The Cambridge Theological Federation

Something that makes Ridley distinctive is our membership of the Cambridge Theological Federation, a visionary partnership for theological education. Since it was first established by three founding theological colleges in Cambridge, the Federation has expanded and continues to evolve as a living witness to the richness of the experience of the people of God.

With an increasing number of Church of England parishes being linked formally with neighbouring congregations from other denominations in Local Ecumenical Partnerships, the challenges and opportunities of cooperation and ecumenical involvement are growing in significance. Our membership of the Federation enables students to prepare for this vital element of ministry, while remaining rooted in their own tradition.

Training in an enriched environment

Ridley students learn, socialise and worship together with fellow students from the institutions that comprise the Federation. Anglicans of different traditions, Methodists, Roman Catholics, United Reformed and Orthodox meet regularly for worship, in the the lecture hall, over a meal and on the football pitch. Training at Ridley in this context opens up every student to the breadth of the wider Church, at the same time serving to sharpen their own perspectives in the face of divergent opinion. 

Strength in partnership

Collaboration allows each institution to pool its teaching expertise, and together resource a wider range of course pathways than would otherwise be possible. Library resources are shared and co-ordinated across the Federation, allowing the development of specialised collections. Ridley students live within walking distance of eight excellent theological libraries. Lecture rooms in the Federation's five colleges and other practical resources are likewise made available across the Federation.

While respecting our distinctive emphases, we are continually exploring areas in which we can collaborate to benefit each other and the wider Church. An example is the Centre for Pioneer Learning, a joint enterprise between Westcott House, Ridley and Ely Diocese.