The Church of Scotland has selected a leading Scottish university as its primary academic partner after a years-long search.
Trinity College at the University of Glasgow has been invited to work with the national church to train ministers and deacons.
A statement from the Church of Scotland said that the university’s submission was “the boldest, most innovative and forward-looking response” and that the decision “focused primarily” on the educational opportunities and not budget savings.
The recommendation is subject to the university working with church leaders to agree on terms and develop an academic training package for ministers.
The statement continued: “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 our Ordained Local Ministers and Readers, as well as those participating in our apprenticeship programme.
“They will also provide continuing professional development for those undertaking training in worship and missional studies."
A final decision will be made at the church’s General Assembly, which will take place in Edinburgh in May 2026.
There are around 650 ministers currently ordained in the church, serving a variety of parishes across Scotland.
As congregant numbers continue to dwindle, the church has looked to sell off disused buildings.
This has attracted criticism from some campaigners in recent years.
Fife-based architect Tom Morton was part of a local group which made an unsuccessful bid for Monimail Church in Cupar.
Speaking to The Herald in August, he said: "The Church has known for 25 years that it was going to have to sell a lot of properties in the heart of communities across Scotland.
“Many of these buildings hold cultural, social and spiritual value. But often we see these rushed sales that effectively exclude local interest and benefit investors with ready private capital."
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