Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture facts for kids
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture is a special place in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It was started in 1993. This centre helps different Christian groups work together. It also encourages talks between Christians and people of other faiths. The Centre looks at how Christian faith connects with Australian culture. It also explores important topics like reconciliation in Australia. The Centre is part of Charles Sturt University. This partnership began in 1998 with the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. It also works closely with United Theological College and St Mark's National Theological Centre.
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History of the Centre's Location
The land where the Centre stands is Ngunnawal country. The Centre respects the Ngunnawal people as the original owners. After European settlers arrived, this area was called Rottenberry Hill.
In 1912, the design for Canberra was chosen. It was created by an American architect named Walter Burley Griffin. His plan included spots for national churches. The Church of England (now called the Anglican Church) chose Rottenberry Hill for its national cathedral.
On May 8, 1927, the site was officially dedicated. This meant it was set aside for a national cathedral. The National Library of Australia has old photos of this event. The next day, the Duke of York opened the new capital city. Sadly, an air force plane crashed on Rottenberry Hill that afternoon. The pilot later died from his injuries.
Australia's rules for its capital city say that all land is leased. This means it's not owned outright. The original leases required building work to start within two years. The Anglican Church wanted to build a cathedral. They held a competition for its design. Harold Crone won this competition.
Later, a new bishop named Ernest Burgmann was less keen on a big national cathedral. In 1957, he started St Mark's Library on the site. This library is now St Mark's National Theological Centre. Burgmann thought the site could be like Westminster Abbey. This is a famous church in England with many different parts.
Not much happened for a long time. In 1981, another bishop, Cecil Warren, suggested building a national 'Great Church'. He hoped it would be ready for Australia's 200th birthday in 1988. But this idea was not popular. It was changed to just 'a national project'.
The site finally started to be developed. This happened because of new ideas from Bishop George Browning. He worked with the Governor-General, William Deane, and Indigenous leader Lowitja O'Donoghue.
Centre's Goals and Values
The Centre wants to connect Christianity with Australian society and culture. It also aims to build bridges with Indigenous peoples. Its motto is "Wisdom for the Common Good." This means using knowledge to help everyone.
The Centre works on four main ideas:
- Wisdom through civil society: Helping people in society make wise choices.
- Peace through new religious engagements: Encouraging understanding between different religions.
- Resilience in institutional life and ethical leadership: Helping organisations be strong and leaders be fair.
- Creativity through the arts, sciences and culture: Exploring how faith connects with art, science, and culture.
Exploring the Centre's Buildings
The Centre is on a small hill. It looks over Lake Burley Griffin and is near the Parliamentary Triangle. This is right in the middle of Canberra. The main office building is called George Browning House. It is next to St Mark's National Theological Centre. Close by is the Chambers Pavilion, which has a meeting room.
At the top of the hill is a tall, modern steel cross. This cross lines up with the Centre's main buildings. Down from the cross is a special fire pit for ceremonies. Then there's a grassy amphitheatre area. After that is the Centre's main chapel building. Next to the chapel is the Great Bell. This bell was made in 1986.
A path called the Pilgrim's Walk leads away from the buildings. It goes to the Pilgrim Poles, a labyrinth (a maze-like path), and the Bible Garden. The Bible Garden has plants mentioned in the Bible. It was opened in 2008 with help from The Bible Garden Trust.
How the Centre is Run
Centre's Board
The Centre has a Board that helps guide it. This Board includes people from different Christian groups in Australia. Some current members are:
- Lin Hatfield Dodds (Chair)
- Justice Richard Refshauge
- Mr Brendan Smyth
- Bishop Mark Short
- Rev Gordon Ramsay
- Fr Shenouda Mansour
- Ms Genevieve Jacobs
Some people who used to be on the Board include:
- Margaret Reid, a former Senator
- Mark Coleridge
- Mr Paul Bongiorno AM
- Mr Clive Rodger
- Professor Mark Evans from Charles Sturt University
Executive Director's Role
The Executive Director is like the main manager of the Centre. They help make sure the Centre's goals are met.
- Ms Meg Richens (2024-present) is the Interim Executive Director.
- Dr Jonathan Cole (2023-2024) was also an Interim Executive Director.
- Professor Anthony Maher (2022-2023)
- Rt Rev'd Professor Stephen Pickard (2015–2022)
- Rev Prof Dr James Haire was a Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University. He was also the past President of the National Council of Churches in Australia. He led the Uniting Church in Australia from 2000 to 2003.
The first Executive Director, starting in 1999, was Rev Dr David Millikan. He used to lead religious programs for the Australian Broadcasting Commission. He was also a filmmaker and commentator.
Secretariat Team
A small team called the secretariat helps run the Centre every day.
See also
