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Awaken Adelaide: Intercultural Leadership and Interfaith Dialogue

Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ACST

Yarthu Apinthi, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park, SA, 5032, Australia

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Event Information

Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ACST

Yarthu Apinthi, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, Brooklyn Park, SA, 5032, Australia.

Join us in person for an evening of learning, dialogue, and theological reflection exploring how Christian leadership can respond faithfully within a multicultural and multifaith society.

The Awaken Adelaide Learning Plenary is part of a broader renewal journey that encourages congregations and leaders to pause, listen, and discern God’s activity in their neighbourhoods. Through practices of attentive presence, prayerful reflection, and shared learning, Awaken Adelaide seeks to strengthen intercultural capacity and nurture communities that embody reconciliation, discipleship, and mission in contemporary Australia.

We are honoured to welcome Rev Prof Wonyoung Sohn (Seoul Christian University), an internationally respected scholar in religious education and interreligious dialogue. Rev Prof Sohn will offer insights into Christian education for interfaith engagement, drawing on global research and lived experience of intercultural theological formation. His contribution will enrich conversation about how churches can faithfully participate in God’s reconciling work across cultural and religious differences.

The evening will include a keynote presentation, panel conversation with experienced theological leaders, and an opportunity for questions and discussion. Participants will have space to connect with others across ministry contexts and deepen shared commitment to intercultural discipleship and leadership.

Keynote Speaker: Rev Prof Wonyoung Sohn (Seoul Christian University)

Panellists:  Dr Deidre Palmer (former UCA President)

                 Mrs Philippa Rowland (President of the Multifaith Association of South Australia)

                 Dr Toar Hutagalung (Director of Theology & Church History, UCLT)

Who should attend

  • Ministers and ministry agents
  • Candidates and students in formation
  • Lay leaders and congregational members
  • Intercultural ministry practitioners
  • Those interested in interfaith dialogue
  • Multifaith partners and community leaders

Key themes

  • Intercultural leadership and discipleship
  • Christian education for interfaith dialogue
  • Multicultural and multifaith Australia
  • Interfaith approach to Theological formation
  • Building relationships across cultures and faith traditions

This open plenary offers an opportunity to learn alongside others seeking to live the gospel in ways that are hospitable, attentive, and responsive to the diverse contexts in which the Church is called to serve.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Yarthu-Apinthi, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Hosts: Uniting Church Synod of South Australia Mission Resourcing and Uniting College for Leadership & Theology 

Admission: $15

Light supper will be provided.

 

If price of admission is a barrier to your attendance, please email missionresourcing@sa.uca.org.au 

Event Location

About Organizer

Mission Resourcing - Uniting Church SA Organizer name

Mission Resourcing

Contact the Organizer

Speakers

About Rev Prof Wonyoung Sohn
Seoul Christian University
Keynote Speaker
No Sessions Available

Dr Deidre Palmer has had a long and distinguished career as an academic and Christian educator in Australia and the United States.

Deidre completed her Masters in Religious Education at Duke University in North Carolina, and her Ph.D. at Boston College, going on to hold several academic posts including serving on the faculty of Perkins School of Theology in Dallas teaching Christian Education.

Deidre is an adjunct faculty member for Uniting College of Leadership and Theology, teaching Christian education and ministry with families and children.

Deidre is also a social worker who completed a Masters of Social Work at Flinders University before working part-time for four-and-a-half years as a counsellor with Uniting Communities in their Childhood Sexual Abuse Counselling team.

She served as Moderator of the UCA Synod of South Australia from 2013 to 2016, and was the President of the Uniting Church in Australia from 2018 until 2021. 

About Dr Deidre Palmer
Former UCA President
Panellist
No Sessions Available

About Mrs Philippa Rowland
President of the Multifaith Association of South Australia
Panellist
No Sessions Available

About Dr Toar Hutagalung
Director of Theology & Church History, UCLT
Panellist
No Sessions Available