Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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Dear Readers,
You are all very welcome to join us to celebrate St Francis Day on Friday, 3 October 2025. We will begin with a Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 2 pm. The Rev’d Dr Greg Jenks will be the preacher and celebrant of the Eucharist. This year is the 50th anniversary year of both his and Mr Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe’s association with St Francis College, and the 40th anniversary of naming the Roscoe Library. The celebration Eucharist will be followed by refreshments in Lecture Room 1, where the memory of Mr Roscoe will be honoured and there will be an opportunity to tour the library. Please register if you would like to attend and please further the invitation to any alumni you know, especially people associated with St Francis College in 1975-1985.
Our Open Day will be held on the morning of Saturday, 11 October with an information session for seekers in the afternoon. This day is for anyone interested in studying some theology, whether Sunday School teachers interested in attending a couple of biblical studies classes or someone exploring stipendiary ministry options. Current students sharing their experience is always a highlight. Please register here for the Open Day and to indicate interest in the Seekers afternoon, please complete this form - Seekers Afternoon.
If interested in the research projects being undertaken at St Francis College please come to the Research @ St Francis College Information Afternoon on Thursday, 23 October. Details of this event, including a registration link, can be found in this edition of Frank's News. Applications for the Ivor Church Bursaries for postgraduate research in 2026 are due on 30 November and the portal is here.
I am delighted to announce that the Rev’d Dr Lynette Dungan has been appointed as the new Program Director of the St Francis Spiritual Direction Formation and will be attending the intensive beginning on 29 September 2025. Lynette is a minister in the Uniting Church of Australia based in Melbourne, with 27 years’ experience as a spiritual director and nearly 20 years’ experience as a professional supervisor. From 2004 to 2023 Lynette was a formator and supervisor in the Wellsprings ASCP (Art of Spiritual Companioning Program) Formation Team. In 2023 Lynette completed a doctorate with La Trobe University, entitled Supervision from a Contemplative Stance, and over the last two years has facilitated numerous workshops, seminars and retreats. From the beginning of 2026 we plan to offer the opportunity to complete our four year Spiritual Direction Formation Program with a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction from the University of Divinity. There will be an online information evening about this on Monday, 27 October and to register to attend: Spiritual Direction Information Evening Tickets | TryBooking Australia.
We are now in a position to recruit a halftime Young Adult ministry Facilitator for the Diocese. This role will involve
- consulting with young adults who have a connection with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland
- organising opportunities to gather, grow and reflect as Christians
- facilitating camp and retreat experiences, and
- developing a network of young Anglicans who may meet for prayer and study in small groups.
For more information see Job Vacancy - Young Adult Ministry Facilitator — Saint Francis College, and please share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this position.
Our AYCF (Anglican Youth, Children and Families) Parish Support Worker, Juliet Briner is available to visit and help resource children’s and youth programs in parishes. Please check out the upcoming conferences and resources on the AYCF resources page (Resources — AYCF) or subscribe to the e-newsletter.
The fourth theme of the inner vivid video series on How to Live? has been released. (Theme 4: How to live? — innerVIVID). I highly recommend watching and sharing these videos to help people from across the community explore spirituality.
Now the weather is warmer, if you are looking for a camping spot it is easy to book a site at Pointro using the Hipcamp app: Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground - Hipcamp in Maroon, Queensland.
As the season of creation draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate St Francis Day, let us see and celebrate our kinship with all creation and may we be instruments of peace in our world.
Blessings
Ruth
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Felix Arnott Lecture 2025: Listening for Change
This year’s Felix Arnott Lecture at St Francis College featured Dr Lorna Hallahan, a respected theologian, disability advocate, and former senior researcher with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Dr Hallahan began by reminding us that any conversation about justice must begin with a deep awareness of the ongoing impact of colonisation. She reflected on how this awareness shapes our understanding of trauma, injustice, and the work of healing.
Drawing on her decades of experience in social work, theology, and public policy, Dr Hallahan explored the power and complexity of testimony. She shared moving stories from her time working with people affected by immigration detention, forced adoption, and disability discrimination. These stories highlighted both the courage of those who speak out and the emotional toll of bearing witness.
