Wycliffe College
Encyclopedia
Wycliffe College is an Anglican Church of Canada
seminary federated with the University of Toronto
. It is evangelical
and Low church
in orientation. On the other hand, the University of Toronto's other Anglican college, the University of Trinity College
is Anglo-Catholic
in outlook. While being an Anglican seminary, Wycliffe College attracts students from many Christian denominations. As a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology
, students are free to participate in the wide range of courses from Canada's largest ecumenical consortium. It trains those pursuing ordination as well as those preparing for academic careers of scholarship and teaching.
Wycliffe College is colloquially referred to as “Yale North” due to the high number of tenured professors who were trained at Yale Divinity School.
, a lay Evangelical group at the Cathedral Church of St. James
. The name Wycliffe College, inspired by the English theologian John Wycliffe
, was given first to the college's building and then to the college itself.
To ensure its long-term viability, Wycliffe College began considering various forms of union with the University of Toronto
towards the end of the 19th century. Wycliffe College became affiliated with the University of Toronto in 1885 and federated in 1889.
George Martel Miller (architect) designed Convocation Hall, 1902. Henry Bauld Gordon (architect) designed the Dining Hall and Dormitory Wing, 1907; Principal's Residence and new Chapel, 1911.
In 1969 the Toronto School of Theology
(TST) was created as an independent federation of 7 schools of theology, including the divinity faculties of Wycliffe college. Within its own federation, the University of Toronto granted all but theology or divinity degrees. Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Wycliffe College and other TST's member institutions.
An Act respecting Wycliffe College, being chapter 112 of the Statutes of Ontario, 1916, was repealed and the Wycliffe College Act, 2002 was substituted. Wycliffe College's Arms were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority on March 15, 2007.
The Wycliffe College Chapel sancturary features several stained glass windows including: `Our Lord``, `St. Paul`, `St. John` and `Timothy` by Robert McCausland Limited.
Students have access, moreover, to the services of the University of Toronto, including the athletic facilities, library systems, and student union clubs.
in 1978.http://www.ats.edu/MemberSchools/Pages/SchoolDetail.aspx?ID=258 In Fall 2010 it had 267 students, along with 5 full-time faculty and 17 part-time.http://www.ats.edu/MemberSchools/Pages/SchoolDetail.aspx?ID=258 It awards the following graduate degrees conjointly with the University of Toronto
http://www.tst.edu/content/basic-degree-programs:
In addition, students may study for the MA
or PhD
in Theology, which are awarded by the University of St. Michael's College
. Diploma programmes are offered in Lay Ministry and Christian Studies. A Certificate in Anglican Studies is available for candidates for the Anglican priesthood and vocational diaconate who hold an MDiv from a non-Anglican seminary.
In a contribution to its October issue by R. R. Reno, entitled "A 2009 Ranking of Graduate Programs in Theology"http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2009/10/a-2009-ranking-of-graduate-programs-in-theology, Wycliffe's programs were ranked after Duke Divinity School and the University of Notre Dame and on a par with Princeton.
Refresh is the college's annual continuing education conference. Past speakers have included Alister McGrath
, Lauren Winner
, N. T. Wright, William P. Young
, Graham Alan Cray
, and Graham Kendrick
.
, including Knox's Caven Library, St. Michael's Kelly Library, Trinity and Wycliffe's John W. Graham Library, and the libraries of Emmanuel College, Regis College, and St. Augustine's Seminary. Students, moreover, have access to the library system of the University of Toronto, including Robarts Library
, Canada's largest library and the fourth largest academic library system in North America.
Anglican Church of Canada
The Anglican Church of Canada is the Province of the Anglican Communion in Canada. The official French name is l'Église Anglicane du Canada. The ACC is the third largest church in Canada after the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Canada, consisting of 800,000 registered members...
seminary federated with the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
. It is evangelical
Evangelicalism
Evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement which began in Great Britain in the 1730s and gained popularity in the United States during the series of Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th century.Its key commitments are:...
and Low church
Low church
Low church is a term of distinction in the Church of England or other Anglican churches initially designed to be pejorative. During the series of doctrinal and ecclesiastic challenges to the established church in the 16th and 17th centuries, commentators and others began to refer to those groups...
in orientation. On the other hand, the University of Toronto's other Anglican college, the University of Trinity College
University of Trinity College
The University of Trinity College, informally referred to as Trin, is a college of the University of Toronto, founded in 1851 by Bishop John Strachan. Trinity was intended by Strachan as a college of strong Anglican alignment, after the University of Toronto severed its ties with the Church of...
is Anglo-Catholic
Anglo-Catholicism
The terms Anglo-Catholic and Anglo-Catholicism describe people, beliefs and practices within Anglicanism that affirm the Catholic, rather than Protestant, heritage and identity of the Anglican churches....
in outlook. While being an Anglican seminary, Wycliffe College attracts students from many Christian denominations. As a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology
Toronto School of Theology
The Toronto School of Theology is an ecumenical centre for graduate theological education and the largest of its kind in Canada. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, the TST comprises seven member colleges in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, as well as four affiliated...
