Examine individual changes

'{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}} {{coord|54.585|-5.931|display=title|region:GB_scale:5000}} ''This page is about a college in Northern Ireland. For institutions with similar names, see [[Union Theological Seminary (disambiguation)|Union Theological Seminary]] and [[Union School of Theology]]'' {{Infobox university | name = Union Theological College | image = The Union Theological College, Belfast - geograph.org.uk - 395032.jpg | image_size = 250px | logo = [[Image:Union Theological College logo.png]] | motto = {{lang-la|“Veritatem eme et noli vendere”}} | mottoeng = ''“Buy the truth and sell it not”'' (taken from Proverbs 23:23) | established = {{start date and age|1853}} (Assembly's College) | head_label = Principal | head = Gordon Campbell | city = [[Belfast]] | country = [[Northern Ireland]] | affiliations = [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] | website = {{URL|http://www.union.ac.uk}} | address = 108 Botanic Avenue<br>Belfast<br>BT7 1JT }} '''Union Theological College''' is the [[theological]] college for the [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] and is situated in [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]]. It is governed by the Council for Training in Ministry, the convenor of which since 2016 has been Rev. Nigel McCullough,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Council for Training in Ministry|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Utility/About-Us/Structure-and-Leadership/Training-in-Ministry.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=General Assembly Annual Reports, 2016 (page 223) |url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/d38d54f0-2660-4330-ba03-a55059186b84/2016-PCI-Annual-Reports.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=General Assembly 2017 Reports: Council for Training in Ministry (page 273)|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/7110c0f3-983c-4222-bff4-7d816cc999cf/07-Training-in-Ministry.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> who “has had the opportunity to work alongside previous graduates”.<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Institute of Theology – Graduation Celebration Event, Jul 21, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGgmzTOsVbU|url-status=live|archive-url=}}</ref> The college currently offers three residential courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD level, and five [[Distance education|distance learning]] postgraduate courses in Theology through BibleMesh<ref>{{Cite web|title=Courses - Union Theological College|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses|access-date=2021-08-30|website=www.union.ac.uk}}</ref> rather than [[UCAS]] but accredited by the Presbyterian Theological Faculty Ireland (PTFI). The professors of the college constitute the PTFI which was granted a [[Royal Charter]] in 1881 to confer postgraduate [[academic degrees]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Union & PTFI|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/union-ptfi|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-31|website=Union Theological College, Belfast|language=en-GB}}</ref> Supplemental Charter was granted in 2020 to modernise the original charter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2020 |title=At the Court at Windsor Castle |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/95/at-the-court-at-windsor |url-status=live |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> Until 2021, the college had provided teaching and assessment for undergraduate and postgraduate awards offered through the Institute of Theology at [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University Belfast]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Institute of Theology - Graduation Celebration Event, Jul 27, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uswFwAmTPc|language=en|access-date=2021-08-29}}</ref> Whereas a wider range of modules was offered to students in the past, previously including a “Graduate Certificate in Youth Ministry programme”,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Union Theological College Belfast College Handbook 2018-19 (page 45)|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Student-hub/Handbook/Handbook2018-19V09.01.doc.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=September 2018|access-date=21 September 2021}}</ref> the range of available modules had latterly been restricted “for reasons of financial viability”.<ref name=":3" /> In October 2021, the college began advertising a new undergraduate degree on its website, validated by [[St Mary's University, Twickenham]],<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|accessdate=8 November 2021|title=BA (Hons) in Theology|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses/26/ba-hons-in-theology|url-status=live}}</ref> which is committed to the mission of the Catholic Church in higher education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Mary’s as a Catholic University {{!}} St Mary’s University |url=https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/about/catholic-mission/about.aspx |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=St Marys University |language=en-GB}}</ref> However, the [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] requires that each professor of the college must subscribe to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=THE CODE: The book of the Constitution and Government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Section IV – The Theological College, page 111|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/6edbf9ac-0439-42a6-8f02-cd998d1223e6/THE-CODE-JUNE-2021.docx.aspx?ext=.docx}}</ref> which states with regard to marriage that those “such as profess the true reformed religion should not marry with infidels, papists, or other idolaters ”.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Assembly|first=Westminster|url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Confession_of_Faith_of_the_Assembly_of_Divines_at_Westminster#Chapter_24|title=The Confession of Faith of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster}}</ref> It was therefore expected that the proposed relationship would be met by opposition,<ref>{{Cite news|last=McNeilly|first=Claire|date=27 February 2020|title=Presbyterian college considers Catholic university partnership|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/presbyterian-college-considers-catholic-university-partnership-38994252.html|access-date=2022-02-10|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> as proved to be the case with one anonymous blog.