She challenged the audience to think critically about how personal stories are used in public forums like royal commissions. While testimony can be empowering, it can also be co-opted or ignored. Dr Hallahan encouraged a shift from individual storytelling to collective historical memory, and from passive listening to strategic, hopeful action.
The lecture concluded with a thoughtful Q&A session, where participants reflected on the limits of royal commissions, the role of love in justice work, and how we might reimagine testimony as a tool for transformation.
Although change is often slow, she reminded us that it is possible. “We are not going to walk away from it,” she said, referring to the work and outcomes of the Disability Royal Commission. “We’re going to use it in every space where power might be shifted and minds changed.”
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Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan
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Pride Research Seminar Draws Crowd at St Francis College
The Pride Research Seminar at St Francis College on 18 September was a powerful and inspiring gathering of minds, hearts, and voices. With the large audience, it was clear that the event struck a chord with many.
The seminar showcased the work of emerging scholars exploring LGBTQIA+ themes in theology and spirituality, offering fresh perspectives and challenging long-held assumptions. It was especially heartening to see young presenters leading the way, inviting attendees to think in new directions and engage with complex intersections of faith, identity and justice.
Although Emma Leitch was unable to attend in person, her research on the history and harm of religious Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) was acknowledged and appreciated.
Caitlin Olsen shared findings from her master’s thesis on LGBTQIA+ experiences within Brisbane’s Protestant Evangelical churches. Her research illuminated the precarious tensions faced by queer Christians in these communities, while also pointing toward pathways of healing and prophetic resistance.
AJ Gouws brought a provocative and poetic lens to medieval mysticism, exploring themes of self-dissolution, maternal imagery, and queer kink theory through the writings of Mechthild of Magdeburg. Their presentation invited deep reflection on suffering, agency and the divine.
Chris Phillips offered a compelling critique of theological approaches to bodily integrity, drawing on Donna Haraway’s cyborg theory and disability theology to reimagine human community and becoming through the lens of hormones and the endocrine system. Their interdisciplinary approach—rooted in medicine, public health, and queer studies—was both intellectually rigorous and pastorally sensitive.
The seminar was well supported and served as a vibrant space for inclusive scholarship and meaningful conversation. For many attendees, the information presented was new and eye-opening, sparking dialogue that will no doubt continue beyond the event.
As St Francis College continues to foster spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued, the Pride Research Seminar stands as a testament to the power of academic inquiry to affirm, uplift and transform.
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From left: Ruth Mathieson (staff), AJ Gouws, Chris Phillips, and Caitlin Olsen (presenters), and Peter Kline (staff) at the Pride Research Seminar.
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Open Day at St Francis College
Date/Time: 11 October 2025
Arrive from 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM start
Are you curious about theology, interested in deepening your faith, or exploring new ministry or professional pathways? St Francis College invites you to our upcoming Open Day, which you can attend either in person or online. This event is a wonderful opportunity to discover what’s possible, whether you’re considering formal study, personal growth, or simply want to learn more about our community.
During the Open Day, you’ll be able to explore our flexible study options, including both online and on-campus courses. You’ll have the chance to meet our faculty and current students, ask questions about scholarships and support services, and find out about the different pathways available to help you reach your goals. We offer a wide range of subjects, such as Biblical Studies, Church History, Mission and Ministry, and Anglican Studies, so there’s something for everyone.
At St Francis College, we value thoughtful engagement with Scripture, are grounded in the Anglican tradition, and welcome new ideas. We’re committed to forming leaders for service in the Church and the wider community - whether you’re in Brisbane, regional Queensland, northern NSW, or beyond.
For more information: Open Day — Saint Francis College
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Open Day for Higher Degree Research
Are you considering taking your theological studies further through research? St Francis College, in partnership with the University of Divinity, offers a range of postgraduate research pathways for those who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree in a field related to Theology.
If you have an undergraduate degree but no formal research qualification (such as Honours or a Masters by research), our Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology is a great place to start—especially if you’re thinking about progressing to a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. For those who already hold a research qualification and are ready to pursue deeper study, we offer both a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy, providing the opportunity to undertake substantial research in a field related to Theology, with the support of experienced supervisors.
