A Christmas message from the Executive Director

20 Dec 2015 - by

This is a season of hope in challenging and often violent times; a season anticipating the Christmas joy of Emmanuel, God with Us.

The Centre's vision is undergirded by a hope and expectation for a better time to come; a time of fresh dialogue and reconciliation between the nations and among the people and cultures of Australia. The Centre seeks a new wisdom and engagement for the common good springing from deep roots in Christian faith. As such the Centre joins with people of faith and goodwill who share a common hope and dream for peace and the renewal of our life together.

2015 has been a busy and exciting year and I offer a special thank you to all those who have made the work of the Centre so fruitful. The highlights were many however the six-city tour engaging leading practitioners in Christian-Muslim dialogue was an outstanding success and a sign of things to come. We are excited about the launch of the Religious Short Film Prize which will be judged in 2016. Indeed 2016 looks like being a full and engaging year for the Centre in religious dialogue, civil society issues, the arts and culture and a new leadership program.

The end of 2015 sees the end of an era when Professor Ross Chambers steps down as Chair of the Board of the ACC&C. Professor Chambers has been deeply involved in the Centre from its inception in the late 1990s and has worked tirelessly as Chair of Board for the past decade. The Centre would not be in the positive and healthy state it is today apart from his wonderful contribution for which we are extremely grateful. He will continue to be involved in the life of the Centre as a Centre Ambassador (more of that next year). The new Chair of Board, confirmed by the Council of the University, is Mr Lawrie Willett AO, a former Chancellor of Charles Sturt University and strong advocate for the Centre over the years. We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Lawrie's calibre, wisdom and reputation as the Centre develops.

This year our Christmas Appeal has a particular focus on the development of projects related to our Arts, Sciences and Culture Pillar, including providing an exhibition space in the Chapel for the display of Asylum Seeker/Refugee artwork this coming February/March. We are working hard to become a venue for the touring Blake Prize for Religious Art, which is Australia's most prestigious religious art prize. The Centre would be grateful to receive your support.

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace this Advent and Christmas tide.

Stephen

Rt Rev'd Prof Stephen Pickard - Executive Director