Allnations and Redcliffe College announce merger

Two of the UK's leading mission training colleges, Allnations and Redcliffe College, have agreed to merge.

They said the new college would build on the current strengths and rich heritage of both to become the foremost centre for mission training in the UK and around the world.

While talks regarding issues such as name and location are still in the early stages, it is envisaged that the merged college will operate from the current Redcliffe and allnations campuses in Gloucester and Hertfordshire from September 2010, and on one site from September 2011.

Short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate studies will continue to be available and the current emphasis on academic rigour, practical training and spiritual development will be maintained.

Allnations and Redcliffe both serve a wider European and global constituency, with around 30 nationalities in each of their student bodies. They said they shared many of the same values of an integrated approach to training men and women for effective cross-cultural service and that they believed this offered a firm foundation for the future.

Richard Clark, former National Director of Interserve (England and Wales) and a member of the board said, "The new college will give us the opportunity to respond to the current social, economic and Christian climate and create a world class training institution.

"There will be better stewardship of resources, a greater capacity for incisive research, and a stronger platform upon which to speak into the vital issues surrounding global cross-cultural mission today."

Martin Lee, Director of Global Connections and member of the board, said: "Having had a long association with both colleges, I am very excited about seeing the new centre for mission training that will be created from the merger," he said.

"The new body has the potential to be a world leader in the areas of cross-cultural training and mission.

"This is a strategic and timely decision which will further the development of innovative and effective mission in the 21st century."