To help you explore these options, we’re hosting a Research @ St Francis College Information Afternoon on Thursday, 23 October. The program will run from 1:30 to 4:00 PM in Lecture Room 1, and you’re welcome to join us for one or both sessions
We also encourage eligible alumni to consider applying for the Ivor Frederick Church Bursary, established through the will of the late Rev’d Canon Ivor Frederick Church. This bursary supports postgraduate theological study for alumni of St Francis College, offering funding for research degrees, minor thesis work, and select overseas study opportunities. It’s a wonderful way to support academic excellence and leadership in theological education.
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest research happening at St Francis, ask questions about the enrolment process, and find out more about what’s involved in postgraduate research. If you’d like more information about enrolment, available units, or timetables, please contact our Registrar, Linda Burridge, on (07) 3514 7403. For questions about supervision or potential thesis topics, our Research Co-ordinator, Associate Professor Peter Kline, is available on (07) 3514 7418.
We hope you can join us for an afternoon of learning, conversation, and inspiration!
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David Binns Lecture
On Thursday, 6 November from 6:00 to 7:00 PM St Francis College is hosting the David Binns Memorial Lecture. This year Peter Kline will be presenting Infinite Splendours: Psychoanalysis and the Sublime. You can join us in person at St Francis College, Lecture Room 1, or online via Zoom.
Peter’s talk will trace the connections between art, spirituality and the insights of psychoanalysis, with a special focus on the Australian novel Infinite Splendours, written by Sophie Laguna, which tells a story of childhood trauma and visual art. Using Jean Laplanche's psychoanalytic theory, Peter will explore how art comes from and transformatively restages the fundamental enigma that makes us human beings, our relation to disturbing otherness.
After the talk, everyone is invited to stay for some light refreshments and informal conversation—a great opportunity to meet others. Whether you’re deeply involved in these fields or simply curious, this promises to be an engaging and inspiring evening. We hope you can join us, either in person or online, for what’s sure to be a memorable event!
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Being Anglican: History and Practice
Expression of Interest Now Open – Summer Semester 2026
Are you curious about the rich history, theology, and identity of the Anglican tradition? Want to explore what it means to be Anglican in today’s world?
This Summer, we’re offering the unit DL3002Z / DL9032Z Being Anglican: History and Practice, taught by Archbishop Phillip Aspinall and Bishop Jonathan Holland. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from two of the Church’s most experienced leaders in a focused and engaging format.
The unit will be delivered through four Saturday intensives:
📅 10 & 17 January, 7 & 14 February
🕘 9:00am to 5:00pm
💻 Plus a 1-hour online introduction on Saturday 29 November
Together, we’ll explore the story of Anglicanism from its Celtic and medieval roots, through the Reformation, and into the diverse expressions of Anglican identity today. You’ll engage with key theological and ecclesiological developments and reflect on how Anglicanism has taken shape in Australia and around the world. Whether you’re studying for credit or auditing for personal interest, this unit offers a rich and thought-provoking journey into what it means to be Anglican today.
📩 Interested?
Please contact Linda Burridge at LBurridge@ministryeducation.org.au to register your interest.
We’d love to hear from you and help you take the next step in exploring what it means to be Anglican today.
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Roscoe Library Matters
by Eve James
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St Francis Day + Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe Celebration
I’d like to echo the many invitations that you may have already received to join with us on Friday 3 October to celebrate St Francis Day as well as 40 years since the library was named in honour of Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe. For those who have studied with us, perhaps you could add the annual St Francis Day event to your calendars and liaise to catch up with your cohort here and perhaps go on somewhere afterwards? This year we will have special guests including Mrs Margaret Leditschke who worked alongside Mr Roscoe and members of Mr Roscoe’s family sharing stories of this remarkable person. Take a tour of the library and see what has changed, including the new artwork incorporating Mr Roscoe’s image. Registrations (for catering purposes) close soon; the link is here.
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New books!
Nothing will Save Us: A Theology of Immeasurable Life / David C.L. Driedger
The Torah requires that nothing be placed at the centre of worship. The Gospel proclaims that God came into the world as nothing. So will nothing save us? This book is a pastoral and critical work of constructive Mennonite theology, inspired by the tradition of liberation theology which claims there is no salvation outside the poor. By attending to the people and places dismissed, despised, and discounted as nothing, we find eyes to see the idolatrous systems and the structural sin of the church and world. From beginning to end, Nothing Will Save Us is in search of what church and world should be made accountable to. There is a tendency for conservatives to abuse judgment and liberals to abdicate themselves from it, with both disavowing those who are daily crucified. Once we understand our common place among those considered nothing by the world, we may find ears to hear the good news of another, immeasurable, life.
