In a heartfelt service filled with reflection, prayer, and commitment, the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education marked a significant moment in its history on January 23rd, as it welcomed its new Principal, the Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, and rededicated itself to its mission of ecumenical theological education and service to the Church and society.
Set within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the event brought together The Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, The Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Lady Mayoress, The High Sherriff of the West Midlands, as well senior Church leaders from the Church of England, the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Church, Wesleyan Holiness Church and, Black Majority Churches, including the New Testament Church of God. Joining students, staff, and ecumenical partners, all were united in their support for Queen’s and its continued journey of faith and learning. The service was led by Bishop Paul Bayes, Chair of Governors, (Church of England), and Revd Kenneth Howcroft, Vice-chair of Governors, (Methodist Church), who set the tone for an evening focused not only on welcome but on reaffirmation of Queen’s foundational values and the firm commitment to continue building on these. The service was livestreamed, allowing members of Queen’s community around the world to join in.
A History of Faithful Service
The service began with a retelling of Queen’s journey, from its origins in 1830 as a training college for Anglican clergy and doctors to its present identity as a diverse and ecumenical theological institution. Over the decades, Queen’s has evolved to meet the needs of a changing Church and world, pioneering new pathways in ministerial formation, discipleship and theology, initiatives such as the Centre for Black Theology, the Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies, and research partnerships that extend beyond the UK.
Bishop Jonathan Jackson of the New Testament Church of God led a prayer of thanksgiving, recognizing the contributions of past generations in shaping Queen’s into a vibrant and inclusive learning community. “Help us to be faithful to this inheritance and, in our own generation and context, to allow richer understanding to nurture deeper love and faithful service, to your glory and praise” he prayed.
A Call to Serve and Grow
The newly appointed Principal, Bishop Anne Hollinghurst, shared her personal sense of calling to Queen’s, speaking passionately about the institution’s unique identity as diverse, challenging, and Gospel-focused. She reflected on how she felt drawn to Queen’s mission and how she envisions it continuing to equip ministers, lay leaders and disciples for an ever-changing world.
This is a place where we celebrate diversity, where we embrace the challenge of deep theological formation, and where we hold fast to the treasure of the Gospel. As Bishop Anne said in her address: “To undertake such an adventure in learning in a context that is ecumenical and diverse with companions on the journey very different to yourself adds another layer of challenge but one that only makes the journey richer, the growth in faith and learning stronger and more mature. It is an adventure that like no other prepares ministers for the reality of ministry in today’s complex and diverse world. Our world needs people equipped to rise to the challenge of realizing that as a human family diverse and created in God’s image, we are called to find a way to live together in unity – but that does not mean uniformity.”
The offering to God afresh of the life and mission of the Foundation, was underscored in the act of rededication, where students, staff, and governors stood together to affirm their shared purpose. Placing stones at the foot of the Queen’s cross, representatives of the Queen’s community symbolised their personal and collective commitment to the work of theological education, ministry formation, and active social engagement.
Recognizing Queen’s Wider Impact
Queen’s vital role in the community was highlighted by civic leaders in attendance. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett OBE, spoke of the institution’s legacy and its far-reaching impact beyond Birmingham: “Today is a chance to look back at the journey travelled thus far, as well as an opportunity to look forward with new vision. Queen’s continues to be a place of theological education that extends its influence not just locally, but across the UK and beyond.”
Similarly, Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Ken Wood, acknowledged Queen’s as a cornerstone of the city’s diverse community, calling Queen’s “a Jewel in the city’s crown”. “I would say to you all, be bold in your hopes and plans for the future. As you continue to find new ways to serve a changing world and a changing Church, you should be proud of what you achieve,” he stated.
Looking to the Future
As the service concluded, the sense of shared mission and unity remained palpable. The congregation joined in hymns and prayers that reinforced the themes of faith, dedication, and transformation. The event was truly a renewal of Queen’s commitment to equipping individuals for ministry and engaging with the pressing theological and social issues of our time.
With its firm foundation and a renewed sense of purpose, Queen’s continues its journey of shaping and inspiring leaders who will serve God’s people in diverse and meaningful ways. As new Principal, Anne, affirmed, “be in no doubt, the road ahead will be both joyful and demanding, for that is what it means to follow Christ. But let us like St Paul make our prayer – for ourselves and for our churches, to the one ‘who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine’.
Watch the service of Welcome and Rededication below
Bishop Anne’s sermon is available to view on the following link: Sermon Service of Welcome and Rededication Queens Foundation Jan 2025