, students are free to participate in the wide range of courses from Canada's largest ecumenical consortium. It trains those pursuing ordination as well as those preparing for academic careers of scholarship and teaching.
Wycliffe College is colloquially referred to as “Yale North” due to the high number of tenured professors who were trained at Yale Divinity School.
History
The Anglican seminary was founded in 1877 as the Protestant Episcopal Divinity School, by the Church Association of the Diocese of TorontoDiocese of Toronto
Diocese of Toronto may refer to:*Anglican Diocese of Toronto*Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto...
, a lay Evangelical group at the Cathedral Church of St. James
Cathedral Church of St. James (Toronto)
Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto, Canada is the home of the oldest congregation in the city. The parish was established in 1797. The Cathedral was begun in 1850 and completed in 1853, was at the time one of the largest buildings in the city...
. The name Wycliffe College, inspired by the English theologian John Wycliffe
John Wycliffe
John Wycliffe was an English Scholastic philosopher, theologian, lay preacher, translator, reformer and university teacher who was known as an early dissident in the Roman Catholic Church during the 14th century. His followers were known as Lollards, a somewhat rebellious movement, which preached...
, was given first to the college's building and then to the college itself.
To ensure its long-term viability, Wycliffe College began considering various forms of union with the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
towards the end of the 19th century. Wycliffe College became affiliated with the University of Toronto in 1885 and federated in 1889.
George Martel Miller (architect) designed Convocation Hall, 1902. Henry Bauld Gordon (architect) designed the Dining Hall and Dormitory Wing, 1907; Principal's Residence and new Chapel, 1911.
Toronto School of Theology
The Toronto School of Theology is an ecumenical centre for graduate theological education and the largest of its kind in Canada. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, the TST comprises seven member colleges in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, as well as four affiliated...
(TST) was created as an independent federation of 7 schools of theology, including the divinity faculties of Wycliffe college. Within its own federation, the University of Toronto granted all but theology or divinity degrees. Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Wycliffe College and other TST's member institutions.
An Act respecting Wycliffe College, being chapter 112 of the Statutes of Ontario, 1916, was repealed and the Wycliffe College Act, 2002 was substituted. Wycliffe College's Arms were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority on March 15, 2007.
The Wycliffe College Chapel sancturary features several stained glass windows including: `Our Lord``, `St. Paul`, `St. John` and `Timothy` by Robert McCausland Limited.
Campus
Wycliffe College is situated in the centre of the University of Toronto campus, on the corner of Hoskin Avenue and Queen’s Park. Next door is Hart House (University of Toronto), which houses athletic facilities, a Theatre, an art gallery, reading rooms, sitting rooms, offices, a library, music rooms, student meeting and study space. Along with classrooms and a chapel, Wycliffe houses 75 graduate residents, many of who are studying other disciplines at the University of Toronto and its affiliates.Students have access, moreover, to the services of the University of Toronto, including the athletic facilities, library systems, and student union clubs.
Academics
The college was accredited by Association of Theological Schools in the United States and CanadaAssociation of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada is an organization of seminaries and other graduate schools of theology. ATS has its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has more than 250 member institutions...
in 1978.http://www.ats.edu/MemberSchools/Pages/SchoolDetail.aspx?ID=258 In Fall 2010 it had 267 students, along with 5 full-time faculty and 17 part-time.http://www.ats.edu/MemberSchools/Pages/SchoolDetail.aspx?ID=258 It awards the following graduate degrees conjointly with the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
http://www.tst.edu/content/basic-degree-programs:
- Master of DivinityMaster of DivinityIn the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
- Master of ReligionMaster of ReligionThe Master of Religion is a three year graduate theological degree granted conjointly by Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada and the University of Toronto....
- Master of Theological StudiesMaster of Theological StudiesA Master of Theological Studies is a general academic degree that gives students an introduction to advanced theological studies. The M.T.S usually requires two years of program study to complete. The Latin equivalent for M.T.S...
