St Francis College warmly invites you to our Pride Research Seminar on Thursday 18 September at 2:00 PM. This special event showcases the inspiring work of scholars and students engaged in LGBTQIA+ research, creating space for inclusive dialogue and academic exploration.

📚 Scroll down to discover the exciting presentations and meet the brilliant minds behind them.
👉 Join us in celebrating diversity, scholarship, and community—everyone is welcome!

Presentations

Hear from local scholars and students exploring LGBTQIA+ themes in theology and spirituality, including:

Emma Leitch (Australian Catholic University)

Religious Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE): A failed 40-year experiment

Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) have been known as “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy,” or in the religious sphere, “ex-gay ministry.” The American Psychiatric Association refer to them as SOCE as there is neither an empirical basis for the treatments nor evidence of success to validate calling them a “therapy”. Evidence of the harm caused by SOCE, however, is ample. This paper traces the medical, psychiatric and scientific background to religious SOCE, showing how, the Church and para-church organisations took the baton on SOCE precisely when medicine and psychiatry stopped medical change efforts. The Ex-gay ministry was based upon theories from scientific studies that were deeply flawed and already refuted and was perpetuated by hope of change rather than actual change. Discussion of the rise and demise of the ex-gay movement is followed by a collation of research into the detrimental effects of ex-gay ministry and mixed orientation marriage. This research shows that the Church’s major strategy for addressing same sex sexuality from the 1970s to the mid 2010s has failed.

AJ Gouws (University of Divinity) 

Mommy and Me(chthild): thinking through the dissolution of the self through mysticism and masochism

Queer & kink theory might seem odd bedfellows with the medieval mystical theology of Mechthild of Magdeburg, and yet the affective and erotic qualities of her book, The Flowing Light of the Godhead, make it a particularly rich source of queer, psychoanalytic and kinky readings. The figure of the mother emerges as an important theme for Mechthild, and this paper will thus attend to the maternal -- particularly as the mother relates to the idea of a self/other ethical relation, power and agency, and suffering. 

Chris Phillips (University of Divinity)

Reframing bodily integrity in theology: thinking hormonally with Haraway’s cyborg.

Christian theological approaches to bodily integrity underlie a significant proportion of discrimination faced by intersex, trans, and gender diverse people. These approaches see some bodies as requiring intervention to be considered whole, and other bodies for which wanted intervention is perceived as impermissible mutilation.

Borrowing the figure of the cyborg from feminist scholar Donna Haraway’s A Manifesto for Cyborgs, we can critique existing harmful approaches to bodily integrity as prioritising the aetiological or teleological and de-emphasising the problems of here and now. Following this, this presentation speculatively fabulates a theological anthropology grounded in the present, building on disability theologian Brian Brock’s reading of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 as a tool to think the human body through the lens of hormones and the endocrine system.

Caitlin Olsen (Morling College)

Exploring LGBTQIA+ Experiences in Brisbane Protestant Evangelicalism.

This presentation, distilled from the presenter’s masters thesis research, will approach the question of secure LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Christian community in Queensland from local historical, theological, and social-scientific perspectives.

The research, which explored Queensland LGBTQIA+ Christians' personal experiences through an anonymous survey, identified several key stressors that hold LGBTQIA+ Christian existence within Queensland evangelical churches in a precarious tension; these stressors were underpinned by the social environment’s dependence on a binarily-valenced hierarchy of gender and sexuality, cultivated within a pietistic, sectarian, and political historical landscape. Despite this, some LGBTQIA+ Christian identity integration remains possible within biblically traditionalist Queensland evangelicalism, through developing a culture of trauma-informed practice, secure relationship to church leadership, and a degree of ambiguity tolerance. Theologically reflecting on the data rendered the participants’ resistance to evangelical norms a prophetic critique against cis-heteropatriarchal dynamics and their resultant injustices, correcting ecclesiological practice  towards a holistic shalomic telos.

About the Presenters

Emma Leitch

Emma Leitch has recently completed her PhD in Theology at ACU, studying the themes of suffering and glory in 2 Corinthians. She has been independently researching and writing a book on faith and diversity in sexuality and gender identity called "Why Welcome is Not Enough: Addressing the 'Welcoming but not affirming' position of Christian churches toward LGBTQIA+ people". She is a mother of three adult children, one of whom identifies as bisexual, and an active member of Free Mum Hugs Australia, attending pride events to extend love and support to LGBTQIA+ people, as many do not have supportive adults in their lives.