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 11, 2020|title=Presbyterian ministers to get their degree from Rome|url=https://protestantrevival.wordpress.com/2020/04/11/degrees-from-rome-ashes-from-priests-and-corrymeelas-sodomite-celebration-yet-more-rebellion-against-god/}}</ref> Due to Covid the General Assembly was unable to meet to discuss the proposed partnership but the members of the Assembly authorised a Standing Commission to conduct business in its behalf. <ref>{{Cite news|last=McCreary|first=Alf|date=6 June 2020|title=Union College's new university link-up after break with QUB|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/union-colleges-new-university-link-up-after-break-with-qub-39263709.html|access-date=2022-02-10|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>Whereas admission of prospective undergraduate students at Union Theological College was previously governed independently by [[Queen's University of Belfast|Queen’s University Belfast]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2018 |title=Presbyterian relationship with QUB under spotlight after church LGBT vote |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/presbyterian-relationship-qub-under-spotlight-after-church-lgbt-vote-1022289 |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.newsletter.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Meredith |first=Robbie |date=2018-12-18 |title=QUB will not admit new students to Union Theological College |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-46612527 |access-date=2022-03-06}}</ref> applications for the new undergraduate programme are not possible either via [[UCAS]] or [[St Mary's University, Twickenham|St Mary's University]] but must instead be sent by email directly to administrative staff at Union Theological College.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Union Theological College, HOW TO APPLY: Admissions 2022, Full-time BA Hons Theology, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/Apply/How-to-apply-2022-January-2022.pdf |access-date=6 March 2022}}</ref> Postgraduate degrees are awarded by the Presbyterian Theological Faculty Ireland,<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=8 November 2021|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses|title=Courses|publisher=UTC}}</ref> for which the student retention rate has been identical to the 100% retention rate for students whose degrees would be conferred by [[Queen's University of Belfast|Queen’s University Belfast]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2021|title=Annual Report and Enhancement Plan, page 5|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/AnnualReports/AnnualReport_2020-21.pdf}}</ref> for residential courses and slightly lower for online courses: 90% on average but as low as 80% for one course to date (where one person out of a class of five dropped out). While residential courses can be paid for in sterling, all online postgraduate courses through BibleMesh at Union Theological College require payment in [[United States dollar|United States dollars]] upon application.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2022 |title=Union Theological College: Apply Online |url=https://biblemesh.com/uniononline/apply/}}</ref> Information available for most such courses advertises access (such as through videos) to the teaching of various scholars,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=MTh in Reformed Theology |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses/9/mth-in-reformed-theology |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Union Theological College, Belfast |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MTh in Old Testament - Union Theological College |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses/25/mth-in-old-testament |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=www.union.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=MTh in New Testament |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses/24/mth-in-new-testament |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Union Theological College, Belfast |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Postgraduate Certificate in Biblical Greek |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/courses/13/postgraduate-certificate-in-biblical-greek |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Union Theological College, Belfast |language=en-GB}}</ref> none of whom are listed as members of faculty at the college<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Teaching Staff |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/support/faculty-staff/teaching-staff |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Union Theological College, Belfast |language=en-GB}}</ref> but whose lectures were already freely available on [[YouTube]] (e.g. [[Sinclair Ferguson]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: Romans in 40 Minutes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZvvz_S9xuk |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Focusing on the Centre - Sinclair Ferguson |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZD-0r87wIY |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Priority of Worship |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otDt_gN5YFQ |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: A Reformation of the Heart |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg8rb22IF2Y |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Lord Our God, The Lord Is One: The Simplicity of God |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOtZNDMpPMY |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Substitutionary Atonement of Christ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWnyupEuGsc |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: A Knowledge with No End: The Omniscience of God |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scrpDrAbUrg |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Glory of the Promise |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPDkf0OYjiI |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Sense of the Divine |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhonY-p0KSo |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Union with Christ: Life-Transforming Implications - Sinclair Ferguson |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riAP6Jsvy1A |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sinclair Ferguson: The Nature of Saving Faith |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkJ0UymKTJM |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> Fred Sanders,<ref>{{Citation |title=Fred Sanders {{!