New direction for RASP – from Centre to Network

At the conclusion of 2019, the University’s Centre for Religion and Social Policy will move in a new direction, becoming an affiliate network of the University, rather than a Centre. This decision was made by the October meeting of the University Council as part of its annual review of the University’s Strategic Goals.

About the decision the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Sherlock, said:

I join with the Council in placing on record our thanks to Reverend Dr Godon Preece for his leadership of RASP as its Director over the last three years. Through Gordon’s work, and that of many RASP members, the University has taken significant steps to develop its outreach and engagement activities on a wide range of social issues, creating a firm foundation on which to build into the future.

I recognise this outcome will be unwelcome news for RASP’s members and many contributors. [However] I am pleased to announce that, with Gordon’s encouragement, RASP will continue into 2020 in a new way as a University of Divinity network. The model of a network has proved successful for several other associations within the University, including the Australian Collaborators in Feminist Theologies, and the Confluence group. We hope that this will provide a more agile model to support further events, research, seminars and conferences under the RASP name, and continue to provide a connection with the University for members who are external. Communications will continue to be enabled through a dedicated page on the University website, and regular news bulletins.