MCD University of Divinity

It would be remiss to send this issue of Pacifica off to our readers without noting a major item of news that relates to the journal’s main sponsor. The website of the Melbourne College of Divinity currently states that:

On 29th August, the Victoria Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) published a Notice in the Government Gazette indicating to the Parliament of the State of Victoria that VRQA had granted Approval for the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD) to operate as a “university of specialisation” with the title “MCD University of Divinity”. The approval is for an initial 5 year period, commencing 1 January, 2012. The Notice was tabled in both houses of the Victorian Parliament on 30th August, and may be disallowed or suspended up until 8 December (the last sitting day of Parliament for the year).

Under the current National Protocols for Higher Education Approvals Processes a “university of specialisation” is an institution which delivers Australian Qualifications Framework higher education qualifications (including Research Masters and PhDs or equivalent Research Doctorates) in one or two broad fields of study only and sets standards for those qualifications which are equivalent to Australian and international standards.

Subject to approval by the Victorian Parliament, MCD, under its new title, will become the first Specialised University in Australia and the first university to be established in the State since Victoria University in 1990.

On the assumption that the Victorian Parliament will ratify this decision, I offer, on behalf of the Pacifica Executive and Editorial Board, warmest congratulations to the MCD on securing the status of “university of specialisation”.

This development is significant, of course, not just for one institution but for all who are involved in theology and theological education in the Australian higher education system. Theology is a “specialist” subject, but it rightfully takes its place within the broader educational system because, like other academic disciplines, it is capable of being pursued at the highest critical level. Pacifica has played an important role in ensuring that theological research at this level is disseminated widely and undertaken with the same commitment to rigorous critical thought that undergirds all scholarly work in the humanities. For this to continue the journal needs to continue to receive submissions of high quality, and together with the support of the Editorial Board, Executive, and a large number of colleagues who are involved in the processes of peer review and publication, I hope to continue Pacifica's reputation for scholarly excellence. In this way it is to be hoped that this specialist journal will continue to contribute to the wider human pursuit of knowledge, truth and understanding.