Affiliated with the United Church of Canada, it is also a member institution of the Toronto School of Theology.

Emmanuel College is a member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Emmanuel College and other TST's member institutions.

[1] Emmanuel College welcomed its first woman principal in 2018 with the appointment of Michelle Voss Roberts.

Emmanuel College's library was the location where the British band Tears for Fears filmed the music video for their song "Head over Heels" in June 1985.