Chris Phillips

Chris is a graduate student at the University of Divinity living on Wurundjeri country in Naarm/Melbourne. Chris has a background in medicine, public health and queer studies. They are interested in interdisciplinary approaches to theology, and the impacts of theology on humans both inside and outside the Church. Chris also works part-time as a general practitioner with a special interest in queer and trans healthcare.

Caitlin Olsen

Caitlin Olsen is a practical theologian, speaker, and professional writer/editor. Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature and Writing) and a Masters of Theological Studies, completing a thesis that explored the experiences of queer and trans* Christians in a Brisbane Protestant Evangelical church. Caitlin tutors in academic skills at Morling College, and previously worked as a school chaplain with SU Australia and lectured and developed courses in Academic Communication and Christian Studies at Christian Heritage College.

This seminar is an opportunity to engage with diverse theological and cultural perspectives, and to support research that affirms and uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices within academic and faith communities.

Join us in celebrating inclusive scholarship and fostering meaningful conversations. All are welcome!

For questions, contact Peter Kline at pkline@ministryeducation.org.au.

About the Workshop

What will attendees take away from the workshop?

Participants will leave with an invigorated sociological imagination with a renewed vision for how we bring marginalised people into community. The workshop will explore the paradoxes of advocacy: how efforts to improve life chances can sometimes risk distorting the image of those we seek to support. All of this is grounded in the practice of active hope.

What will the workshop look like?

This is a discussion-based experience, led by inquiry and provocation. Participants will engage in thoughtful dialogue and have space for final reflection. It’s interactive, reflective, and designed to challenge and inspire.

About the Facilitator

Dr Lorna Hallahan brings nearly 50 years of experience in disability and other social movements—both as a disabled person and as a social worker in practice and academia. Her lived experience and professional insight offer a rich foundation for this workshop. There’s a lot to share and even more to discover together.

Reading Opens Doors

to future opportunities and choices

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity of the Australian Book Industry, working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia. If you’d like to donate to support the fabulous work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, we invite you to go directly to their site: https://donate.ilf.org.au/

Please join us for morning tea...

Wednesday 3 September, Lecture Room 1, St Francis College

• 10:15 am Gather and organize your morning tea (provided by the Roscoe Library)

• 10:30 am Watch the Indigenous Literacy Day FILM (approx. 17 minutes)

Following the film, the livestreamed performance at the Sydney Opera House will play in the background while we continue to enjoy our time together.

Description:
This interactive online workshop is designed to help students strengthen their foundational study and writing skills. Attendees will gain practical strategies to improve academic performance and confidence in written communication.

Preparation Required:
Before attending, students must log into the St Francis Orientation Module on Ark and watch the recording of the earlier Study Skills Workshop. Please come prepared with questions based on the recording.

Format: Online only (link to be provided)

Welcome to St Francis College - Semester 2 Orientation Evening

In Semester 2, 2025, the Orientation Evening at St Francis College will will take place on July 22.

Our Orientation Evening warmly welcomes both new and continuing students. The program features engaging talks, site orientation, an introduction to the ARK platform, and a variety of activities designed to introduce new students to life at St Francis College and University of Divinity. There will also be numerous opportunities for students to engage with staff, lecturers, and peers.

We look forward to helping you start this exciting new chapter with us.

Event Program

Coming Soon.

Join us for an intimate dinner and special guest lecture on ‘Spirituality and Mental Health Through the Lens of Dignity’’ with author and speaker, Dr Beth-Sarah Wright.

Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright is an author, speaker, and strategist committed to fostering authentic communities and transformative leadership. With a Ph.D. from New York University and degrees from Cambridge and Princeton, she brings a global, interdisciplinary perspective to issues of dignity, identity, and mental health. She is the author of seven books, including DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community, and serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory School of Medicine.

Guests are welcome to attend a Eucharist at 5pm in the St John’s College Chapel, presided by Bishop John Roundhill and preaching by The Reverend Dr Eseta Mateiviti-Tulavu, St John’s Theological College, Auckland.

Tickets are $70pp and includes a two-course meal and drinks. Please purchase your ticket by Tuesday 1 July 2025.

Any enquiries, please contact The Reverend Samuel Dow on 07 3842 6600 or email s.dow@stjohns.uq.edu.au or enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au

Scattered and Gathered: How liturgy can serve the missional purposes of the church

What does it mean for the church to gather in worship and scatter in mission? Join Dr Adam Couchman as he explores the deep connection between liturgy and mission—two distinct yet beautifully intertwined expressions of the church’s life and purpose.

This thought-provoking lecture will challenge and inspire anyone interested in theology, worship, and the church’s role in the world today.

👉 Come, be part of the conversation. Be inspired. And it’s completely free!

Abstract

Liturgy and mission are two distinct activities of the church. The well-known answer to Question 1 of the Westminster Shorter Chatechism “What is the chief end of [humanity]?” “[Humanity’s] chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy [God] forever” may suggest that the telos (goal or endpoint) of humanity lies somewhere in an eternal liturgy. Yet, liturgy points beyond itself by the inclusion of an important imperative given at the end to the whole church – “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!”

Go!

There is something worth considering in the relationship between liturgy and mission. Liturgy: the life of the church when it gathers to glorify God and enjoy God forever. Mission: the scattered church sent into the world so that it too may glorify God and enjoy God forever. The chief end of liturgy is mission and the chief end of mission is liturgy. Yet, there is also something distinctly missional about liturgy and something distinctly liturgical about mission. The church that gathers becomes the church that scatters, so that the world that is scattered may become one with the church that gathers.

This paper will consider the relationship between liturgy and mission in the life of the church, wrestling with the way liturgy and mission are both distinct from and related to one another.

Are you curious about ministry in the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland? Join us for Seeker's Day, a special event designed for those exploring their calling.

This is your chance to engage in meaningful discussions, gather valuable information, and reflect on your vocation and ministry. Whether you're considering a specific ministry role or just want to learn more, this event is perfect for you!

Come and discover where your journey might lead!

For more Information or to register, email vocations@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Are you:

• Interested in studying theology, including Biblical Studies, Church History, Mission & Ministry, and Anglican Studies?

• Looking to upskill and advance your professional development?

• Wanting to understand and strengthen your faith?

Join us for our Open Day!

Explore the diverse range of study options at St Francis College and discover all that we have to offer. Engage with our passionate teaching staff, enquire about our courses and subjects, and hear firsthand from current students about their experiences. Take a tour of our stunning campus and facilities.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on your educational and spiritual journey. Morning tea and lunch will be provided, so please register for catering purposes.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Note: If you cannot attend in person and would like to appear online, use the following link on May 31:

https://divinity.zoom.us/j/85860841383?pwd=UPuITiB05ZB0TZn5iMH0VxQLkHfgeJ.1

Join us for the 2025 University of Divinity Brisbane Graduation Ceremony!

📅 Date: Friday 30 May 2025

🕓 Time: 4:00 PM

📍 Location: St John's Cathedral, 373 Ann St, Brisbane City

🧑‍🏫 Guest Speaker: The Reverend Canon Dr Gregory Jenks.

The Chancellor of the University of Divinity , Dr Graeme L Blackman AO, will confer the University of Divinity awards, including the Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) on the Reverend Canon Dr Gregory Jenks. (Reverend Canon Dr Gregory Jenks to be awarded Doctor of Divinity – VOX)

Celebrate the achievements of our St Francis College graduates!

This special event is a wonderful ecumenical gathering with graduates from several University of Divinity Colleges.

Everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 🎓✨

Hosted by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, Dave Male will present on "Developing Vision and Strategy: Reflections on Lessons Learned in the Church of England Over the Last 5 Years."

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions!

Please register your attending to assist with catering here - Try Booking

The Rev’d Canon Dave Male was until very recently the Director for Vision and Strategy for the Church of England based in Church House, Westminster. He led a large team that helps dioceses, churches and networks to implement the Vision and Strategy of the Church.  Previously, he served as National Director for Evangelism and Discipleship and National Adviser for Pioneer Development. Before this he was Tutor in Pioneer Mission Training at Ridley Hall and Westcott House Theological Colleges, Cambridge, developing the first pioneering training pathway.  He planted one of the first fresh expressions of church in Huddersfield. Dave speaks across the UK and in many countries about mission, evangelism, pioneering and strategy. 

About

The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, will deliver the inaugural Robert N. Bellah Lecture on Religion and Public Life, hosted by the Graduate Theological Union. The lecture will take place on April 9 at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. The title of Budde’s address is: Following Our North Star in Tumultuous Times.

We will be watching the talk on the big screen in Old Bishopsbourne and having morning tea at the same time. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community, enjoy some refreshments, and engage with thought-provoking ideas. Join us for an inspiring lecture and a delightful morning tea!

Cost

To help cover the costs of morning tea, we kindly request a $10 donation.