}} 2022 Norton Lectures: "A Credal and Credible Account of Union with Christ" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvtfpz18rzU |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Fred Sanders: John Wesley: The Origin of Evil [Torrey Honors Context Lecture] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS-NK4BP3eQ |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Lecture - Fred Sanders (The Triune God of the Bible: Seeing the Trinity in Scripture) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3FJLGgxKs |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Fred Sanders: Theology of the Pastoral Epistles [Torrey Honors Lecture] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErLGca61cdU |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Fred Sanders: The Theology of First John [Torrey Honors Context Lecture] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFNpuxLE5-4 |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Fred Sanders: Hearing Voices: The Trinity Speaking in the Old Testament [Torrey Lecture] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xyEa3ZLIJo |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> [[Tremper Longman III]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Lecture - Tremper Longman III - God is a Warrior: Coming to Terms with Divine Violence in the OT |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODXuCBIfeU4 |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Dr. Tremper Longman III - Public Lecture |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MMaqxzPpWA |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Creationism vs Evolution with Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) May 9, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCbTuIEvDIE |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=2014 Old Testament Lund Lecture (Part 1) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE5t8g4100I |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> [[John N. Oswalt]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Dr. John Oswalt, Isaiah, Session 1 -- Isaiah 1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3n4g9M5K8g |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Dr. John Oswalt, Session 1, Exodus 1-2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtPnGizyI4Y |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> [[Craig Blomberg]],<ref>{{Citation |title=For the City: Craig L. Blomberg on "The Reliability of the New Testament" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhPlg_p9TDY |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Craig Blomberg {{!}} A New Testament Theology of Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_sIdMogJ44 |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary, "A Celestial Commentary on 1 Corinthians" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6md8SNul3k |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Craig Blomberg: Matthew In The 1st and 21st Centuries |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lq6wA3STRE |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=The Historical Reliability of the Gospels- Dr. Craig Blomberg |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dHbVjhQdrI |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> Bruce Longenecker<ref>{{Citation |title=Thinking through Paul Video Lectures, Chapter 6: Romans - Bruce W. Longenecker |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nshtqPR-7s |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> and [[Mark L. Strauss]]<ref>{{Citation |title=The Gospels Conference with Mark Strauss (Friday Session 1) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lYuKy7ANlY |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Pastor Jim and Dr. Mark Strauss -Philippians LJCF |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTQvMwpclcI |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=How to Read the Bible in Changing Times {{!}} Dr. Mark Strauss |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uwG2S1EIL8 |language=en |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref>). In February 2022, it was announced that support of doctoral candidates at Union Theological College would be outsourced to an unidentified cohort of relatively inexperienced potential supervisors at the [[Tyndale House (Cambridge)#Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge|Kirby Laing Centre]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Gordon |date=25 February 2022 |title=KLC PhD Supervision in Partnership with Union Theological College |url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/115/klc-phd-supervision-in-partnership |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> ==History== [[File:Badly in need of a landscaper! (25836225670) (cropped).jpg|thumbnail|left|The building, circa 1860-1880.]] === The Assembly’s College === The college was founded in 1853 as the Assembly’s College. The Renaissance Revival style building with its grand Doric porch and Baroque attic was designed by Sir [[Charles Lanyon]], the architect of the main building at [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s]] and built with [[Scrabo Tower|Scrabo]] stone at a cost of £5,000.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Belfast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=90}}</ref> [[Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné|Merle d’Aubigné]] of Geneva participated in the opening ceremony on 5 December 1853 alongside [[Henry Cooke (minister)|Henry Cooke]], President of the Faculty (the five other professors in the new college were [[John Edgar (minister)|John Edgar]], Robert Wilson, [[William Dool Killen|William Killen]], James G. Murphy and [[William Gibson (minister)|William Gibson]]). There was a large influx of students in the wake of the [[1859 Ulster revival|1859 Revival]] and the south wing with its dining hall and student accommodation (“Chambers”) was added in 1869.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Belfast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan & Son|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=98}}</ref> [[Princeton Seminary|Princeton seminary]] had an important influence in the shaping of the ethos of the college during this period: the Rev. [[Robert Watts (minister)|Roberts Watts]] who was appointed Professor of Systematic Theology in 1866 hoped to make “Belfast another Princeton”.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Ulster-American Religion: Episodes in the History of a Cultural Connection|last=Livingstone|first=David N.|publisher=University of Notre Dame Press|year=1999|isbn=9780268043032|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ulsteramericanre0000livi/page/7 7–8, 32]|url=https://archive.org/details/ulsteramericanre0000livi/page/7}}</ref> The north wing with its wood-panelled chapel was designed by John Lanyon, son of original architect, and completed in 1881.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/theology-college-provides-union-of-hearts-and-minds-28503341.html|title=Theology college provides union of hearts and minds|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|access-date=8 February 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The first degrees under the Royal Charter were conferred in 1883.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Beflast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=158}}</ref> However, the death of Watts in 1895 marked the beginning of the end of the Princetonian influence.