About us

Located in the historic city of Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the College of the Transfiguration is a theological education institution that provides an environment in which future priests are formed, informed and transformed, so as to be equipped to minister within the church and society in Africa.

The only provincial residential college of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, it accommodates about 50 students from cross-cultural backgrounds – either on campus or in student quarters located in the streets surrounding the College.

The College is primarily directed towards Anglicans preparing for lay or ordained ministry, although those from other denominations and religions are welcome, provided they undertake to accept our Christian Anglican ethos.

Vision
The vision of the College Community is to help set ourselves and others free to be people who are like Christ, being visionary leaders recognising our own need of God and working for the empowerment of others in building Christ-like communities.

Contextual Theology
We take a contextual approach to teaching. Rather than providing ready-made anwers, we challenge students to think creatively and critcally about their faith and actions as they engage with the issues, situations and problems of the contexts in which we live.

Courses focus on those aspects of Christian faith and life which are relvant to the spiritual, moral and intellectual challenges of the church and society of Southern Africa.

In this way, we seek to inform students so that they may be more effective ministers in whatever context they may be placed in.

The Contextual Theology Programme offers students from elsewhere in the world the opportunity to share the experience of life at our College. Each year we host a maximum of six students from the Northern Hemisphere, exposing them to the local context and providing a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships with Christians across the Globe.

Facilities
The main campus includes:

• Rectory
• Administration block
• Library – comprising three sections: reference, short loan and general. Students also have access to the library at Rhodes University.
• Computer room – equipped with 10 computers with Internet access, printers and a photocopier.
• Common rooms

• Kitchen
• Dining hall
• Three lecture rooms
• Student and staff accommodation
• Chapel
• Laundry
• Tennis and volleyball courts

Some of these facilities, such as the library, office, computer and lecture rooms are in urgent need of an upgrade, in order to meet the needs of the students. The College of the Transfiguration is currently embarking on a capital campaign to fund two new buildings. Click here for more information and to see the plans.

College Life
Life at the College is centred in the Chapel, where we begin every day – and end most days – together in worship. Learners are expected to take their turn in leading the services, choosing appropriate music and prayers and reading the scriptures. They also spend some time each day in corporate meditation.

Outreach Programme
Students are required to participate in the College Outreach Programme, where they become actively involved in the local community and put into practice what they have learned in class.

Mission Programme
Once a year, a week is set aside for students to pursue the practical ministry of mission work elsewhere in South Africa. This usually takes the form of talks to youth groups and parish communities, visits to schools, factories, prisons and farms, etc.

Exchange Programme
We offer subsidised exchange programmes with institutions in England, New Zealand and Canada, enabling students to experience different cultures, so they may be better prepared to serve God in whatever context they are placed.