CONFERENCE UPDATE
We are now receiving information on Conference papers and speakers topics. Please check below on what will be offered during the Conference.
PROPOSAL FOR PAPER PRESENTATION TCMA CONFERENCE 2011
Students, citizens and sages: an exploration of justifications for university chaplaincy . Robert Lingard, Pastoral Care Coordinator, Southern Cross University (Lismore Campus).
The role and value of chaplaincy is a current and controversial topic within Australia, with the present discussion being led by consideration of secondary school chaplaincy. In this paper I present a theoretic exploration of how chaplaincy, regardless of its professional setting, might be justified using an ‘Economies of Worth’ framework. Application of this theory suggests that the students with whom the Chaplain works will be defined and subjectified, consistent with the principles whereby Chaplaincy is valued. For example, appealing to community values might create ‘citizens’, whereas appealing to spiritual values might create ‘sages’. This paper considers the different Worlds of Valuing described within the framework and comments on the unique contribution that Chaplaincy makes within the professional environment of the modern, secular university.
TITLE: Winds of change: casting an anchor
ABSTRACT: Over the last half century, scientific advances and social revolutions – all moving much faster than in any earlier period – have been contributing factors in marginalising the role of religious institutions and communities of faith in western society. This has been no less true within educational institutions. Misunderstanding and misrepresentation have nobbled the effectiveness of chaplaincy in schools, colleges, and universities. In this talk, some strategies will be presented on how chaplains can “buddy” with key individuals in their place of work in a way which highlights the significance of chaplaincy, and focuses on the unique complementarity of its role alongside the secular functions of an institution. These strategies will be drawn from the speaker’s experience as foundation Student Ombudsman at QUT and interactions with student support services there, including with the University Chaplain.
SPEAKER: Rodney Wolff is professor of geostatistics and mine planning at The University of Queensland. He has previously held positions in mathematics and statistics departments at QUT and the University of Glasgow, and has been a fellow of Jesus College, Oxford. His research interests are in time series econometrics, and currently in its application to optimising mine operations by making their use of energy and water more efficient. He has a long-standing interest in theatre, having recently directed “On Golden Pond” at St Luke’s Theatre, Ekibin. He is currently under consideration for formation with a view to ordination in the Brisbane archdiocese of the Anglican Church.
The Conference Committee have supplied us with full bios on our speakers and when they will be speaking. Please check out the 2011 Conference Speakers for more details. There are also some details about the excursions that are planned.
The TCMA conference is being held in Brisbane from Monday September 26 to Friday September 30, 2011.
Winds of Change – Gentle Breeze or Gale Force is the title of this years conference.
Registrations are from 2.00 pm on the Monday (though we can provide pre-conference accommodation) and the conference winds up with a light lunch on the Friday.
We have a fine team hosting the conference at:
Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre
287 Wellington Street
ORMISTON QLD
Click here to see photos of the venue
Registration Costs:
Late registration – $600
Membership renewal – $30
Details for access per transport will be up on the web site very soon
CALL FOR PAPERS:
Abstracts for papers and workshop presentations exploring the conference theme (maximum of 200 words) should be sent for peer-review to Fr Bavin Clarke by 1st August 2011.
Here is a TCMA Conference Flyer for your office/fridge or to give to someone you think would be interested.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.