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Belfast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=201}}</ref> A partial union took place between the faculties in Belfast and Magee in 1922. [[File:Parliament of Northern Ireland 1921.jpg|thumb|right|The Commons.]] [[File:Senate of Northern Ireland 1921.jpg|thumb|right|The Senate.]] The newly formed [[Parliament of Northern Ireland]] met in the Assembly’s College from 1921 until 1932 while [[Parliament Buildings (Northern Ireland)|Stormont]] was being built: the [[House of Commons of Northern Ireland|Commons]] met in the Gamble Library and the [[Senate of Northern Ireland|Senate]] in the college chapel. During this period the college conducted classes in a house and provided library resources in a house on University Square. In 1926 the college became a Recognised College of [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qub.ac.uk/News/Archive/2004PressReleases/01-2004PressReleases/|title=Queen's forges "divine" link-up with theological colleges}}</ref> During this period the college came under criticism for its embrace of theological liberalism. This culminated in a charge of heresy being brought against Professor [[James E. Davey|J. Ernest Davey]] in 1926-27. The college officially reopened in October 1932 and the inaugural lecture was delivered by the Scottish Historian [[Robert Rait]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Belfast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=252}}</ref> Between 1941 and 1948 the [[Royal Ulster Constabulary|city police]] used the college as its own headquarters were bombed in the [[Belfast blitz|Belfast Blitz]]. In 1953, to mark the College’s centenary year, Prof. Davey was elected Moderator of the General Assembly.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College Belfast 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=Robert|publisher=William Mullan|year=1954|location=Belfast|pages=271}}</ref> === The Union Theological College === In 1976 theological teaching at [[Magee College]] in [[Derry]] ceased and the two colleges amalgamated in 1978. The new college, constituted by an Act of Parliament, was named The Union Theological College.<ref name="union150">[[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] Press Release, 2003 [http://www.presbyterianireland.org/news/news2003/news0468.html ''Presbyterian College Celebrates 150 Years''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119145202/http://www.presbyterianireland.org/news/news2003/news0468.html |date=19 November 2008 }}. Retrieved on 8 March 2008.</ref> John M. Barkley was Professor of Church History from 1954 until his retirement in 1981 (Principal 1976-1981) and was succeeded by Finlay Holmes (Principal 1987-1992). Laurence Kirkpatrick was subsequently appointed Professor of Church history in 1996 (Principal 2008-2010). In 2003 the college celebrated its 150th anniversary by completing a £2.8million pound refurbishment in which individual study bedrooms with ensuite facilities were added. [[Alister McGrath|Alister E. McGrath]], Professor of Historical Theology at the [[University of Oxford]] gave a public lecture entitled “Renewing our vision for the future of Protestant Christianity in Northern Ireland”. Bill Addley retired as Professor of Practical Theology in 2006 and the vacated chair was filled by Drew Gibson. Cecil McCullough, Professor of New Testament, who served as Principal from 1998-2002, retired in 2007 and was succeeded in the chair by Gordon Campbell. On 14 November 2009 a fire caused serious damage to the rear of the college during the refurbishment of the Principal’s House (a £2.2million project).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8360228.stm|title=BBC NEWS - UK - Northern Ireland - Firefighters injured at college|work=bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/theology-college-provides-union-of-hearts-and-minds-28503341.html|title=Theology college provides union of hearts and minds|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|access-date=8 February 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The extension known as the Training Resource Centre provided further lecture and seminar rooms was subsequently opened in September 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/2011-News-Archive/Fire-Destroyed-Union-College-extension-finally-ope.aspx|title=Fire destroyed Union College extension finally opens}}</ref>[[Stafford Carson]] was appointed as a new executive principal in 2013. At this time a major stonework restoration and conservation project took place (2013-2017).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/how-your-5p-bag-tax-is-helping-to-save-six-majestic-buildings-31380276.html|title=How your 5p bag tax is helping to save six majestic buildings}}</ref> Patton Taylor retired as Professor of Old Testament in 2016 (Principal 2002-2008 and 2010-2013). ==Recent Developments== In 2016, [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University Belfast]] undertook a strategic review of the teaching of Theology as all new undergraduate students were then taught at Union Theological College, noting declining student numbers and expressing concerns regarding the diversity of provision compared to Theology and Religions departments in other UK Universities.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Strategic Review of the Teaching of Theology at Queen’s University Belfast, 2 June and 3 June 2016|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/582001/response/1402394/attach/4/Appendix%20A.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Welsh Presbyterian theologian Stephen N. Williams, who had held the Chair of Systematic Theology from 1994, was succeeded in 2017 by Michael McClenahan. In 2017 the college marked the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by participating in a “Luther 500” conference and by hosting an autumn seminar series entitled “The Unfinished Reformation”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/2017-News-Archive/September-2017/Reformation-focus-for-Union-seminars.aspx|title=Reformation focus for Union autumn seminars}}</ref> In 2018 the Professor of Church History was controversially suspended pursuant to his participation in a radio interview<ref>{{Cite news|title=Suspended Queen's lecturer 'faces sack' after Presbyterian college snub|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/suspended-queens-lecturer-faces-sack-after-presbyterian-college-snub-37432504.html|access-date=2021-09-27|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> (see [[Union Theological College#Dismissal of a Professor|Dismissal of a Professor]] below for further details). There was also “a refresh of the College’s Coat of Arms” with the help of a digital heraldic artist, including discussion of the motto to “buy the truth and sell it not”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/39/the-colleges-coat-of-arms|title=The College’s Coat of Arms|website=www.union.ac.uk|date = 5 September 2018|access-date=19 September 2021}}</ref> A subsequent [[Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education|QAA]] report that was described as “highly critical” expressed concerns regarding “weakness in the college’s maintenance of academic standards”, with “the potential to put academic standards and quality at risk”.