Radical change mooted by Church of Scotland

THE CHURCH of Scotland's traditional links with university divinity faculties are set to change if tomorrow's General Assembly backs proposals for a pioneering sandwich degree. The Church of Scotland is unique in having no church seminaries, instead training its candidates through the divinity faculties of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities.

The report from the Kirk's committee on education for the ministry is seeking a new partnership in professional training, with universities for the first time accrediting practical training towards a degree, alongside the church's own accreditation system. The prospect of the Kirk setting up its own seminary has been vetoed.