Prof Cecil McCullough, the Principal of Union Theologian College (UTC), Belfast, recalls in the college News that the building at Botanic Avenue, Belfast, was dedicated in 1853. Prof McCullough, while acknowledging that the Belfast College was built to the highest specification of its day, , also appreciates that even colleges, in many of their features, are superseded in time. Both he and the faculty believe the college must be brought up to date, ideally before celebrations of 150 years of service to theological education in 2003. A redesign of the building to bring academics, administrators and students closer together is necessary; access for the disabled and arrangements that would invite a greater amount of evening courses and study are required. The college faculty invites suggestions and any help from the church members at large.
This autumn a new programme of postgraduate degrees in ministry - Master of Ministry (M.Min) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) such as are offered in many of the American colleges - will be launched. Their content has been designed with a practical focus and they will offer people in full-time ministry the opportunity to gain additional skills in line with forms of ministry in which they are presently engaged.
A new Master of Divinity degree (M.Div) is on offer in Union College. The M.Div may be taken by all of those with a primary degree. All the students for the ministry of the church are pursuing this course for M.Div at the moment. Interested candidates are sought for a part-time degree programme beginning in September for the degree of Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) or of B.D. This degree course can be completed over five years with study hours in the morning, afternoon and evening over 22 weeks each year. Those interested should contact Ms Sandra McKinney, Union Theological College, Botanic Ave, Belfast.
A summer school of theology will be held from June 19th until June 22nd. The theme is "Leading and Worshipping God's way". Prof Larry Hurtado, from the University of Edinburgh, will give four lectures in the mornings on "The Apostle Paul", "The Man and his Mission" and three evening lectures on "The Origins of Christian Worship". The Principal of the London Bible College, Dr Derek Tidball, will give three morning lectures and two afternoon seminars on "Christian Leadership in the 21st Century".
The Rev Dr William O'Neill, Minister Emeritus of Howth and Malahide and Mrs Margaret O'Neill were guests of honour recently of Directors General of RTE, Bob Collins and Joe Barry, and Head of Religious Television Programmes, Father Dermot McCarthy. In recognition of 40 years as co-ordinator (Presbyterian) of religious programmes, radio and television, Dr O'Neill received a gift of inscribed cut glass. . Dr O'Neill will be succeeded at the end of June by the Rev Frank Sellar, minister of Adelaide Road and Donore.
This year, the Abbey Church, Dublin 1, will hold its Open Church from Tuesday to Saturday for four weeks, from June 27th until July 22nd. The Open Church is a ministry of hospitality and all guests are welcome. Some are interested in church architecture, others are coming in to get out of the wind and rain Some are seeking a place of prayer or quiet reflection, or are listening for the voice of God. Visitors are greeted and invited to sign the visitor's book. They are given a welcoming leaflet and the staff try to answer any practical questions the visitors may have. Then they are free to walk around the church, to sit quietly or pray on their own, to stay for one of the audio-visual presentations, or to speak further with the staff.