Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality

Study Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality with St Francis College in 2025

Studying Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality is a transformative experience that invites students into a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural richness of Australia’s First Peoples. This unit goes beyond textbooks and theory—it opens a space for listening, reflection, and respectful engagement with traditions that have shaped this land for tens of thousands of years. Through both traditional and contemporary lenses, students explore key concepts, language, and practices that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of seeing and being in the world.

This unit, offered as an intensive through St Francis College, will be taught by the Right Reverend Dr Chris McLeod who brings lived experience and deep insight into the classroom. Students are guided through themes such as the Dreaming, Country, governance, art, identity, and the complex intersections between Indigenous spirituality and Christianity. It’s not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about being changed by it. The unit challenges students to think critically about colonial history, cultural resilience, and the gifts Indigenous spirituality offers to wider Australian society.

For anyone seeking to grow spiritually, understand culture more deeply, or contribute meaningfully to reconciliation and justice, this unit is a powerful step forward. It’s an invitation to walk alongside, to listen with humility, and to learn from the wisdom of the world’s oldest living cultures. Whether you’re studying theology, ministry, or simply curious about Indigenous perspectives, this subject will expand your heart and mind in ways that matter.

About Bishop Chris

Bishop Chris is the National Aboriginal Bishop of the Anglican Church of Australia, an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Adelaide, and Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral.

Bishop Chris has been in ordained ministry for 31 years and has served parishes in the Diocese of Adelaide and the Diocese of Willochra. He is a foundational member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council, and a member of the Anglican Indigenous Network.

Bishop Chris is of Gurindji descent; his mother and grandmother being members of the ‘Stolen Generations’. Bishop Chris serves on several local and national committees and boards. He is married to Susan, and they have three adult children. His interests are cooking, Australian Rules Football, and gardening.

Unit details

The unit is offered as a 2nd or 3rd level undergraduate unit (IS2002M/IS3002M) and as a postgraduate elective unit (IS9002M). The unit may be taken as stand-alone subject, or as part of a university award such as the Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity.  Speak with the academic dean or registrar of your college if you are unsure about how to fit the unit into your course.

The prerequisite for the unit is 2 units of study at undergraduate level one (IS2002M), or 2 units of study at undergraduate level two (IS3002M), or else one unit of study at postgraduate foundational level (IS9002M).

St Francis College

St Francis College is the provider of theological education and formation for ordination for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland.

www.stfran.qld.edu.au/