The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C) has a new Executive Director, with the appointment of a senior Anglican theologian.

 

The Right Reverend Dr Stephen Pickard succeeds The Reverend Professor James Haire, AC, as Executive Director of the national ecumenical body. 

 

Dr Pickard is currently a Bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn and Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare (NSW South, NSW West and ACT). He was Head of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Theology from 1998 to 2006.

 

ACC&C Chair Professor Ross Chambers said, “The Board of the Centre is very pleased to welcome Stephen Pickard as the new Director.  His work on new directions for the churches in their dialogue with contemporary culture and society will add important dimensions to the Centre."

 

Dr Pickard said he was honoured and excited by his appointment.

 

"I look forward to the challenges and opportunities for the Centre as we foster dialogue between the Christian faith and public life and the cultural and religious traditions of Australia," he said.

 

The Bishop has written several books, including Seeking the Church: An Introduction to Ecclesiology in 2013 and In-Between God: Theology, Community and Discipleship in 2011.

 

Established in Canberra 20 years ago, the Centre for Christianity and Culture is a part of CSU. Its priorities are ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, reconciliation with Indigenous people, youth concerns, academic research and the relationship of theology to social issues.

 

Dr Pickard will take up his new role at the ACC&C in September.

 

The Reverend Professor Haire, a Professor of Theology, will continue his role with CSU following his retirement as the Centre’s Executive Director, a position he has held since 2003.

 

He will continue to lead the University's programs to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue in Australia and overseas. He remains as Director of the University’s Centre for Public and Contextual Theology (PaCT). Read more on CSU News here.