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Meredith|first=Robbie|date=5 December 2018|title=Union Theological College standards at risk, watchdog warns|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-46448520}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=McNeilly |first=Claire |date=6 December 2018 |title=Urgent review looms for Union Theological College following highly critical report |work=Belfast Telegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/urgent-review-looms-for-union-theological-college-following-highly-critical-report-37599601.html |access-date=2021-08-30}}</ref> In 2019, [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University Belfast]] announced that it would end its relationship with the College.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-47797560|title=QUB to end link with theological college|last=Meredith|first=Robbie|date=2019-04-03|access-date=2019-05-18|language=en-GB}}</ref> As tuition fees for 2018/19 were set at £4,160 annually, the potential annual financial shortfall to the college was projected to be as high as £700,000 on the assumption that over 150 undergraduate students might normally be admitted in a given year.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Preston|first=Allan|date=11 April 2019|title=Queen's split with Union Theological College could cost £700k|work=Belfast Telegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/queens-split-with-union-theological-college-could-cost-700k-38003060.html}}</ref> However, as student numbers had already declined significantly in latter years,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Bradfield|first=Phil|date=13 April 2019|title=Queen’s University Belfast Academic Council, 2 April 2019: Provision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes through the Institute of Theology|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/406109772/QUEEN-S-UNIVERSITY-BELFAST-QUB-Academic-Council-2-April-2019-Provision-of-Undergraduate-and-Postgraduate-Programmes-through-the-Institute-of-Th|url-status=live}}</ref> it was subsequently argued that the immediately foreseeable shortfall in the absence of any new income streams would be £250,000 by 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|date=31 May 2019|title=Church faces £250k shortfall over loss of QUB fees for college|work=Belfast Telegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/church-faces-250k-shortfall-over-loss-of-qub-fees-for-college-38165684.html}}</ref> In 2020 Union Theological College announced it would partner with the Catholic [[St Mary's University, Twickenham]] for the awarding of undergraduate degrees.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-51635771 Union Theological College in Belfast to partner with Catholic university] By Robbie Meredith, Education Correspondent, BBC Northern Ireland, February 26, 2020.</ref> Whereas Union Theological College faced allegations that students “have experienced bullying, as well as sectarian and homophobic attitudes” from its faculty members,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-19|title=QUB suspends relationship with Union Theological College|url=https://thegownqub.com/2018/12/19/qub-suspends-relationship-with-union-theological-college/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=The Gown Online|language=en}}</ref> [[St Mary's University, Twickenham|St Mary's University]] had already published resources to tackle homophobic and biphobic bullying in educational contexts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018|title=Made in God’s image: Challenging homophobic and biphobic bullying in Catholic schools|url=http://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/images/CES-Project_Homophobic-Bullying-Booklet_JUN18_PROOF-9.pdf}}</ref> In January 2021, Alan McCormick took up the position of Operations Manager,<ref name=":10" /> having previously worked in a similar capacity as director of operations at Belfast Bible College where he had been accused of unlawful discrimination against a Catholic woman, ultimately leading to dismissal of such claims but payment of compensation to her family following her death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 March 2020|title=Widower loses legal case against Belfast Bible College|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/uk-news/widower-loses-legal-case-against-belfast-bible-college-2444415|access-date=2022-02-13|website=www.newsletter.co.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Harte|first=Lauren|date=18 May 2019|title=Catholic woman’s claim of Bible college bias pursued after her death is rejected|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/catholic-womans-claim-of-bible-college-bias-pursued-after-her-death-is-rejected-38122960.html|access-date=2022-02-13|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Union Theological College then repeatedly hosted the [[Orange Order]] during the centennial anniversary year for the [[Parliament of Northern Ireland]] (see [[Union Theological College#“The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Orange”?|Culture & Controversy]] below for further details). The college hosted a separate livestreamed event for an exclusively invited audience in September 2021 to mark the part previously played in hosting the first Parliament of Northern Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 September 2021|title=Northern Ireland singer to perform at Presbyterian event|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-singer-to-perform-at-presbyterian-event-40855812.html|access-date=2021-10-27|issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 September 2021|title=On these steps|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Events/On-these-steps.aspx|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref> In February 2022, Union Theological College announced how doctoral candidates would then be essentially outsourced to as yet unidentified potential supervisors at the [[Tyndale House (Cambridge)#Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge|Kirby Laing Centre]] (who themselves are in need of mentoring), with the lure of limited availability of competitive scholarships of unspecified quantity and magnitude to help defray unspecified costs.<ref name=":12" /> == Faculty == The faculty currently comprises two professors respectively leading extant academic departments,<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2021|title=Annual Report and Enhancement Plan, page 16|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/AnnualReports/AnnualReport_2020-21.pdf}}</ref> the apparent [[oxymoron]] of a third professor who is explicitly described as [[Professor#Non-academic usage|“non-academic”]],<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|date=September 2021|title=Annual Report and Enhancement Plan, page 15|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/cmsfiles/AnnualReports/AnnualReport_2020-21.pdf}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=REINFORCEMENTS!