Monday, 15 September 2003, marked the twentieth Anniversary of the official incorporation of the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD). To state the fact so glibly and leave it at that, would be to neglect the long period of negotiations, stretching over almost seven years, that preceded this faltering beginning, or to dismiss the context in which all of this happened. Bishop George Augustus Selwyn in response to the question of how he would like his own life to be written, replied: “Tell first of all my faults, and then tell whatever the grace of God has enabled me to do in spite of them.” That is what I propose to do in recounting the story of the SCD.
Nevertheless, this article has been a necessarily selective attempt to distil and delineate the essence of the major phases of the SCD’s life. That there are omissions is hardly surprising, and for those of you who would prefer a more detailed account of the earliest years, I would strongly recommend John Hill’s definitive articles, “The Foundation of the Sydney College of Divinity”.
Perhaps my treatment of events has been blemished and restricted in its charity. Some may claim that I am simply too close to the Sydney College of Divinity, having now been associated with it for exactly half of its life. All I can claim is that my intention has not been to downgrade or discount, but to affirm and advance. In presenting this paper it is also my earnest hope that, by being more informed of the past, we might more easily master the challenges and events of the present, and therefore move forward with greater confidence and with a sure hope.