St Mellitus College


St Mellitus College is a theological college established in 2007 by the Diocese of London and the Diocese of Chelmsford of the Church of England. It has campuses in Earl's Court, Chelmsford, Liverpool, and Plymouth, with growing links with other churches, colleges and dioceses throughout the UK and beyond. The president is Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington, and the dean is Andy Emerton. St Mellitus College is a wholly non-residential college and has pioneered context-based training within the Church of England, integrating academic theological study with ministry placements throughout the course of study.

History

Named after the very first Bishop of London, whose territory covered London and Essex, the college was founded in 2007 by the bishops of London and Chelmsford to serve the church’s mission in those regions and beyond. It has grown significantly since being founded, and moved into its own premises at St Jude's Church, Kensington in 2012, a building renovated specifically for this purpose. The centre houses a range of teaching space, rooms for pastoral care, academic and administrative offices, a growing academic library, space for hospitality and college worship.
In 2013, St Mellitus North West was established at Liverpool Cathedral, reestablishing full-time Anglican ordination training in that area for the first time in more than 40 years. This venture was directed by Jill Duff, in partnership with five dioceses in that area. Since May 2018, the Revd Dr Michael Leyden has been Director of St Mellitus College North West. In September 2017, St Mellitus South West was launched, based in St Matthias Plymouth under the direction of the Revd Dr Donna Lazenby.

Organisation and purpose

The college offers courses for many different kinds of students, including:
The college is named after St Mellitus, one of the least known but most significant figures in the establishment of the church in London and Essex – a key moment in the conversion of the British Isles. Mellitus was sent to England by Pope Gregory the Great, following in the footsteps of St Augustine who had made the same journey a few years before.

Publications by college members