|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/102/reinforcements|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Union Theological College, Belfast|language=en-GB}}</ref> a senior lecturer in Biblical Studies, a lecturer in Historical Theology, a lecturer in New Testament and a lecturer in Practical Theology. [[Stafford Carson|J. Stafford Carson]] became principal of the college in 2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/minister-s-pledge-to-help-women-in-his-new-role-1-5165844|title=Minister’s pledge to help women in his new role|website=www.portadowntimes.co.uk|language=en|access-date=8 February 2018}}</ref> but retired in December 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Very Rev Dr Stafford Carson|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/support/faculty-staff/23/very-rev-dr-stafford-carson|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Union Theological College, Belfast|language=en-GB}}</ref> and was then succeeded in this role by Prof. W Gordon Campbell.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Union College's new university link-up after break with QUB|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/union-colleges-new-university-link-up-after-break-with-qub-39263709.html|access-date=2021-08-29|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> According to the report of a QAA monitoring visit in May 2021, “the college reports that it has had no relevant staff vacancies”,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Educational Oversight: report of the monitoring visit of Union Theological College, May 2021|url=https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/reports/union-theological-college-eo-am-21.pdf?sfvrsn=7ee3d681_6|url-status=live}}</ref> yet three such vacancies were advertised shortly thereafter with just over a week’s notice of the associated application deadline.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Job Opportunities – Lecturer Biblical Studies, Old Testament - Union Theological College|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/100/job-opportunities-lecturer-biblical-studies|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.union.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Job Opportunities – Lecturer in Practical and Pastoral Theology - Union Theological College|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/98/job-opportunities-lecturer-in-practical|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.union.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Job Opportunities – Lecturer in Biblical Studies, New Testament - Union Theological College|url=https://www.union.ac.uk/discover/news-events/blog/99/job-opportunities-lecturer-in-biblical|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.union.ac.uk}}</ref> The new faculty appointments were then announced in August 2021.<ref name=":1" /> === Notable faculty === * Dr [[Martyn C Cowan|Martyn C. Cowan]] (Lecturer in Historical Theology) === Notable former faculty === * [[Henry Cooke (minister)|Prof. Henry Cooke]] (d. 1868) * [[James E. Davey|Prof. J. Ernest Davey]] (d. 1960) * [[Robert Watts (minister)|Prof. Robert Watts]] (d. 1895) * Prof. [[Stephen Nantlais Williams|Stephen N. Williams]] (Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology) *Principal [[Stafford Carson|J. Stafford Carson]] (former Principal and Professor of Ministry) == Library == Founded in 1873 by Mrs Caroline Gamble in memory of her late husband, the Rev. Henry Gamble, the college Library is the largest theological library in Northern Ireland. The Gamble Library stocks over 65,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets and taking over 50 journals and periodicals. The domed library served as the Chamber of the House of Commons for the Northern Ireland Parliament from 1921 to 1932. The foundation of the collection predates the college and was formed in 1845.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Presbyterian College, Belfast, 1853-1953|last=Allen|first=R|year=1954}}</ref> A significant collection was acquired from the estate of the Presbyterian historian Rev. [[James Seaton Reid]] (d. 1851). Much of the Magee College pamphlet collection was added in 1977. ==Culture & Controversy== [[File:Worshipful Brother Rev. Alistair Smyth Grand Chaplain.gif|thumb|Rev. Alistair Smyth (Grand Chaplain<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Moriarty|first=Gerry|date=12 July 2018|title=There must be no Irish language act, Orange Order insists|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/there-must-be-no-irish-language-act-orange-order-insists-1.3562995|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-27|website=The Irish Times|language=en}}</ref> of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and minister of Carryduff Presbyterian Church<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carryduff Presbyterian Church – A church at the heart of the community|url=http://www.carryduffpresbyterian.org.uk/|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref>) preaching in the college Chapel at Union Theological College.]] Union Theological College is the center for ministerial training in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and had previously been an important local hub for the provision of theological education, along with [[Belfast Bible College]], [[Irish Baptist College]], [[Edgehill Theological College]] and [[Whitefield College of the Bible]]. The college has never been far from the critical discussions and, at times, controversies so prevalent in the context of changing social, historical and cultural circumstances in the [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]]. === A Divisive Heresy Trial === One of the college professors, [[James E. Davey|J. Ernest Davey]], was the subject of a heresy trial in 1927 because of his teaching in the College.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newulsterbiography.co.uk/index.php/home/viewPerson/1956|title=The Dictionary of Ulster Biography|website=www.newulsterbiography.co.uk|access-date=8 February 2018}}</ref> Although cleared by the Church’s courts, a small number of Presbyterians broke away unhappy with the decision and founded what later became the [[Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Ireland)|Evangelical Presbyterian Church]]. [[File:Worshipful Brother Rev. Ron Johnstone Grand Chaplain.gif|thumb|Rev. Ron Johnstone (Grand Chaplain<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Newtownards District LOL No.4 - Reformation Truth Defenders LOL 1521|url=http://www.newtownardsorange.org.uk/1521/index.html|access-date=2021-10-27|website=www.newtownardsorange.org.uk}}</ref> of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and former Free Presbyterian Church moderator<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kula|first=Adam|date=28 April 2021|title=Minister of church with DUP ties: A party leader must halt moral decline|work=News Letter|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/minister-of-church-with-dup-ties-a-party-leader-must-halt-moral-decline-3217494|access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gordon|first=Gareth|date=21 January 2008|title=Street smart Paisley says goodbye|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7200303.stm|access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref>) leading worship in Union Theological College.]] === Dismissal of a Professor === The Professor of Church History and former Principal<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Assembly Annual Reports, 2007 (pages 3 & 41) |url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/88b988c2-d16c-4741-9fe7-82c9019ae962/2007-PCI_Annual_Reports.