Life Together...In the Federation
Ridley Hall does not operate on its own. The Cambridge Theological Federation enables students to prepare for ordained ministry in an ecumenical context, while remaining rooted in the tradition of their own particular college. It also makes possible the sharing of teaching, library, catering, and other resources.
Each institution is responsible for the training, development and pastoral care of its own students. However the majority of academic teaching is delivered on a Federation basis, making the teaching expertise of each institution available to all Cambridge-based Federation students, and ensuring a mutual sharing and challenging of ideas. The whole Federation worships together once a fortnight, with each member institution leading in turn.
We see this level of ecumenical partnership and dialogue across traditions as an essential feature of training for the future and a realistic preparation for ministry in today's Church.
Sport is very much an ecumenical activity. We have Federation teams which have achieved notable success and spectacular failure! (e.g. football), and keen inter-college rivalry in other sports (e.g. cricket). Ridley is responsible for the upkeep of the Federation punt and has an excellent croquet lawn. Squash and tennis facilities are nearby.
Cambridge, of course, has many attractions - the river, medieval and modern buildings, book shops, museums, restaurants and arts facilities. It is a fascinating place to live, with a varied social context. London is just over an hour away by train. What Cambridge does not have is hills, so it is a very popular place to ride a bike!
