The Wesley Centre

15/06/2026

Due to circumstances beyond our control we have to postpone Red Ochre Theology Book Launch on Thu, 18 Jun, 6pm - 7pm AEST.

15/06/2026

We've seen heightened rhetoric against immigrants and immigration by certain political leaders recently. Such prejudice is completely antithetical to Christian values.

Jewish and Christian teaching, as found in the Bible, consistently implores us to care for the stranger in our midst and treat them as we would our own kin(Leviticus 19:33-34, Exodus 22:21, Matthew 25:35). Moreover, Bible's final vision of a restored earth imagines a multicultural garden-city where all tribes and nations live together in harmony (Revelation 21).

And because it's season. This is just a little reminder of one of the ways migrants strengthen our country. The 2026 Socceroos comprise:
⚽️ 18 players with direct immigrant or refugee heritages
⚽️ over 15 different ethnic backgrounds
⚽️ 4 players born in or raised in refugee camps
⚽️ 3 players born outside Australia


Thanks to for the dot points!
Photos: the 2026 Socceroos team and the two goal scorers in the opening match - Nestory Irankunda (27th minute) and Connor Metcalfe (75th minute) taken from the socceroos page.

13/06/2026

This week, Robyn Whitaker spoke with James Carleton for ABC Australia's 'God Forbid'.

The topic was the influences that helped shape a particular form of American Christian Zionism that is tied to ideas of the rapture, end times theologies, and the kind of approaches to prophecy currently espoused by many Trump supporters. These beliefs that can be traced to 19th century Plymouth Brethrens, the Scofield Reference Bible, 'The Late Great Planet Earth' and Left Behind apocalyptic fictional best sellers.



You can listen here or wherever you find your podcasts: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/godforbid/scofield-bible/106716668

12/06/2026

Last year we made a video for which we are reposting it below - because the contributors were just brilliant.

The video includes reflections from nine q***r Christians about how they've navigated faith, spirituality, and their sexuality or gender.

(The link takes you to Youtube as it is 37 mins long.)

Special Thank You to our nine participants for their honesty: Rev. ...

12/06/2026

We're excited to be partnering with Mark the Evangelist Congregation in their Quarterly Conversations series — and our first event together is one you won't want to miss on Friday 26 June. “Being Human in the Age of AI” Please register via this link https://marktheevangelist.unitingchurch.org.au/quarterly-conversations/?doing_wp_cron=1781223351.8540959358215332031250

09/06/2026

Why has the church struggled to embrace gender and sexuality? The Wesleyan quadrilateral of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience can be a helpful way for communities of faith to approach controversial topics. Listening to scientific research and LGBTIQ+ voices grounds our theology in real lives. What insights have you gained by blending lived experience and critical thinking in your own work? Share your thoughts below.

04/06/2026

Trigger warning: Mentions gendered violence and sexual violence.

Social media is molding how young people perceive intimacy and consent—and the results are alarming. From the normalization of choking and degrading practices in online po*******hy to the surge in AI-generated “deepfake” un******ng that traumatizes overwhelmingly female victims, these digital behaviors are bleeding into real-world violence against women. At The Wesley Centre, we’re examining how faith communities can lead prevention efforts and reshape online culture. What strategies do you believe are most effective to curb digital-fuelled gender-based violence and protect young minds? Share your insights below.

02/06/2026

“I’m spiritual but not religious” is a common refrain. But, is going spiritual alone enough to push you past your comfort zone? Solo practices like journaling and meditation offer space for reflection but can leave us confined within our own bubbles. Religion on the other hand invites us into centuries of shared wisdom, call us to real commitments, and places us shoulder to shoulder with people who think differently. As Nick Cave famously said, ‘religion is spirituality with vigor’, a force that expands our outlook in ways solitude cannot. How do you navigate the terms ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious’?

28/05/2026

The Vatican’s recent denunciation of gay conversion practices marks a pivotal moment—it’s the first time the Roman Catholic Church has officially acknowledged survivor testimonies in shaping its stance on sexuality. By choosing to prevent harm even without affirming LGBTQ+ identities, the Church shows how institutions can evolve through genuine listening. What lessons can your organization draw from this approach to integrate real experiences into policy? I’d love to hear your views—drop a comment below.

27/05/2026

A Significant Step Towards Healing: The Vatican's Stance on Conversion Therapy

In early May, the Vatican made a noteworthy statement: it condemned gay conversion practices. This is a monumental shift for the Roman Catholic Church, marking the first time they have officially acknowledged the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in their theological discussions.

But what exactly is gay conversion therapy, and why does this matter?

1. Definition: The term "therapy" is misleading. Experts prefer "conversion practices," which refer to any practice that seeks to change a person's sexuality or gender identity.

2. Methods: These practices can range from counselling and prayer to extreme measures like electric shock therapy and other aversion measures.

3. Impact: Survivors reveal that these attempts cause deep psychological and spiritual harm. Many struggle with PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and lasting trauma.

The church’s response to this issue has been mixed. In Australia we’ve seen some faith communities resist changes to laws, such as the Victorian Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021, arguing it impinges on their religious freedom. Others have welcomed the change.

The Vatican's recent acknowledgment signifies a willingness to listen to personal stories and data related to these harmful practices. This shift, though small, represents a critical avenue for healing and progress. It shows that established institutions can evolve when they engage with real-life experiences.

Let’s not celebrate too quickly though. While this is a step forward, it is a long way from full affirmation of LGBTQ+ rights by the Catholic church.