A leading voice for feminist theological scholarship and a hospitable hub for engagement with feminist approaches within Australia and the region.
Mission
The Australian Collaborators in Feminist Theologies network aims to consolidate and energise the University’s commitment to the participation of women and feminist scholars in the academy and the wider church. By fostering and forwarding feminist voice and vision we aim to promote Gospel justice by addressing issues relating to gender equality, class, race, sexuality, and ability.
The network is supported by the University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia, under its Strategic Goal 3: Feminist Theologies:
To be a centre of excellence in feminist theological scholarship and in mentoring academics so as to challenge and transform patriarchal structures and assumptions in the academy, church, and wider world.
History
In 2014, there was an initial meeting with representation from University’s colleges (Whitley College, Trinity College Theological School, Jesuit Theological College, Pilgrim Theological College, Stirling College, and Catholic Theological College) to assess the interest in formal, feminist, theological engagement within the context of the University of Divinity. In 2016, members informally organised guest lectures from Sarah Coakley and Gene Robinson when they were visiting Melbourne. During this time there were regular meetings of interested parties.
The decision was made early on to call this group “Australian Collaborators in Feminist Theologies” to establish that there was a wide variety of disciplines, perspectives, denominations, and theological practices present. Collaboration has been a fundamental mode of operation that reflects feminist ideals.
We are an ecumenical, scholarly group that has formed partnerships across University of Divinity colleges and into other networks around Australia.