At the NCCA
Christ and Culture
2009
Christ and Culture: Christ Through Culture
Ballina, NSW, February 2009
Conference proceedings are now available - click here to go to order form.
In 2009, NATSIEC held the second Christ and Culture Conference in Ballina, NSW. The conference was an exploration of Indigenous theology, what it is and the unique contribution Indigenous spirituality makes to an Australian theology. Other sessions included: looking at the experience of 100 years of mission in Australia: examining what the Community of Church of the future would look like; the importance of story telling; and how we bring Indigenous culture into our ministry. Also discussed was how to strengthen our networks and work better together.
With International theologians, Dr Wati Longchar and Dr Limatula Logkumer, adding their voice to local theologians such as Evelyn Parkin this collection of papers, and presentations is a valuable addition to the body of knowledge on Indigenous theology and spirituality. Other contributors were renowned futurist Prof. Tony Stephenson, Bishop Greg Thompson and Pastor Harry Walker. Revd. Colleen Mamarika, Revd. Dr. Joy Sandefur and Ms. Tahnia Mossman also talked about their own experiences and perspectives from the field. Finally, the voices of each and every participant are woven throughout the publication through the inclusion of their thoughts arising out of the field work.
Many of the sessions were recorded and are included on an accompanying CD - in MP3 format. The proceedings are now available to purchase from NATSIEC. Follow link above.
2007
Christ and Culture:Indigenous Theology and Spirituality Conference
Noosa, QLD. July 2007
The inaugural Christ and Culture Conference was held at Noosa in July 2007. The conference was an initiative that we had longed to do for some time and we were excited that it was such an outstanding success. We had ninety participants, the majority of whom were Indigenous, from all around the country and who were representative of many different denominations. We also had participation by other Indigenous peoples, Maoris, a Sami and a Dalit. We were particularly pleased that we had eleven teenagers who accompanied their parents, but who also participated fully in the conference program.
Participants found the conference to be a particularly enriching and invigorating few days. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with participants feeling empowered, challenged, inspired to action and who are returning to their communities with many new ideas taking shape.