The merged college will be one of Australia’s largest theological institutions with between 800 to 1000 students.

“The world is changing, and we must change with it …” – Karen Siggins

The name of the college will be Morling College, with the Sydney campus called “Macquarie” and the Perth campus retaining the name “Vose.” (These names honour significant principals of both colleges.)

Ross Clifford who heads Morling, will be the principal of the merged college.

These two colleges can be regarded as “evangelical”, with a high regard for traditional historic Christianity. It is significant that Melbourne’s Whitley college, also Baptist, is not part of the merger. When Eternity first became aware of the discussions, it was made clear by a Morling insider that Vose and Morling were more compatible

Both colleges have a rich history, with Vose starting under the oversight of Baptist Churches Western Australia more than 50 years ago. Morling was established more than 100 years ago.

Last year, Morling celebrated the opening of a new, fully funded ministry and learning centre at its Macquarie Park site (adjacent to Macquarie University. Redeveloping the campus with apartment blocks funded a  student accommodation block – as wells as the new teaching centre – debt free. The new teaching centre is a strikingly inviting space – when Eternity visited it on a College Open day, Clifford made sure that students from the neighbouring Macquarie University were welcome.

Chair of Baptist Churches Western Australia and its theological college Vose Seminary, Pastor Karen Siggins said the merger was a milestone in the life of the seminary.

“The world is changing, and we must change with it, and our students will now have access to more subjects and many more options towards their desired outcomes,” Siggins said, who believed the most exciting result will be the “Kingdom impact.”

“Our graduates already serve across many denominations and locations, and this will enable us to more effectively influence the mission field and the marketplace.”

Chair of the Morling College Board, Kel Willis explained that going forward as one entity is a continuation of the combined vision of both colleges.

“Our call is both national and global, and this historical agreement will enable us to better impact the world with the gospel of Christ.”

He said progress was a part of their history.

The merger is expected to be formally approved and finalised at the Baptist Churches Western Australia Assembly AGM in October 2020.