Australian Student Christian Movement

17/08/2026

🙌 We’re proud to be sponsoring this thoughtful conversation at Western Sydney University! 🙌

What does a papal encyclical on human dignity and AI have to offer students?

Join Dr Michael Walker for a conversation about technology, truth, work, freedom, the common good, and what it means to remain fully human in a digital age.

📅 Tuesday 25 August
⏰ 12:30 – 2:00 pm
📍 EB.G.02, Western Sydney University (South Parramatta Campus)
🥪 Lunch provided
✅ Open to all students | No prior reading required

ASCM is proud to partner with Inclusive Communities and Western Sydney University for this event.

Scan the QR code on the poster or register via the link in bio to secure your spot!

01/08/2026

A few SCMers attended Bearing Witness with Dr Khoury, both in Sydney and Melbourne!

One compelling quote that Dr Khoury offered:

“Resistance is a right and a duty for the Christian. But it is resistance with love as its logic. It is thus a creative [nonviolent] resistance for it must find human ways that engage the humanity of the enemy. Seeing the image of God in the face of the enemy means taking up positions in the light of this vision of active resistance to stop the injustice and oblige the perpetrator to end his aggression and thus achieve the desired goal, which is getting back the land, freedom, dignity and independence.”
Kairos Palestine Document § 4.2.3

Download the Kairos Palestine Document here: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/kairos-palestine-document

23/07/2026

Our national director, Rev. Dr. Karl Hand recently went on the Spiritual Misfits to discuss some questions about faith, and gay and/or q***r identity.

Podcast Episode · Spiritual Misfits Podcast · 11 July · 1hr 4min

21/07/2026

New ASCM Weekly Bible Study, Wednesday 7.30pm AEST

We will kick off our planned weekly ASCM lectionary gospel studies this Wednesday evening 22 July from 7.30 to 9pm.

Link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83032260179?pwd=38jNY6PPVl0qjrcNi7KAxw1AgtygvC.1

Text is at https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/ and below.

Please forward to others who may be interested.

ASCM Bible Study Format
Suggestion from Rev Dr Sandy Yule
The format that we use in the Wesley congregation that we are adapting was developed by the Rev. Rachel Kronberger, with help from Associate Professor Katharine Massam, on the basis of the fourfold method of reading scripture developed by John Cassian (360 - 435 CE). We have Rachel's permission for use of this format on the basis that we acknowledge the source.
We use a brief introductory liturgy which does well at setting the scene for respectful conversation and for keeping the focus on the text of the day.

The form of the liturgy is:
A brief prayer that God will help to make 'this ancient text a word of life for us this day’.
An 'Acknowledgement of Country'.
A word of welcome.

Then the text is read twice, by two different people, followed by four sets of questions.

The study is concluded by asking each person for one word to summarise what they have found in the discussion, followed by a concluding prayer.

For an online open event, keeping some discipline and control seems important. I think the above pattern offers some hope of achieving this.

The words of welcome go something like this:

"You are welcome here if you hold Christian faith.
You are welcome here if you hold another faith.
You are welcome here if you are wondering about faith, or exploring faith, or if you have no faith.
We speak and listen with respect, gentleness and care.”

The four questions of all texts are:

1. What is a literal reading of this text?

2. What connections do we see with our experience of life through symbolism and through links with other ancient texts?

3. What action might a proper response to this text suggest to us?

4. How does this text illuminate the mystery of God?

More and better questions might be used in this place!

We have found that a leader does not need to do more than keep us focused on addressing these questions and seeing that everyone gets a chance to speak, to have a fruitful conversation, though some brief information about the context and background of the text is always welcome.

Regards

Robbie Tulip
0407866777

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Parables of the reign of heaven

13:31
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;

13:32
it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."

13:33
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."

13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

13:45
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls;

13:46
on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

13:47
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind;

13:48
when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.

13:49
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous

13:50
and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13:51
"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes."

13:52
And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

Revised Common Lectionary – A service of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library

28/03/2026

Congratulations Rev Dr Mall

Dear WSCF sisters and brothers,

Warm greetings from the Inter-Regional Office.

I write to inform you of an important development in the life of our global fellowship. On 19 March 2026, the Executive Committee convened and discerned the appointment of interim leadership to guide WSCF in the period leading to the next General Assembly.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭:
-𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐥 (𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜) 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧
-𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐥 (𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞) 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐂𝐨-𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧

Both will serve one-year terms, accompanying the fellowship until the next General Assembly.

These appointments follow a thorough and participatory process led by the Search Committee. The Committee was appointed by the Executive Committee (ExCo) at its meeting on 14 November 2025, with the mandate to facilitate the search and discernment process for interim global leadership positions within WSCF.

The Committee was tasked with identifying suitable candidates and presenting recommendations to the Executive Committee for the positions of Interim Chairperson and Interim Co–Vice Chairperson.

The Search Committee members were:
Agge Angusson – Executive Committee, Europe
Jacquelyn Tsai-Hsun Tsao – Executive Committee, Asia-Pacific
Ebere Ubesie – Honorary Treasurer
Chris Ferguson – Senior Friend
Pavlina Steiner – Vice-Chair

The committee received 6 candidates for Chairperson and 3 candidates for Co-Vice Chairperson, through nominations and regional endorsements. The interview process carefully assessed each candidate’s vision, leadership experience, understanding of WSCF operations, communication skills, and ability to support the work of the Inter-Regional Office.