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=General Assembly Annual Reports, 2008 (pages 21-22) |url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/f1f7b291-30d0-443e-ac88-b16df8898dcb/2008-PCI_Annual_Reports.pdf.aspx |access-date=2021-10-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mission Countries: China |url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Mission/Mission-Countries/China.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14}}</ref> was then sacked after 22 years of service, as his participation in a radio interview was construed as “gross misconduct”.<ref name=":5" /> Of particular contention, the erstwhile Professor of Church History responded to an interview question by stating that he personally “would be horrified” if students were hypothetically presented with only one view on questions of sexual ethics in an academic setting,<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Bain |first=Mark |date=15 April 2019 |title=Lecturer sacked by Presbyterian college over radio remarks says he may quit Church |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/lecturer-sacked-by-presbyterian-college-over-radio-remarks-says-he-may-quit-church-38014351.html |access-date=2021-08-30 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=21 March 2019 |title=Presbyterian church dismisses Prof Laurence Kirkpatrick for ‘adverse’ comments on BBC about his employer |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/presbyterian-church-dismisses-prof-laurence-kirkpatrick-adverse-comments-bbc-about-his-employer-641170 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-08-30 |website=www.newsletter.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> as well as saying that he would be “heartbroken” if anyone accused him of being “bigoted against Catholic students or gay students or whatever”, arguing that “as near as possible we uphold everything that the university stands for”.<ref name=":7" /> The clerk of the [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] had nevertheless denied that ministers were being silenced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-06-24 |title=Presbyterian clerk denies ministers are being silenced |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-44592516 |access-date=2021-08-30}}</ref> Prior to the suspension of the Professor of Church History, it had been reported that “Queen’s remained non-committal over calls for change”,<ref name=":14" /> despite complaints that the Presbyterian church had become “narrow-minded and backward looking” and associated appeals that [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]] “should now sever its relationship”<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Bain |first=Mark |date=14 June 2018 |title=Livid ex-Presbyterian cleric calls on QUB to sever ties with Church |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/livid-ex-presbyterian-cleric-calls-on-qub-to-sever-ties-with-church-37007560.html |access-date=2021-08-30 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> with Union Theological College or otherwise risk associated “reputational damage”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2018 |title=Presbyterian relationship with QUB under spotlight after church LGBT vote |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/presbyterian-relationship-qub-under-spotlight-after-church-lgbt-vote-1022289 |access-date=2021-08-30 |website=www.newsletter.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> However, the initial suspension of the Professor of Church History pursuant to his radio interview was understood to have then prompted [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]] to re-examine its relationship with Union Theological College,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2019-03-25 |title=Liberty of theological expression is challenged from left and right |work=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/erasmus/2019/03/25/liberty-of-theological-expression-is-challenged-from-left-and-right |access-date=2021-08-30 |issn=0013-0613}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite news |last=Leonard |first=Victoria |date=27 June 2018 |title=Queen's University of Belfast reviewing links to Presbyterian college as professor suspended |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/queens-university-of-belfast-reviewing-links-to-presbyterian-college-as-professor-suspended-37053480.html |access-date=2021-08-30 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> subsequently reflected by comments in an ensuing report that the College’s “decisions relating to staff deployment, and late changes affecting the availability of established recognised teachers, highlighted the vulnerability of the University in assuring the academic quality of the student experience”.<ref name=":8" /> By contrast, the Council for Training in Ministry then absolved its own members of any responsibility by denying that they “had any role in this”, and instead held the former professor personally responsible not only for “a significant and material adverse impact” on relations with [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]] but also for allegedly bringing the [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] “into disrepute.”<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=General Assembly 2019 Reports: Council for Training in Ministry (page 249)|url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/getmedia/9af99be8-a46b-4fcb-8187-b88fdbe2441b/09-Training-in-Ministry.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Ian Hazlett, Emeritus Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow, described the “semi-secret plotting” that led to “Laurence Kirkpatrick’s dismissal from his academic post by non-academic churchmen” as reminiscent of the Inquisition,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Young|first=David|date=17 May 2019|title=Presbyterian Church's treatment of academic 'like Inquisition'|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/presbyterian-churchs-treatment-of-academic-like-inquisition-38120166.html|access-date=2022-02-13|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> whilst the erstwhile Professor of Church History himself was convinced that his own remarks on the radio were not the ultimate reasons underlying his dismissal but rather “discrimination and harassment by his employers” because of his prior marital breakdown.