Trinity College named Church of Scotland’s top choice for minister training
Published: 6 January 2026
Trinity College at UofG has been recommended as the Church of Scotland’s new lead academic partner for the training of future ministers.
Trinity College at the University of Glasgow has been recommended as the Church of Scotland’s new lead academic partner for the training of future ministers.
The recommendation follows a formal selection process carried out by a panel appointed by the General Assembly, which has been reviewing ministerial education across the Church.
The panel has put forward Trinity College as its preferred institution to take on the lead role in training of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Deacons. The proposal will now move into a period of negotiation before being presented to the 2026 General Assembly for a final decision.
For Trinity College, the recommendation marks a significant moment in a relationship with the Church of Scotland that stretches back centuries.
Rev Dr Doug Gay, Principal of Trinity College and Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow, said: “Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of training ministers stretching back to the Reformation and we are honoured to see that legacy continue into the 21st century. This recommendation recognises the strength of our work in practical theology and ministerial formation and we look forward to building on that heritage in partnership with the Church.”
The University of Glasgow has trained ministers since 1560 and around 40% of Church of Scotland ministers over the past 50 years have studied there. Trinity College, originally founded in the 19th century, has long served as the Church’s college at the University, supporting candidates as they undertake their academic studies.
Along with the University of Glasgow, the other Church of Scotland academic centres are New College (University of Edinburgh), Christ College (University of Aberdeen) and Highland Theological College (University of Highlands and Islands)
Rev Dr Sandy Forsyth, the Church of Scotland's Director of Studies for Ministry, said: "All four academic centres presented high-quality proposals for taking the lead role. After the proposals of each academic provider were evaluated by the panel, in their judgement Trinity College scored highest under the criteria, and also offered a bold, innovative and reforming vision of ministry training that aligns best with the Church's future training needs and its missional calling in the context of a rapidly changing world and society, considering also the realities and challenges of ministry on the ground now."
Dr Forsyth said the Church’s People and Training team will now work "enthusiastically" with Trinity College to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that will lay out the duties and responsibilities of each party.
"Subject to the prior approval of the Church's Faith Action Programme Leadership Team, the recommendation of the Panel and these further proposals will then be taken to the 2026 General Assembly which will make the final decision," added Dr Forsyth.
The universities/academic centres of New College (University of Edinburgh), Christ College (University of Aberdeen) and Highland Theological College (University of Highlands and Islands) will continue to play an important role in training Church of Scotland’s Ordained Local Ministers and Readers, as well as those participating in its apprenticeship programme. They will also provide continuing professional development for those undertaking training in worship and missional studies.
First published: 6 January 2026