A NEW theological education institution, St Martha’s College, has been established by the diocese of Guildford in the hope of training more men and women for both lay and ordained ministry in the region. St Martha’s is to expand the work of the existing Local Ministry Programme (LMP) by offering candidates “high-quality theological training and formation, practical experience, and opportunities for people taking their first steps in exploring a calling to ministry”, a diocesan announcement said on Monday. St Martha’s was officially launched at St Mary’s, Guildford, with more than 100 clergy and lay leaders, including former students, in attendance. He hoped that graduates would manifest this love in their ministry, growing in their ability to disciple others. The Interim Principal of St Martha’s, the Revd Dr Anna Poulson, said that the essence of St Martha’s — in the words of students — was: “Fellowship, family, togetherness, community, hope, belonging, and joy.