The Philosopy of the Church Colleges

Abstract

The Church University College, as it exists in Australia today, had its origins, in Sydney, in 1854. The Preamble to the Act "to provide for the establishment and endowment of Colleges within the University of Sydney" outlines the functions of the Church College as conceived at that time: 

"Whereas it is expedient to encourage and assist the establishment of Colleges within the University of Sydney in which Colleges systematic religious instruction and domestic supervision with efficient assistance in preparing for the University lectures and examinations shall be provided for students of the University. Be it therefore enacted by His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof . ."
(Act no. 37, 18 Vic., 2 December, 1854).

The derision with which this statement is likely to be greeted today - in many quarters - does little justice to the achievements of the men of that age. It oes pose the question, however, whether the Australian University Church College today is a thing of the past - a useless anachronistic survival? Or is there, alternatively, a "philosophy" of the Church College which is valid in today's society? And what is the function and purpose of the contemporary Church College?