The Trustee For Australian Research Theology Foundation

Overview

The Trustee For Australian Research Theology Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to promote theological research and education in Australia. It was founded by the late Rev'd Robert Houghton, a priest of the Diocese of Melbourne, in a process initiated in the early 1970s, though it began operations in 1987. The foundation operates independently of any church institution.

Mission and Activities

The foundation's primary mission is to recognize and support research in religion and education across Australia. Given the limited resources often available within the church for such purposes, the foundation aims to provide material support for suitable projects. Beyond financial assistance, it seeks to foster a network of individuals who can collaborate, inspire each other, and engage in activities such as worship, prayer, and theological studies.

Supported Projects

Over the years, the foundation has funded a diverse range of projects, including:

• Academic Research and Publications: Supporting the publication of academic books and high-quality theological research.
• Education and Community: Funding research and pilot projects in religious education in schools.
• Social Initiatives: Supporting projects related to prison ministry, Indigenous theology, refugee issues, welfare and community service organizations, and mental health initiatives.
• Cultural Programs: Funding for art and historical exhibitions, Australian sacred music, and ministry with youth and children.
• Conferences and Journals: Organizing conferences and publishing ethics journals and studies.

Governance

The foundation is governed by a board of governors, comprising Howard Munro (chair), Jane Foulcher, Andrew Batsakis, Alison Taylor, and Matthew Anstey, with Matthew also serving as the public officer.

Impact

By providing grants for various religious, educational, and community projects across church, school, university, and community settings, the foundation plays a crucial role in advancing research and understanding in these areas. Its efforts help secure funding for innovative ideas that might otherwise struggle to secure support from traditional sources.

[1] https://artfinc.org.au/about-the-foundation.html [2] https://artfinc.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b4cfb104-39af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [4] https://cra.org.au/our-history/ [5] https://therha.com.au