Pilgrim Theological College

What does it mean to live faithfully in a complex world? Join us for this exciting semester two unit - "The Bible and Ethics" - as we engage the moral imagination of Scripture, not as a rulebook, but a story that forms us into ethical people.

This unit brings together ethics and biblical interpretation to think deeply and faithfully about contemporary issues like Voluntary Assisted Dying, AI, Abortion, and more.

It is entirely ONLINE and will be co-taught by Robyn Whitaker (PhD in Bible) and Margaret Mayman (PhD in Ethics). Ask us about auditing or taking it for credit.

Rev. Joan Wright Howie is a graduate of Pilgrim currently doing a PhD in spiritual care University of Divinity . Last year, Joan attended a research seminar on Spiritual Care, Health, and Medicine at Duke University in the USA. This was funded through the Florence and Alec Yule Memorial Scholarship, which helps UCA ministers go overseas for further training and research. We can't wait to see the impact of Joan's research here in Australia.
Find out more on our website.
https://pilgrim.edu.au/research/yule-scholarship/

Jione Havea “exemplified a form of masculinity that the world is desperately in need of: rooted in his own island context and history of colonialism yet always en route towards new becoming; proud of his native traditions and cultures, aware of his dependence upon and profound connectedness to land, sea and earth creatures, and not ashamed of his kinship with earth/dirt; a lover of food and drink and conversation, a convivial host; a delighted partner and parent who committed to the flourishing of the women in his life; a weaver of words and a welcomer of others into shared storytelling; a stern, vigilant resister of all forms of abusive power-over and a worker for the well-being of those most at risk of marginalization and exploitation.” - Nicola Slee

Six scholars who knew and worked with Jione share fitting tributes in this post by SCM Press: https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/go-and-do-likewise-remembering-jione-havea

Today we share the very sad news that Rev Prof Jione Havea, much-valued theologian and husband of our dear colleague Rev A/Prof Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon, died yesterday in Tonga while attending the funeral of his sister. In our shock and grief, words fail to capture our heavy hearts and the care we share for Monica and their daughter Diya Lākai and their family at this time.

Our students and faculty will remember with fondness Jione for many ways we found him amazing: his warm presence, his grounded theology and his extraordinarily creative work in hearing the unique prophetic and apostolic testimony of the biblical texts.

Pilgrim community member and candidate for minister of the word, Sesi Taunga captures in her words what we feel: ‘Jione combined thoughtful teaching with such warm pastoral presence’.

Jione’s work amplified voices on the margins and brings to the fore perspectives and insights of Pasifika cultures in understanding the biblical text. He has published widely on matters of postcolonial interpretation, climate change, doing theology in crisis and the work of the Bible in response to power, in the face of oppression, on bodies, and resistance.

Jione was an active associate teacher at Pilgrim, teaching units in Hebrew Bible and Biblical Interpretation, advising and supporting in Indigenous Studies, and a supervisor of higher degree by research students. His impact on the College, broader University and church is profound.

We will always appreciate everything he has done for us.

We mourn with his family Monica and Diya Lākai, with our colleagues in Sydney, New Zealand, Tonga and across the Pacific who remember a friend, colleague, pastor, teacher, and mentor.

Funeral details:

Friday 8th May 2026
‘APO/VIGIL, 6:00pm–11:00pm
Uniting Church Centre for Ministry
16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta

Saturday 9th May 2026
Funeral service, 10am
Uniting Church Centre for Ministry
16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta

Burial following

Dr Daniel Sihombing presented at the Talanoa Conference recently held in Melbourne and hosted by . Daniel spoke about an Indonesian ecofeminist Christology, drawing on the struggle of indigenous peasants in Kendeng, Indonesia, and relevant artworks.

Join Daniel in second semester for "Christianity's Big Ideas" — a unit that takes Christian thought seriously, is attentive to context, and asks the questions worth asking. https://pilgrim.edu.au/courses/2026-course-guide/



Photo credit: Moderator Faaimata Havea Hiliau (UCA NSW)

Are you a Uniting Church minister who graduated from Pilgrim?

The Yule Scholarship supports overseas study that includes a research component — whether that's a short intensive program, a unit at an international institution, or a longer academic endeavour like a PhD. It's an investment in you, your ministry, and the broader church community.

In 2025, Rev. Joan Wright Howie was funded by a Yule Scholarship to attend a research seminar on Spirituality, Religion and Health at Duke University, USA. This seminar was part of Joan's PhD on spiritual care through the University of Divinity.

If you've been thinking about deepening your theological knowledge or exploring a research interest beyond our shores, we'd love to hear from you.

✅ Open to: Uniting Church ministers (or lay leaders exhibiting similar qualities) who are Pilgrim graduates
✅ Must include: a research component but does not have to be an entire degree
✅ Purpose: Overseas study

For more information or to request an application form, please reach out to us directly or via the link below. The next deadline for application is July.
https://pilgrim.edu.au/research/yule-scholarship/

New Testament lecturer, Robyn Whitaker, writes about forgiveness and theology for ABC Religion & Ethics.

Cheap grace: Forgiveness may be central to the Easter story, but it can still be abused - ABC Religion & Ethics Just like everything else in Christianity, forgiveness can be understood poorly — and when this happens, things can go badly wrong, particularly when forgiveness is disconnected from truth-telling, justice and repentance.

Pilgrim students and staff at the University of Divinity graduation on Friday evening, March 20, were joined by Uniting College for Leadership & Theology staff and graduates, including UCA President Charissa Suli who graduated with a Master of Theology. Stacey Wilson, who graduated with a Master of Theology through Pilgrim, was recognised as one of the Vice Chancellor's Scholars for 2026. Stacey is shown here with Deputy Chancellor Gabrielle McMullen AM.