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Nearly 200 people from across Australia attended workshops, keynote addresses, worship services, lunches and dinners between 10 and 13 February at the College.

The Conference, previously called the Summer School and which is held every two years, brought together people from all parts of the Anglican church, and beyond, in discussions about how the Church today can provide relevant, inclusive and meaningful dialogue with the world about the Christian faith.

Hosted by the 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ú²úAV Theological School, the Conference was co-sponsored by Anglican Board of Mission, Anglican Overseas Aid, Anglicare Victoria, Benetas and Brotherhood of St Laurence, and marked the first time that the College has worked in direct partnership with the mission agencies of the wider Anglican church in Australia.

Guest speakers included Bishop Stephen Pickard (Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University), Bishop Justin Duckworth who has founded and led cutting-edge urban mission projects in Wellington, New Zealand, for the past 25 years, and Catholic theologian Professor Stephen Bevans from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Bishop Kay Goldworthy from Gippsland was the Conference Chaplain, leading prayers and other sessions, while Bible Studies were offered by the Director of the Theological School, Professor Dorothy Lee.

Pam Storey from Benetas–Anglican Aged Care said that the Conference had been a wonderful time of sharing, and she especially appreciated the contribution made by younger attendees, some of whom had led worship and been involved in forums and debates.

David Browne, a candidate in the Diocese of Brisbane, said that he had enjoyed meeting people from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints and hearing the wisdom of such eminent speakers, and that the Conference had been incredibly helpful to a young person seeking a pathway in tomorrow's Church.

His thoughts were echoed by the Revd Jamee-Lee Callard, a Deacon from Brisbane, who will take back to her parish messages of hope and inspiration from the conference.

Conference Co-ordinator, the Revd Jasmine Dow, from the Theological School, can now rest more easily during maternity leave, having delivered an extraordinarily well-run, well-attended, jam-packed and widely praised conference that will surely be a model for future events at 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ú²úAV’s Theological School.

Read more about the Life in Abundance Conference here