The Inaugural Mary Andrews College Academic Conference 2026

Theology for Today

See the Mary Andrews College website here for the schedule and for the full list of session abstracts.

The Mary Andrews College Academic Conference 2026 is a one-day theological conference on Tuesday, June 23rd at Anglican Deaconess Ministries.

Under the theme, “Theology for Today”, some of Australia’s leading female and male theologians will present papers on the various ways ancient texts and wisdom give us vital insight on current issues in biblical and theological studies. On the day, you will hear a mix of theological insight from some of Australia’s leading theologians and practical application from experts in their field.

Topics will include:

- What the “daughters of Jerusalem” from Song of Songs teach us about covenant fidelity;

- Song selection in church as a practice of discernment and the Word;

- How Jonathan Edwards helps us unlock the Holy Spirit’s work in Christian experience;

- How Kierkegaard helps us understand the promeity of Christ in the preaching of Keller;

- The theological dimensions of apology;

- The picture of the ‘shalom leader—and what it looks like in school leadership;

- ‘The Christian household’ and why it is a historical construct.

The conference will include a keynote address from Dr Kamina Wüst, one of Australia’s leading Old Testament theologians, speaking from her expertise on wisdom literature about the diverse ways that God’s word communicates to us, and it can help us respond with a richer, practical and more creative range of academic and teaching practices.

Throughout the day, expect robust theology, fascinating perspectives and enriching conversations with others working in the Christian theological and academic space.

The Mary Andrews College Academic Conference will be held from 9 am-5:40 pm at Mary Andrews College in Sydney, centrally located and easily accessible from Town Hall Station. For those not able to make it in person, you can also attend online (please note: due to the limitations of our streaming platform, not every presentation will be available to stream on the day).

As soon as the conference program is finalised, it will be shared so that attendees can select the sessions they'd like to attend. Sessions will occur concurrently.

For more information, you can email macmin@mac.edu.au

Mary Andrews College is a theological college based in Sydney, established in 1891. Initially established to prepare deaconesses for ministry, it is now one of Australia’s leading theological colleges, with a focus on future-forward learning practices, providing pathways for female theologians, and a unique vision in practical ministry and pastoral care.

Contact the host of Mary Andrews College Academic Conference 2026