Touching God: Dementia and the Bodies of Christ / Peter Kevern
The dread of dementia has a unique hold over us, because dementia seems to eat away at what makes us human. If we lose our capacity to remember, to think, to act, and even to speak, what is left of us? And where is the God who promised to be with us? These are profound theological questions that go beyond a need for better pastoral care or more welcoming churches: they hold up a mirror to what we really believe about human beings, about God, and about dementia itself. The purpose of this book is to explore what these questions have to teach us, by reflecting theologically on the faith journey of people who live with dementia. It is a personal theological pilgrimage, digging down into the theological meaning of dementia itself, looking for hidden pearls of insight. But it is also an attempt to look past the details, to see the "big picture" of God's grace and faithfulness, embodied in the person and life of the crucified and risen Christ. It will speak not just to people who are challenged or troubled by dementia, but to anybody seeking to grapple with their faith in challenging times.
Frozen Institutions: Questions for the Church After Christendom / Bruce N. Kaye
Thanks for the memories--well, maybe not. It has been hard work getting over the break-up of the fifteen-hundred-year Anglican marriage of church and state--the so-called English Christendom. It is still a work in progress because the marriage left behind so many unconscious assumptions about power, institutions, and community relations. The first group of essays in this book challenges some of the frozen elements in church institutions, in particular habits of orthodoxy, catholicity, and canonical Scripture. They are framed in the context of the struggles of the Anglican Communion. The second set of essays refer to the Anglican Church of Australia and some attempts at de-frosting its institutions. These are lectures and papers given across Australia mostly during the author's time as General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Australia. The last essay is an account of a current struggle over the blessing of a same-sex couple legally married under recently changed civil law. It illustrates the role of the constitution of the church in this dispute. The loose federation of dioceses in the constitution has generally enabled dioceses to live separately. The danger in this has been the spectre of a church made up of diocesan silos rather than of engaged fellowship. However, the federal structure does not need to work that way. Indeed, in the present conflict situation this very looseness could be used to provide space for more respectful engagement. How this crisis is handled will be an early clue as to whether the church is up to it.
These books are just a few of those that are new to our library during September. Would you like to borrow? Register here.
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Host Your Next Event at Old Bishopsbourne
Looking for a venue that blends elegance, history, and charm? Old Bishopsbourne offers a unique setting for corporate meetings, private functions, and special celebrations. It’s also the perfect spot for your office Christmas party.
📞 Book Your Event Today
Call (07) 3514 7400 or email enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au to learn more or arrange a tour.
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Escape to Tranquility: Pointro Campsite at Boonah
Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Pointro Campsite offers a back to basics camping experience on the banks of Maroon Dam in Queensland. Enjoy spacious sites, firepits, hot showers, and clean toilets — ideal for fishing, hiking, and water sports.
Ideal for families, friends, and group retreats. Our bunkhouse sleeps up to 36 and is great for youth camps.
Book now on Hipcamp or email pointro@anglicanchurchsq.org.au for bunkhouse bookings.
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Contact
Please use the email addresses below to contact SFC Staff:
Ruth Mathieson - Executive Director/Principal
✉️ ruth.mathieson@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Rod Mengel - Property & Finance Manager
✉️ rod.mengel@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Linda Burridge - Registrar
✉️ registrar@ministryeducation.org.au
Adam Couchman - Academic Dean
✉️ adam.couchman@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Peter Kline - Research Co-ordinator
✉️ pkline@ministryeducation.org.au
Eve James - Library Manager
✉️ ejames@ministryeducation.org.au
Jonathan Sargeant - FormEdFaith
✉️ jonathans@ministryeducation.org.au
Juliet Briner - Anglican Youth Children and Family
✉️ juliet.briner@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Tim Coates - Administration/Reception
✉️ enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
Wendy Dann - Spiritual Direction Program Officer
✉️ wdann@ministryeducation.org.au
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