Bishop takes out top study honour

Graduate pastor Matthew Bishop has been awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Scholar award for 2015 from the University of Divinity, of which Australian Lutheran College (ALC) is a part.

The now Pastor Bishop, who recently started serving at his first parish (Morley, in suburban Perth), was presented the award by Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Sherlock, at the university’s Adelaide graduation ceremony in December.

Pastor Bishop was nominated for the award by the Dean, the Head of the School of Pastoral Theology and the teaching staff of ALC, who recognised the depth of his commitment to learning, the quality of his scholarship, the originality of his thinking and his desire to share his passion for knowledge and understanding with others.

Also at the ceremony, held at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens, guests and family members gathered to celebrate the graduation of 54 students from colleges of the University of Divinity.

Graduates attending included undergraduate and postgraduate students from ALC, and Rev Dr Cecilia Francis of Trinity College Theological School, who received the degree of Doctor of Ministry Studies.

The graduation address was given by Rev Canon Professor Dorothy Lee, Dean of Trinity College Theological School. She reminded students that, although they had reached the conclusion of their academic courses, as disciples of Jesus Christ (the Greek word for ‘disciple’ means ‘one who learns’) they would continue to be students.

This was the first year that the graduation ceremony had been open to all students of the university and the first time it included the presentation of VET and Vocational Certificates to ALC students.