School of Theology celebrates 10 years

A celebratory symposium will take place at The University of Auckland’s School of Theology next month to mark its 10 year anniversary.

Exploring beliefs and practices that have developed within Christianity from its beginnings until today, the School of Theology gives special attention to theology in the context of New Zealand, the Pacific and Asia.

To mark the decade since it was created, the school is holding a two-day symposium on 2-3 September themed ‘Theology in the city: a focus on Auckland.’

Head of Theology, Professor Elaine Wainwright, says the event will be a celebratory two days showcasing some of the theological opportunities and challenges in a city like Auckland, taking into account the many different cultures’ religions.

“We are very much looking forward to our 10 year anniversary – it will be an ideal opportunity for participants to celebrate how the school has progressed over the past decade but it will also be a wonderful chance for us to consider what lies ahead, bearing in mind the vast diversity that exists in a dynamic city like Auckland,” she says.

“We have a great line up of guest speakers, including keynote speaker, Rod Oram, who will discuss City of God: dangerous delusion or urban imperative? Mayor Len Brown will take part in a roundtable discussion titled Doing theology in Auckland: Challenges and Possibilities, with panelists, Associate Professor Manuka Henare, Dr Nicholas Thompson, Reverend Feiloiga Taule ‘ale’ ausumai and Ms Jo Ayers.”

Business journalist, Rod Oram, will speak on Sunday 2 September from 6.30-7.30pm and the roundtable will be held on Monday 3 September from 7.30-9pm. Other topics on day two of the symposium include: The changing face of religion and theology in Auckland, Celebrating Maori and Pacific theology, Engaging sacred art in cities and Cityscape as/and Theology: a conversation.

The symposium will be held at the Fale Pasifika at The University of Auckland. The cost to attend the full symposium is $20.00. A single day’s attendance is $10.00. The registration cut-off date is Friday, 24th August. To register, please contact Melissa Rodger at The University of Auckland on 09 923 6676 or email m.rodger@auckland.ac.nz