Following this process, candidates were shortlisted to 4 for Chairperson and 2 for Co-Vice Chairperson, before final recommendations were presented to the Executive Committee.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬:

Interim Chairperson
Reverend Dr. Samuel Mal brings extensive experience in ecumenical leadership and theological education. He is a Doctor of Theology (Christian Theology) from the United Theological College, Bengaluru. He is an assistant professor with regular engagement with students and has a strong background in the Student Christian Movement in India, with broad endorsement from the Asia Pacific region.
A priest and contextual theologian, he has over 11 years of experience across local, regional, and global contexts. His work includes theological education, training programs, grassroots ecclesial engagement, and ecumenical collaboration. He is deeply committed to inclusive leadership grounded in contextual theologies, with particular focus on Dalit liberation, gender justice, economic justice, and addressing religious nationalism. He is married and a proud parent.

Interim Co-Vice Chairperson
Emil Andreas Bellen Nordahl is a theology student from the Norwegian SCM and currently serves as Vice Chair of SCM Norway, where he has gained experience in organizational leadership and budget oversight.
He is studying at the MF Norwegian School of Theology and aspires to ordained ministry in the Church of Norway. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in various church roles, including church verger, substitute priest, and youth leader. Known for his solution-oriented and compassionate approach, he brings strong experience in governance, leadership, and volunteer engagement.

I warmly welcome Rev. Dr. Samuel Mal and Emil Andreas Bellen Nordahl as they take on these interim roles at a significant moment in our journey. Their gifts, perspectives, and commitment to justice, ecumenism, and student ministry will help guide WSCF with clarity and hope as we prepare for the next General Assembly.

I also extend my deep gratitude to all candidates and to the Search Committee for their dedication and work throughout this process.
Let us accompany our new leaders with our prayers, solidarity, and active engagement in the life of the federation
In solidarity,

Marcelo Leites
General Secretary
World Student Christian Federation

17/02/2026

As many of us return to our studies, or to teaching, in 2026, have you taken the time to seek the blessing of the people of God for your academic journey?

Universal Day of Prayer for Students
🕙 10am, March 8, 2026
📍St. Stephen's Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street Sydney

We invite you to join in for a special service featuring Rev. Dr. Helen Richmond, who will speak on John 4 and the theme of transforming conversations.

ASCM is partnering with the NSW Ecumenical Council, and with St. Stephen’s to revive the tradition of the Universal Day of Prayer for Students. This event fosters connections between various faith traditions, with historical participation from Uniting, Baptist, and Anglican congregations among others. We warmly welcome individuals from any and all church traditions who are interested in joining us.

17/12/2025

ASCM members lighting candles in their windows tonight, as the Jewish Council of Australia calls on us to make this small symbolic gesture.

14/12/2025

We Stand with You
Yesterday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, at least 15 people were killed whilst celebrating the Jewish religious festival of Hanukkah. A number of others were injured.
We stand with the Jewish community, the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this horrific act of violence, and we condemn all acts of violence and discrimination. Religious identity should be able to be proudly expressed, without fear of collective retribution.

12/12/2025

WSCF Asia Pacific Christmas Bible Study this Wednesday 17 December 10pm AEDT, reflecting on Matthew's story of the birth of Jesus. bit.ly/WSCFAPWebinar-YearEnd25

Greetings from WSCF Asia Pacific!

✨Special Edition: Christmas & Year-End Gathering✨

WSCF AP Bible Study
Matthew 2: “Kings, Refugees and Rachel’s Tears”

Join us on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 PM (Jakarta time) for a special Christmas reflection. We will journey through Matthew 2 to explore the clash between Herod’s violent power and Jesus’ vulnerable kingship, the refugee Christ fleeing political terror, and Rachel’s tears that echo in today’s cries from Gaza, Israel, Congo, Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine.

Together, we will reflect on how Matthew rereads Israel’s story—Exodus, exile, and return—through the child of Bethlehem and revisit the story of the three kings.

Access through:
bit.ly/WSCFAPWebinar-YearEnd25

Let us come together to pray, reflect, and stand in solidarity with the displaced and oppressed. All are welcome! 🎄✨

10/12/2025

Best wishes to Bishop George, retiring chair of WSCF

ANNOUNCEMENT WSCF OFFICERS
Dear Student Christian Movements,
Grace and peace to you.

We wish to share an important update regarding the leadership of our global Officers. As many of you are aware, the term of Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, our Chairperson, came to its conclusion in May 2025. In addition, one of our Co–Vice Chairpersons Ramy Hanna tendered their resignation in 2024. These changes were formally received and affirmed by the Executive Committee, which has authorized a participatory search process to ensure continuity in the governance of the Federation.

At this moment of transition, we pause to express our deepest appreciation for the leadership and ministry of Bishop George. Throughout his tenure, Bishop George served the Federation with exceptional dedication. His thoughtful oversight, spiritual grounding, and unwavering commitment helped ensure that our shared work remained firmly rooted in Christian faith and guided by our Constitution and By-Laws. His representation of the WSCF in ecumenical, interfaith, and advocacy spaces strengthened our global presence and fortified relationships across the wider Christian family and civil society. He carried the voice of our movement with integrity, courage, and clarity—always attentive to the concerns and hopes of students and young people. Due to private appointments and reduced availability, Bishop George has now concluded his term and will be dedicating his ministry more fully to his local community. We offer him our heartfelt gratitude, prayers, and blessings. We also give thanks that he will continue to accompany the Federation as a valued resource person. His departure from the officer team marks a significant moment for our global fellowship, and we step into this new phase with care, clarity, and renewed trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

With warm regards,
(on behalf of the WSCF Search Committee)
Pavlina Steiner, Vice-Chair WSCF