Charles Sturt University (CSU) will enter a new phase of development of its theological courses when Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers, signs a Memorandum of Understanding with an historic German theological research centre on Friday 16 March.

Professor Chambers will sign the agreement for academic cooperation between CSU’s School of Theology and the Melanchthon Academy, which is located in and supported by the City of Bretten, Germany, with Bretten Lord Mayor, Mr Paul Metzger. The mayor is visiting CSU’s Bathurst Campus as part of a delegation from German and Austrian universities.

In particular, this agreement will strengthen the work of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and Public and Contextual Theology, which has taken a leading role in the establishment of the Global Network for Public Theology through the efforts of their joint Director, the Reverend Professor James Haire,” he said.

The Melanchthon Academy is named in honour of Philipp Melanchthon, a 16^th century Protestant Reformer and a native of Bretten. He is regarded as a major historical figure who founded the German education system. The Melanchthon Academy houses an extensive historical archive and valuable 16^th century art.

This international agreement will help develop collaborative research programs; the exchange of research and teaching staff; the promotion of artistic and cultural activities; and the organisation of joint academic and scientific activities, such as courses, conferences, seminars, symposia or lectures.

It will also foster the development of staff development programs, publication exchange, and programs to improve awareness of international developments in higher education.