Content

This unit explores the possibilities and challenges of growing into agents of reconciliation in Australia today. While exploring key foundations for a ministry of presence it seeks to understand key causes and effects of relational breakdown and dysfunction in Australia, including between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The art of fostering justice, truth, mercy and peace in the church and society are central to this task. Personal and communal resources for sustaining a ministry of presence and reconciliation across diverse contexts in Australia are developed.

Unit code: DP3030S

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify key theological foundations for a ministry of reconciliation and presence

2.

Describe causes and effects of relational breakdown in personal and social contexts;

3.

Demonstrate practices that foster and sustain a ministry of reconciliation and presence

4.

Communicate the gifts and challenges involved in the ministry of reconciliation for interpersonal and social contexts

Unit sequence

36 points in Field D and 18 points in Field B and 18 points in Field C

Pedagogy

Resources (engaged with asynchronously); seminars, spiritual and practical exercises and classroom discussions (synchronous).

Indicative Bibliography

Benner, David G. Presence and Encounter. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2014.

Bourgeault, Cynthia. Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. Cambridge: Cowley, 2004.

Cherry, Stephen. Healing Agony. London: Continuum Intl Pub Group, 2012.

Edwards, Tilden. Embracing the Call to Spiritual Depth. New York: Paulist Press, 2010.

Grant, Stan. Talking to My Country. Sydney: Harper Collins, 2016.

Myers, Ched & Elaine Enns. Ambassadors of Reconciliation. Vol. 1 & 2. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2009.

Perkins, Rachel and Marcia Langton, eds. First Australians. Carlton: The Miegunyah Press, 2010.

Prevallet, E. M. Towards a Spirituality for Global Justice. Louisville: Sowers, 2005

Schreiter, Robert J. The Ministry of Reconciliation. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1998.

Wink, Walter. The Powers That Be. New York: Doubleday, 1998.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Case Study - Reconciliation between First Australians and non-Indigenous Australians

Research and reflect on key issues needed to foster understanding and reconciliation between First Australians and Non-Indigenous Australians.

1000 20.0
Personal Reflection - The gift and nature of presence in the art of reconciliation

Write a reflection paper on your lived experience of becoming more present (especially to yourself, to God, and to each moment) through one specific approved contemplative prayer practice.

750 15.0
Forum - Engaging with the art, theology and practice of the ministry of Reconciliation

Respond to five forum questions addressing the art, theology, and practice of this ministry.

1500 25.0
Essay - Final Integrative Essay

Write a reflective essay on being an agent of reconciliation with one specific third party who have suffered a broken relationship.

2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Sep, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-19 11:55:17 +1000