Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Chris Bryant (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 19 December 2005 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Ordinands

Question: That means that there is a significant move towards non-residential training in the Church of England. Does my hon. Friend worry that the Church of England needs not only managers, but theologians—people who have studied theology as an academic discipline? Will he take it from me, as an external adviser on the Oxford theology degree, that few people now study such academic courses in this country? Is there not a danger that theology will wither on the vine in the Church of England?

Answer: I would be very surprised if theology withered on the vine because the Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the finest theologians that we have and a great example to us all on theology. My hon. Friend is right that the choice between residential and non-residential training courses depends on several factors. I look forward to the merger of Ripon college with the Oxford ministry course, which will strengthen the college, allow for new types of training along the theological lines to which he referred and draw on the full strength of full-time and part-time modes of training.

Secondary information