Archbishop Rowan Williams hosts dinner at Lambeth Palace for SPTC

Friends of St Paul's Theological Centre attended a dinner at Lambeth Palace last week hosted by Archbishop Rowan Williams and his wife Jane. The Centre, which is part of London's St Mellitus College, provides theological education for around 20 ordination candidates each year and also offers courses for hundreds of lay people.

Linked to Holy Trinity Brompton, the Centre offers training in which academic studies run parallel with practical work in the local church.

Welcoming the guests, Archbishop Rowan provoked laughter when he alluded to his wife's role as a lecturer in the Centre. He said, 'As a teacher's spouse, I have a vested interest in the success of the St Paul's Theological Centre.

'At a recent diocesan event, I was talking to a graduate of an eminent theological college of an eminent university city, who said to me, "If I was starting out again, I think I know where I would go..." He meant the St Paul's Theological Centre. I think that is a great tribute.'

He pointed out that there was a unique combination of 'theology and joy' at the Centre, saying, 'People don't often link those together, but in Graham [Tomlin, the dean] and the work of St Paul's Theological Centre, I see that and it is a very special thing.'

Speakers at the dinner included Dr Jane Williams, Dean Graham Tomlin, Trustees Chairman Paul Marshall, and the Rev'd Nicky Gumbel, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton.