Back to All Events

Felix Arnott Lecture 2026

In our own accent: Australian English in worship and mission

What is our Australian Anglican liturgical accent? How has it evolved? How does it relate to the versions of Australian English that are spoken outside our church buildings? How well does our liturgical language equip us, not only to pray together, but also to talk about the Good News and the things of the Spirit with those who don’t speak our insider dialect? And if our liturgical language needs to keep evolving, what might it start to sound like?

Join us for refreshments from 5:30 PM, followed by the lecture commencing at 6:00 PM. Attendance is available both in person and online, making it easy for you to be part of this engaging event wherever you are.

Stay tuned for the livestream link or registration details, and we look forward to welcoming you for an evening of thought-provoking discussion and community connection.

The Reverend Dr Elizabeth J Smith AM

The Reverend Dr Elizabeth J Smith AM has been a member of the General Synod Liturgy Commission since 1997. Ordained deacon in 1987 and priest in 1993, Elizabeth has served as parish priest in the suburbs of the Diocese of Melbourne and Mission Priest in the regional mining town of Kalgoorlie in the Diocese of Perth. From 2008 to 2015 she was Mission Development Coordinator for the Diocese of Perth, providing resources and training for lay people and clergy in parishes, chaplaincies, school and agencies. Elizabeth is known for her singable, inclusive-language hymn texts. She has also written many fresh, accessible, contextually-appropriate prayer texts for Anglicans. She now travels and teaches, sharing skills for creating and using those “other suitable words” that A Prayer Book for Australia encourages Anglicans to develop for lively liturgy in your context.

Earlier Event: 13 February
University of Divinity Applications for 2026

By subscribing I consent to my personal information being collected, used, disclosed, and stored in accordance with the Privacy Collection Statement.

We acknowledge all First Peoples of the land on which live, walk and work. We honour them and their Ancestors for their survival, continued traditions and spiritual connection to and caring of country, land, sky, water and sea. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and will continue to support their right to self-determination. We are committed to Reconciliation and respectfully recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded.