Director's Newsletter

Director's Newsletter
9 May, 2026

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Dear Supporters,
 
I recently represented the Dawson Centre at the Melbourne launch of Professor Tracey Rowland’s new book ‘Introducing Communio Theology’. Professor Rowland, who is recognised internationally as a leading Catholic theologian, kindly asked me to speak at this event, which was organised by Anna Krohn, the Executive Director of the Thomas More Centre.

In this work, Professor Rowland talks about the key figures behind the development of the 'Communio' approach, explains how it has been central to the renewal of Catholic theology in the twentieth century, and its importance for understanding the documents of the Second Vatican Council. In its most basic terms, the ‘Communio’ approach to theology involves drawing more deeply upon the wisdom of the of ancient sources of Christianity, particularly the Patristics, in order to better understand Christ’s teaching and its application for our lives and to assist the Church in addressing contemporary challenges.

I strongly believe that this is an important work for our culture at this time. It is not some merely esoteric or academic theological exercise, rather it addresses the fundamental question of what it means to be human and how one should live their life in world. Included among the many topics covered by Professor Rowland are: the authentic nature of the feminine, which is contrasted to the distorting impact of 'feminism'; the renewal of morality, to be understood within the full context of human flourishing and not simply 'rule-following'; and the exposure of the supposedly 'neutral' secular as in fact being a rival theology or 'religion'.

I am currently editing the talk I gave at the launch into a paper that I hope to share with you soon on the Dawson Centre website. www.dawsoncentre.org. Professor Rowland's book is available online through Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Communio-Theology-Tracey-Rowland/dp/1685781632

It is also pleasing to report that our two most recent events involving Dr Christopher Reynolds, in Melbourne and Hobart, were a great success. Dr Reynolds is an accomplished academic and lecturer who has worked across a range of professions, from education to political advising. At these talks he spoke about his new work titled 'What a Capital Idea: Australia 1789-1901’. While we had a number of apologies for the Melbourne address those who attended were very much enthralled by Dr Reynolds’ talk, and there was much interaction and discussion following his address. In Hobart, the Tasmanian Treasurer, the Hon Eric Abetz, officially launched the book for the Tasmanian audience, followed by an address by Dr Reynolds and a vote of thanks by Dr David Daintree. We were fortunate to be able to hold this event at the Hope and Anchor Hotel (purportedly the longest continuously operating pub in Australia), which Andrew Inglis Clarke, a key figure in the founding of Australia who features in the book, had visited on more than one occasion. If only its very historic walls could talk!

One of the key themes of Dr Reynolds’ presentation was the important role that the Christian faith played in the founding of Australia, particularly with regard to the Christian ideals of redemption and forgiveness. Dr Reynolds' book is available through his website https://drchristopherreynolds.com/ 

2026 Colloquium - Keynote Address - Tickets now available!

It gives me great pleasure to let you know that bookings for the keynote address of the upcoming Dawson Centre Colloquium by Senator Ralph Babet,7:00pm on Friday 10 July, are now open. We are charging $15 per person to help defray the cost of the event, with students and children free. You can find the booking link at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/christopher-dawson-centre-colloquium-keynote-address-senator-ralph-babet-tickets-1986801464664?aff=ebdssbdestsearch The link can also be found on the Dawson Centre website under ‘Colloquium’.

Senator Babet has consistently spoken about the importance of Christianity to Western civilisation and has been very public in defending and promoting fundamental Christian principles such as the sanctity of human life, both within the Parliament and in his public addresses. This will be an important speech which you must not miss! You can see a recent address by Senator Babet at https://www.facebook.com/senatorbabet/videos/2115262759323496/

We will shortly upload the online booking form for registration for the Colloquium proper to be held Saturday 11 July, from 9:00am, and the Colloquium dinner separately.

Among the confirmed presenters are Dr David Daintree, Dr Mark Hobart, Dr Kevin Donnelly and the incoming President of Campion College, John Roskam. There are a limited number of presenting places left, so please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to be considered to give a paper at the Colloquium.

'The Story of Everything'

Finally, I wanted to draw your attention to an important new movie that has recently been released called ‘The Story of Everything’. It seeks to explore the nature of our understanding of the natural world and whether we can actually scientifically make sense of it without God. The film is based on the book by Philosopher Dr Stephen C Meyer titled ‘Return of the God Hypothesis’, published 2021, which argued that recent discoveries in the field of cosmology, physics and biology actually point towards the existence of God, or an intelligent designer. 

I have not yet seen the film, but it is sure to contribute greatly to the ongoing discussion of the relationship between faith and our scientific understanding of the natural world. I am not aware of any current plan for a cinema release in Australia, but it is sure to be available through streaming services in the not-too-distant future. You can see more details at https://www.thestoryofeverything.film/

With best wishes to all,

Alexander Sidhu

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Director of the Christopher Dawson Centre