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |date=7 September 2019 |title=Sacked academic 'to sing like canary' at job tribunal |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sacked-academic-to-sing-like-canary-at-job-tribunal-38474624.html |access-date=2021-10-14 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> [[File:Slide montage.gif|thumb|Students attending service at Union Theological College]] === “The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Orange”? === In January 2021, Union Theological College hosted the [[Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland|Grand Orange Lodge]] for the first of various planned services marking the centennial of [[Partition of Ireland|partition on the island of Ireland]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=GOLIpress|date=2021-01-17|title=CentenNIal Service|url=https://www.goli.org.uk/post/centennial-service|access-date=2021-10-27|website=GOLI|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 January 2021|title=Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland CentenNIal Service|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ_ytWVbusU|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland - Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland CentenNIal Service {{!}} Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/goli.org.uk/videos/grand-orange-lodge-of-ireland-centennial-service/2811709715752269/|language=en|access-date=2021-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 2021 |title=First CentenNIal service attracts a global audience |pages=2 |work=The Orange Standard Newspaper |url=https://www.goli.org.uk/_files/ugd/d4167b_1b9a7624667d47f6b27ca85b1be690d0.pdf}}</ref> at a time when churches in Northern Ireland had already decided to close in response to increasing cases of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Beattie|first=Jilly|date=2021-01-07|title=Northern Ireland churches to close amid spike in Covid-19 cases|url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/coronavirus-ni-northern-ireland-churches-19582971|access-date=2021-09-26|website=BelfastLive|language=en}}</ref> In September 2021, Queen’s Orange Society (LOL 1845) held another service in Union Theological College, subsequently [[Orange walk|parading]] past [[Queen's University Belfast|Queen’s University]].<ref>{{Citation|title=QUB Orange Society on Facebook Watch|url=https://www.facebook.com/quborange/videos/queens-lol-1845-return-parade-going-past-queens-university-from-their-church-ser/845973922788685/|language=en|access-date=2021-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PAR\91146: Queen's LOL No 1845 Rising Sons Of William|url=http://www.paradescommission.org/viewparade.aspx?id=77632|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 2021 |title=The Queen’s LOL 1845 annual service was held at Union Theological College, Belfast, parading from and returning to Sandy Row Orange Hall |pages=9 |work=The Orange Standard Newspaper |url=https://www.goli.org.uk/_files/ugd/d4167b_4f1c9458ca204e8489cf8a6623c7e091.pdf}}</ref> Whereas Union Theological College claims to welcome “students from all backgrounds” whenever advertising its new undergraduate programme with [[St Mary's University, Twickenham|St Mary's University]],<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 2022|title=Presbyterian Herald, number 835, page 51|url=https://issuu.com/presbyterianireland/docs/presbyterian_herald_february_2022|access-date=2022-02-14|website=issuu.com|language=en}}</ref> there is no comparable evidence to date regarding either previous or potential use of the college chapel (nor other college premises) for celebration of [[Mass in the Catholic Church|Mass]], whilst previous Catholic students at Union Theological College reportedly felt obliged to “keep their heads down”.<ref name=":13" /> Meanwhile, the [[Orange Order]] has deliberately [[Orange Order#Beliefs and activities|excluded Roman Catholics from its membership]], and it has been a stated requirement that [[Orange Order]] members “should strenuously oppose the fatal errors and doctrines of the Church of Rome and other Non-Reformed faiths, and scrupulously avoid countenancing … any act or ceremony of Roman Catholic or other non-Reformed Worship”.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalyork.org.uk/2007/01/qualifications-of-orangeman.html|title=Qualifications of an Orangeman|work=royalyork.org.uk|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=27 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827051719/http://www.royalyork.org.uk/2007/01/qualifications-of-orangeman.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the [[Orange Order]] has been otherwise characterised as “a society with secrets”,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Webster |first=Joseph |url=https://www.manchesterhive.com/view/9781526113788/9781526113788.00012.xml |title=The religion of Orange politics: A society with secrets |date=2020-06-30 |publisher=Manchester University Press |isbn=978-1-5261-1378-8 |language=en-US |doi=10.7765/9781526113788.00012}}</ref> a survey of 1,500 participants throughout Northern Ireland in 2011 nevertheless indicated how over 60% of its membership were convinced that “most Catholics are IRA sympathisers”.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2011-11-22|title=60% of Order view Catholics as 'IRA sympathisers'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-15832376|access-date=2022-02-14}}</ref> == See also == * [[:Category:Academics of Union Theological College, Belfast]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category|Union Theological College, Belfast}} * {{Official website|http://www.union.ac.uk }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20081119145202/http://www.presbyterianireland.org/news/news2003/news0468.html ''Presbyterian College Celebrates 150 Years''], 2003 press release describing the college and its history. * [http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/InstituteofTheology/ Queens University Belfast Theology Official site] {{s-start}} {{succession box | title = Home of the<br>[[Parliament of Northern Ireland]] | years = 1921 &ndash; 1932 | before = [[Belfast City Hall]] | after = [[Parliament Buildings (Northern Ireland)]] }} {{end}} {{Universities in the United Kingdom}} {{Universities in Northern Ireland}} {{PCI}} {{Irish parliament houses}} {{authority control}} [[Category:Bible colleges, seminaries and theological colleges in Northern Ireland]] [[Category:Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] [[Category:Reformed church seminaries and theological colleges]] [[Category:Presbyterian universities and colleges]] [[Category:Presbyterianism in Northern Ireland]] [[Category:Queen's University Belfast]] [[Category:Educational institutions established in 1853]] [[Category:1853 establishments in Ireland]] [[Category:Grade A listed buildings]] [[Category:Academics of Union Theological College, Belfast|*]]'