- Doctor of MinistryDoctor of MinistryThe Doctor of Ministry degree is, according to The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada , a doctoral level degree oriented toward ministerial leadership often in an area of applied theology, such as missions, evangelism, church leadership, pastoral psychology or the...
- Master of TheologyMaster of TheologyA Master of Theology is an advanced theological research degree offered by universities, divinity schools, and seminaries.-North America:In North America, the Master of Theology is considered by the Association of Theological Schools to be the minimum educational credential for teaching...
- Doctor of TheologyDoctor of TheologyDoctor of Theology is a terminal academic degree in theology. It is a research degree that is considered by the U.S. National Science Foundation to be the equivalent of a Doctor of Philosophy....
In addition, students may study for the MA
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
or PhD
PHD
PHD may refer to:*Ph.D., a doctorate of philosophy*Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*PHD finger, a protein sequence*PHD Mountain Software, an outdoor clothing and equipment company*PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in Theology, which are awarded by the University of St. Michael's College
University of St. Michael's College
The University of St. Michael's College is a college of the University of Toronto, founded in 1852 by the Congregation of St. Basil of Annonay, France. While mainly an undergraduate college for liberal arts and sciences, St. Michael's retains its Roman Catholic affiliation through its postgraduate...
. Diploma programmes are offered in Lay Ministry and Christian Studies. A Certificate in Anglican Studies is available for candidates for the Anglican priesthood and vocational diaconate who hold an MDiv from a non-Anglican seminary.
In a contribution to its October issue by R. R. Reno, entitled "A 2009 Ranking of Graduate Programs in Theology"http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2009/10/a-2009-ranking-of-graduate-programs-in-theology, Wycliffe's programs were ranked after Duke Divinity School and the University of Notre Dame and on a par with Princeton.
Refresh is the college's annual continuing education conference. Past speakers have included Alister McGrath
Alister McGrath
Alister Edgar McGrath is an Anglican priest, theologian, and Christian apologist, currently Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education at Kings College London and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture...
, Lauren Winner
Lauren Winner
Lauren Frances Winner is an American author and lecturer. She is currently Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. Winner was born to a Jewish father and a Southern Baptist mother, and was raised Jewish...
, N. T. Wright, William P. Young
William P. Young
William Paul Young is a Canadian author, best known for The Shack, a novel.- Biography :Young was the eldest of four, born May 11, 1955, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, but the majority of his first decade was lived with his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea , among...
, Graham Alan Cray
Graham Alan Cray
Graham Alan Cray is the Team Leader of Fresh Expressions and Archbishops' Missioner. Born on 21 April 1947 Cray was educated at Leeds University and St John's College, Nottingham before beginning his career with a curacy at St Mark's Church, Gillingham...
, and Graham Kendrick
Graham Kendrick
Graham Kendrick is a prolific British Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader. He is the son of a Baptist pastor. He now lives in Croydon and is a former member of Ichthus Christian Fellowship...
.
Library
In addition to Wycliffe's collection of theological texts, students have access the libraries of every member school of the Toronto School of TheologyToronto School of Theology
The Toronto School of Theology is an ecumenical centre for graduate theological education and the largest of its kind in Canada. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, the TST comprises seven member colleges in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, as well as four affiliated...
, including Knox's Caven Library, St. Michael's Kelly Library, Trinity and Wycliffe's John W. Graham Library, and the libraries of Emmanuel College, Regis College, and St. Augustine's Seminary. Students, moreover, have access to the library system of the University of Toronto, including Robarts Library
Robarts Library
The John P. Robarts Research Library, commonly referred to as Robarts Library, is the main humanities and social sciences library of the University of Toronto Libraries and the largest individual library in the university...
, Canada's largest library and the fourth largest academic library system in North America.
Institute of Evangelism
The Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism provides resources, including teachers and practitioners of evangelism, print and A/V materials, and conferences and seminars in order to help nurture and grow evangelizing communities. The mission of the Institute of Evangelism is to "encourage and equip the church for the work of evangelism, empowering it to engage in this ministry confidently, joyfully and expectantly."Alumni and faculty
- Eleanor Clitheroe-BellEleanor Clitheroe-BellEleanor Ruth Clitheroe, MBA , LL.M , LL.B, M.Div is a Canadian cleric and former businesswoman.Born in Montreal, Clitheroe earned her LL.B from the University of Western Ontario in 1977. In 1978 she earned her LL.M from McGill University, and earned her MBA from UWO in 1980. In 2005, she obtained...
- Michael HaykinMichael HaykinDr. Michael A.G. Haykin is the Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality and Director of The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary....
- Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Byron Edmund WalkerByron Edmund WalkerSir Byron Edmund Walker, CVO was a Canadian banker. He was the president of the Canadian Bank of Commerce from 1907 to 1924, and a generous patron of the arts, helping to found and nurture many of Canada's cultural and educational institutions, including the University of Toronto, National Gallery...
- Reginald StackhouseReginald StackhouseReginald Francis Stackhouse is a Canadian educator and former politician. He served in the Canadian House of Commons from 1972 to 1974 and from 1984 to 1988 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party....
, former MPCanadian House of CommonsThe House of Commons of Canada is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign and the Senate. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 308 members known as Members of Parliament... - Stephen Andrews, Anglican Bishop of Algoma
- Eliud WabukalaEliud WabukalaThe Most Reverend Dr. Eliud Wabukala is the fifth Anglican Archbishop of Kenya, elected 24 April 2009. He succeeded outgoing Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi who retired....
, Anglican Archbishop of Kenya - Marat Nina AbrahamAbraham Mar ThomaAbraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma Church from 1944-1947. He was called Maret Kochu Thirumeni by his people...
, later known as Abraham Mar Thoma, 17th Head Bishop of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of MalabarMar Thoma ChurchThe Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
- Dyson HagueDyson HagueDyson Hague was a Canadian evangelical Anglican rector, author and lecturer.-Early life and education:Hague was born in Toronto in April 1857 to Sarah Cousins and George Hague. He was educated at Upper Canada College before earning his B.A. and M.A. at University College and his D.D. at Wycliffe...
(1857–1935), contributing author to The FundamentalsThe FundamentalsThe Fundamentals or The Fundamentals: A Testimony To The Truth edited by A. C. Dixon and later by Reuben Archer Torrey is a set of 90 essays in 12 volumes published from 1910 to 1915 by the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. They were designed to affirm orthodox Protestant beliefs and defend against... - Jakób Jocz of Lithuanian birth and an influential writer
- Donald CogganDonald CogganFrederick Donald Coggan, Baron Coggan, PC was the 101st Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980, during which time he visited Rome and met the Pontiff, in company with Bishop Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, future Cardinal of England and Wales.-Background:Coggan was born in Highgate, London, England...
Archbishop of Canterbury 1974-1980] - R. K. HarrisonR. K. HarrisonRonald Kenneth Harrison was an Old Testament scholar.Harrison studied at the University of London and taught at Clifton College, Bristol from 1947 to 1949, before his appointment as Hellmuth Professor of Old Testament Studies at Huron College, University of Western Ontario...
, Old Testament scholar - Richard LongeneckerRichard LongeneckerRichard N. Longenecker is a prominent New Testament scholar. For many years he taught at Wycliffe College in the University of Toronto. More recently he was Distinguished Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. He is now retired. His education includes B.A. and M.A. degrees...
New Testament scholar - John Bainbridge WebsterJohn Bainbridge WebsterProfessor John B. Webster, MA, PhD, DD, FRSE is a notable contemporary British theologian of the Anglican communion writing in the area of systematic, historical and moral theology...
British Anglican systematic theologian - John P. Bowen - Associate Professor of Evangelism
- Terence L. Donaldson - Lord and Lady Coggan Professor of New Testament Studies
- Alan Hayes - Bishops Frederick and Heber Wilkinson Professor of Church History
- Ann Jervis - Professor of New Testament
- Wanda Malcolm - Professor of Pastoral Psychology
- Joseph Mangina - Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
- Merv Mercer - Assistant Professor of Anglican Formation
- Thomas Power - Adjunct Professor of Church History
- Ephraim Radner - Professor of Historical Theology
- David Reed - Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology
- Christopher Seitz - Professor of Biblical Interpretation
- George Sumner - Helliwell Professor of World Mission
- Glen Taylor - Associate Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Proclamation
- Marion Taylor - Professor of Old Testament
Further reading
- Arnold Edinborough, ed. The Enduring Word: A Centennial History of Wycliffe College. University of Toronto PressUniversity of Toronto PressUniversity of Toronto Press is Canada's leading scholarly publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America. Founded in 1901, UTP has published over 6,500 books, with well over 3,500 of these still in print....
, 1978. - Dyson HagueDyson HagueDyson Hague was a Canadian evangelical Anglican rector, author and lecturer.-Early life and education:Hague was born in Toronto in April 1857 to Sarah Cousins and George Hague. He was educated at Upper Canada College before earning his B.A. and M.A. at University College and his D.D. at Wycliffe...
et al. The Jubilee Volume of Wycliffe College, 1877-1927. Toronto: Wycliffe College, 1927.