Registration

https://www.trybooking.com/DANEA

More Information

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: “Following Our North Star in Tumultuous Times” (Inaugural Robert N. Bellah Lecture) / Events at UC Berkeley

We regret to inform you that the Meet Brother Merric event scheduled at SFC has been cancelled due to the forecasted weather associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

You are invited to meet Brother Merrick of the Taizé Community in France at St Francis College. The gathering will begin at 2 pm on Sunday, March 9, with Brother Merrick sharing with the group from 2:30 pm for about an hour.

Taizé is a small village in France where, in 1940, Brother Roger founded an ecumenical community of brothers during the Second World War. The brothers, from Catholic and various Protestant traditions, initially lived in community centered on prayer in the village church. In the 1960s and 70s, large numbers of young people from various countries started visiting the brothers, leading to the construction of the much larger Church of Reconciliation and the creation of chants that could be sung in many languages with beautiful harmonies. You can learn more about the community here: The Community Today - Taizé.

Brother Merrick, the first Australian-born Taizé brother, will be visiting Brisbane in March. We have the privilege of meeting with him at St Francis College at 2 pm on Sunday, March 9. Afterwards, you are encouraged to attend the Taizé prayer service at Kenmore at 6 pm.

📅 Mark Your Date! 📅

St. Francis College Commencement Service

🗓️ Date: 23 February

Join us as we celebrate the start of a new academic year! This special event is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together and mark the beginning of another exciting journey at St. Francis College.

To register your attending and help with catering, please click on the link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/CYIWA

📅 Mark Your Date! 📅

St. Francis College Student Orientation Evening

🗓️ Date: 17 February

Welcome to our new students!

Join us for an evening of introductions, campus tours, and important information to help you start your journey at St. Francis College. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, and staff, and to get acquainted with your new academic home.

To register your attendance, please click on the link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/CYIUY

📢 Attention Prospective Students! 📢

Don't miss your chance to join the St. Francis College community! 🏫✨

🗓️ Application Deadline: February 14th

Make sure you submit your enrolment applications by this date. We can't wait to welcome new faces and bright minds to our campus!

To enrol as an auditing student or in a tertiary program please contact our Registrar, Linda Burridge at registrar@ministryeducation.org.au or 35147403.

Seeker’s Day - Exploring Vocation

Saturday 31st August 2023 – 1pm - 3pm

Are you considering ministry in the Anglican Church?
Seekers Day will be a time of discussion, information, discernment and reflection on vocation, ministry and more!
Suitable for anyone considering ministry of any kind in the Anglican Church.

For more details and to register your interest.
Click here to email and register: vocations@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Enquiries:  vocations@anglicanchurchsq.org.au or phone 3514 7414 (Mon - Thurs).

Are we getting too squeamish about the atonement? There is a quiet crisis of confidence in many Western churches. Confusion, debates and changing sensibilities have thrown doubt on whether one of our central doctrines can be reliably communicated as “good news” today.

This book approaches atonement through story, allowing imagination to illuminate the multi-faceted meanings in Christ’s atoning work, and exploring how those rich stories can be good news for the complex issues of our day.

The Ven. Dr Anne van Gend will be in converstion with The Rev. Canon Nicki Colledge about Restoring the Story: The Good News of Atonement. The nature of the event is very low-key; a chat between friends to draw out the insights that Anne has gleaned whilst exploring this topic. It is not an official book-launch with a formal response; more a friendly gathering and a chance to hear first-hand from Anne. There will be an opportunity for questions, for your book to be signed, and to enjoy light refreshments and good company.

Please register for catering and set-up purposes (scan or click the image below), and advise us if your circumstances change and you can no longer attend.

SFC invites you to join us for our Semester 2 Orientation Evening.
At Orientation, you will meet your lecturers, learn about the online learning environment (ARK), and discover how the College and the Roscoe Library can support your studies.
Students will also be introduced to the Accordance Bible Software

Program - Thursday 18 July, 2024

4:00 – 4:15pm Welcome to College - Principal, Rev'd Dr Ruth Mathieson
4:15 - 4:30pm Site Orientation and Facilities – Registrar, Linda Burridge
4:30 - 4:45pm ARK sites (Meta & Child/Blended Units) –Assoc. Prof Peter Kline
Accordance Rev’d Dr Greg Jenks
4:45 - 5:00pm Library Orientation –Library Manager, Ms Eve James
5:00 - 5:15pm Questions
5:15 – 5:45 pm Evening Prayer
5:45 – 6:15 pm Light Meal
6:15 – 7:45 pm Academic Integrity –Academic Dean, Assoc Prof Peter Kline
8:45 - 9:00 pm Other Important Info – Principal, Rev'd Dr Ruth Mathieson

Please register your attendance for catering purposes at https://www.trybooking.com/CTCIK