History

Pilgrim Theological College, inaugurated in September 2014, has evolved from the Uniting Church Theological College, which was a partner teaching institution of the United Faculty of Theology (UFT).

The UFT was formed in 1973 when the theological colleges of the Anglican, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches joined with Jesuit Theological College to pool their teaching resources.

These theological colleges were part of the Melbourne College of Divinity, which was founded in 1910.

In 1977 the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches combined to form the Uniting Church of Australia and, from this union, the Uniting Church Theological College was formed.

From then, the UFT comprised the Uniting Church Theological College, Jesuit Theological College and Trinity College Theological School.

In 2012 the Melbourne College of Divinity gained university status and from 2014 began operating as the University of Divinity.

During 2013 it was decided the UFT would close and two of its three partners – the Uniting Church Theological College and Trinity College Theological School – would become independent colleges of the University of Divinity. Jesuit Theological College chose to cease operations as a teaching institute.

In 2014 the pronouncement was realised, with the Uniting Church Theological College being transformed into Pilgrim Theological College within the Centre for Theology & Ministry, a vibrant hub of educational advancement.