Garry Deverell appointed Program Director of Indigenous Theological Studies at St Francis College

The Rev’d Canon Dr Garry Deverell has been appointed as the Program Director of Indigenous Theological Studies at St Francis College, University of Divinity, starting in 2027.

The St Francis College Indigenous Theological Studies Program will focus on Indigenising theological teaching, providing a culturally safe and supportive pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into tertiary theological studies. The program will also introduce non-Indigenous students to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, equipping them with a basic level of cultural competency for ecclesial leadership on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander country.

A recognised Aboriginal scholar and liturgist, Garry  is well-qualified for this role. A Trawloolway man from northern Trouwerner/Tasmania, Garry is active in the leadership of both Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation and the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance. Amongst Garry’s publications are Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology (2023) and Gondwana Theology: A Trawloolway Man Reflects on Christian Faith(2024). A graduate of the University of Tasmania, the Melbourne College of Divinity and Monash University, Dr Deverell has taught at Pilgrim Theological College, Trinity College Theological School and Whitley College within the University of Divinity. A longtime member and contributor to the Australian Academy of Liturgy, Garry has made significant contributions to sacramental studies, especially insofar as sacraments intersect with the formation of human selves in community. His more recent research has turned towards theologising the experience of Indigenous peoples in and around the Christian churches. Dr Deverell is an elected member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council, and deputy chair of the National Indigenous Ecumenical Council of Australia. He co-founded the School of Indigenous Studies within the University of Divinity and was its Academic Dean from inception to the School’s disestablishment in 2024.

The Principal of St Francis College, the Rev’d Dr Ruth Mathieson says:
“I am delighted that Dr Deverell will bring this expertise, experience and connectedness to the College’s commitment to theological education on this land now called Australia.  I am also deeply grateful to the Wandiligong Indigenous Ministry Fund in partnering with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland in co-funding this fulltime position for the first seven years of the program.”

St Francis College

St Francis College is a college of the University of Divinity from the Anglican tradition, based in Brisbane, Queensland.

www.stfran.qld.edu.au/