A petition has been launched urging the governors of Heythrop College to reconsider their decision to close the institution and leave the University of London. In June the governors announced that Heythrop College would cease to exist in its current form from 2018, marking the end of the educational institution in its present form after 400 years. The reason for this change is financial, with the college blaming the costs of increased regulatory requirements “without the economies of scale available to other colleges and universities”. In a statement the petitioners state: ”Dear all, It has been announced by the governors of Heythrop College, a constituent part of the University of London specializing in Theology and Philosophy, that this 401 year old college is to close in its current form. “Its closure, as currently constituted, would be a serious blow to theological, religious, and philosophical teaching and research in the UK. We sign this petition to express the dismay and sorrow of colleagues and friends across the UK and beyond, and to encourage the governors to reconsider their decision.”