Westminster College looks to create shared future with partners

The governing bodies of three partners in the Cambridge Theological Federation – Westminster College, the Henry Martyn Centre and the Woolf Institute – have reached an understanding about working to create a common future and are moving – subject to formal legal contracts – towards sharing the Westminster site.

Westminster College is a resource centre of the United Reformed Church, preparing people for Christian service in the church and in the world; the Henry Martyn Centre facilitates the study of world Christianity and mission and the Woolf Institute examines the current and historical relationships that exist between the faith-traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with special reference to Europe and the Middle East.  The three institutions have a vision for their shared presence on a common site, seeking to work and live with each other, whilst honouring and sustaining their different identities and callings. The Revd Dr Susan Durber, principal of Westminster College, said:  “Together, we believe we can provide a vibrant resource centre where people of all faiths and none can reflect creatively on the role of religion in 21st Century societies.”

The Henry Martyn Centre is already based within Westminster and will continue to be so. The Woolf Institute hopes to lease, on a long term basis, an un-used corner of the Westminster site and erect there a new building, as a part of an integrated site. This latest and new venture has still a way to go, and its fulfilment will follow on after Westminster’s established development plans. It has the full support of the URC Trust.

Photo shows, from left to right: Ed Kessler, director of the Woolf Institute; Susan Durber, principal of Westminster College and Emma Wild Wood, director of the Henry Martyn Centre