Publications

Living beyond fear: Dialogue and the common good

24 Jun 2015  |  Author: Rt Rev'd Prof Stephen Pickard  | Theme: Religions and dialogue; Civil society and politics

The season of Ramadan has become a season for fresh engagements among people of different faiths and sections of the community. I think it is most appropriate that a season dedicated to prayer and fasting turns us away from our own self-preoccupations towards one another. This Iftar meal is a good example of such an open spirit. This is the spirit we so desperately need today.
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What justice and mercy demand

07 Apr 2015  |  Author: Hon. Ken Crispin Q.C.  | Theme: Public theology and ethics; Leadership and institutions

The impending execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran has evoked strong emotions within Australia. There has been a groundswell of sympathy as evidence has emerged of the extent of their rehabilitation and the compassion they have shown over the last few years in attempting to help other prisoners. Few, if any, Australians condone the offence they committed ten years ago, but there is a widespread and deeply held feeling that it would be wrong to execute them now when they have demonstrated such remarkable reformation of character.
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'Going over the top' with Archy Hamilton

01 Apr 2015  |  Author: Rt Rev'd Prof Stephen Pickard  | Theme: Civil society and politics; Leadership and institutions

In 1991 I began teaching theology at United Theological College (UTC) in Sydney. I shared a course with a colleague on Australian History and Culture. My contribution (not being that well versed in the actual history!) was to help students develop some skills...
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Religious freedom and the future of Christianity in a secular and multicultural society

25 Mar 2015  |  Author: Rt Rev'd Prof Stephen Pickard  | Theme: Religions and dialogue; Civil society and politics

In this address I want to focus on what I would call the direction of the tide. There are many voices that point us to the waves breaking on the shore and we certainly need to keep an eye on this. However it is critical that we also keep an eye on the tide on the matter of religious freedom and the future of Christianity. I offer six theses for consideration and I trust that they provide us with a profitable basis for further conversations on some vitally important issues.
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Sport and the sacred victim

05 Dec 2014  |  Author: Fr Scott Cowdell  | Theme: The Arts, Sciences and Culture; Civil society and politics

The fatal on-field head injury and subsequent death in Sydney of 25 year-old professional cricketer Phillip Hughes has led to an exceptional outpouring of shock and grief throughout Australia, the cricketing world, and beyond. It was not just one more death. Not even the particular poignancy of a promising young life cut brutally short can account for the reaction.
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