07/11/2023
Eighty delegates from fifty-five Anglican colleges and universities gathered from the four corners of the globe at Trinity College and Janet Clarke Hall in Melbourne for the CUAC's XI Triennial Conference, the first after a six-year hiatus, thanks to the pandemic. The colleges’ co-sponsorship was masterfully led by the Revd Dr Robert Derrenbacker, Dean of the Theological School at Trinity and former board chair. The theme of Rediscovering Community addressed what it means on campuses to return in person, though with lingering effects from isolation.
Dean Jeremy Law of Canterbury Christ Church University, who presented on Discerning Truth, noted “for the five days we lived together, rediscovering community was not just an abstract theme, but a lived reality. Enriched by global perspectives from five continents we committed ourselves afresh to education that seeks after truth, fulfils human potential and serves the wellbeing of our delicate community of creation.” He was joined by Dr Esther Mombo, professor of theology at St. Paul’s Limuru, Kenya, who presented on Deepening Learning in a post-modern context. The Revd Ray Minniecon, Pastor at Sacred Trees Indigenous Ministries in Sydney, richly grounded the conference with the Aboriginal perspective, as well as presenting on Enhancing Community.
The Revd Canon James Callaway, who retired as General Secretary after twelve years, told the conference, “What I treasure most are the dreams and fears that members have shared, whether principals, chaplains, or students. I have been amazed by the commitment and imagination that our members bring to finding creative solutions.” He is succeeded by The Revd Richard Burnett, longtime rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, Ohio, founder of a capital cities network in the U.S., who told the delegates, “CUAC gathered together in its 30th year in a week marked by a wonderful spirit of shared learning, empowering worship, and mutual understanding that promises to grow in significant and sustained ways. I thank God for the founding of, the purpose for, and the lasting community of faith that shines through CUAC, a network worth following closely and getting to know well in a world where community and mutual understanding is never optional!”
Dr Lilian Jasper, President of Women’s Christian College in Chennai, India, was elected chair, joined by the Rt Revd Martin Wharton, retired Bishop of Newcastle, UK as vice chair, Dr. Gisela Luna, President of Trinity University of Asia in Manila, as secretary and Dr. Joel Cunningham, Vice Chancellor Emeritus, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, as Treasurer.
At the concluding banquet two CUAC Distinguished Fellowships were inducted. The Revd Nita Byrd, Dean of Spiritual life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva New York was recognized for her leadership among Episcopal colleges and in convening CUAC chaplains. The Revd Dr Mark Garner, former head of Whitelands College, London, was cited for his leadership e in making the college as a vital resource to clergy and laity in the Diocese of Southwark, and as founding editor of Occasional Papers on Faith in Higher Education.
Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion is a worldwide network of Anglican colleges and universities which exists for the mutual flourishing of its members through engaging each other, their churches and societies as they seek to enable their students, staff, and faculties to become active and responsible citizens in God’s world. Details at www.cuac.org.