’m thankful they can turn to institutions like the Trinity College Theological School, where diversity is celebrated, and engaged and research-active teachers ensure theological concepts are examined with academic rigour.

The variety of perspectives these students and teachers bring reflects the breadth and diversity of our church, and, to me, a commitment to social justice, critical thinking, access and equality. (It is notable that Trinity’s students are split almost 50/50 between women and men, and many women have gone on to be ordained.) This is a true expression of the Anglican faith and should be found in any college or school that identifies as Anglican.

Looking back, I know that the Rt Revd Charles Perry – founder of Trinity College and the first Anglican Bishop of Melbourne – imagined that Trinity would be a Church of England institution that provided religious instruction to university students. It’s only natural that this model has evolved over time, and though the late Bishop might not recognise the College in its present form, I think he would be glad to see how Trinity has flourished.

Trinity College has grown, expanded and changed over the years, all in good ways and consistent with its Anglican values and identity. I think Bishop Perry would be pleased that the College has, for example, a Pathways School for international students, which provides a valuable route into the University of Melbourne for many students from overseas. I think Bishop Perry would also be pleased with the increase in numbers at the Residential College and that it has been co-educational since the 1970s.

And finally, I believe he would be very supportive of what the Theological School has become, as it continues to serve Anglicans and non-Anglicans, those preparing for ministry, and those who are working to become theologians in their own right across the Diocese of Melbourne, the larger ecclesiastical province of Victoria and beyond. Importantly, these people come from all walks of life and represent all of God’s people. Bishop Perry would surely be happy with that.