APTO Symposium (Association of Practical Theological in Oceania)
Theme: Waves of Hope:Storied Theology
Location: The Terrace Hotel, Adelaide, Australia (and online)
Dates/times: 10am 4th December – 2pm 5th December.
The focus of the 2025 APTO Symposium will provide an opportunity to look at the intersection between culture and practical theology. How do we open our practice of practical theology respective of our engagement with culture with
the overriding notion of being carriers of stories of hope? How do we open ourselves to dialogue in a respectful and open-minded, open-hearted and open-spirited manner? This 2025 Symposium explores the range of theological, cultural, ethical, historical and spiritual issues associated with engaging with hope through a storied theology in the region of Oceania. All the disciplines of practical theology will be brought to bear on both an analysis of the issues, and pointing the way to effective reflections on the practice of storytelling -emulating, celebrating and sharing hope. Read more here.
Registration
Cost
$250 for both days, $125 one day (in person)
$120 for both days (online); $60 for one day (online)
The cost is for the Conference only and does not include accommodation.
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Christian Nationalism and the Australian Church – Call for Papers
A webinar hosted by the University of Divinity, Melbourne.
Date: Friday, April 10th, 2026
Christian nationalism in the United States is influencing congregations in Australia. How should theologians and church leaders lead in light of this and how will this ideology affect the future of the church in Australia? How do leaders communicate God’s way of peace and welcome of all, and when is it appropriate to speak out against harmful ideologies? What lessons can we learn from history regarding the current situation?
Papers are invited from the disciplines of history, biblical and theological studies, practical theology, missiology, and spirituality. Clergy are welcome to present. Presenters may be invited to submit their paper as a book chapter for publication.
Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be sent to Dr Sue Holdsworth (Honorary Postdoctoral Associate at Eva Burrows College, University of Divinity) by January 20th, 2026. E: sue.holdsworth@divinity.edu.au.
Event details to follow.
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Conference: ‘Christianity in South Australia, 1945-c 2000‘
Organisers: SA Church History Network
Date: 23 May 2026
During the years between the end of the Second World War and the close of the 20th century, there were major changes in Christianity in South Australia, in both religious adherence and behaviour and within religious institutions. The churches in 2000 were very different from what they had been in 1945. Some long-established Christian organisations declined and disappeared while new expressions of Christianity emerged.
Conference papers are up to 20 minutes in length (about 2000-2500 words) are invited on any topic related to the theme of the day.
Read more here: 2026 Church History Conference
Contact: Rev Dr Dean Eland, Secretary
E: sachurchhistory@outlook.com