Religion at USQ

Introduction

'Chaplains at University? Isn’t that a bit out of place? After all, universities are secular institutions!' Not really. The very name university is linked to religion. The first universities tried to form people who were universal: capable of marrying the secular and the religious in an harmonious synthesis. The University of Southern Queensland, following in this tradition, recognises the relevance of religion in the lives of most people. Through the Multifaith Chaplaincy Services Centre, it provides support for staff and students who wish to integrate their spiritual life with their academic development. Chaplains are available from the most widely represented faiths, and assistance is given to members of any religious group. The following Christian churches provide chaplaincy services: Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Uniting Church, Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Church, Christian Leaders Network (CLN), Australian Christian Churches (ACC) Assemblies of God Australia. An Islamic contact person in addition to a Buddhist Chaplain is also available.

• Anglican Church Chaplaincy
• Australian Christian Churches (ACC) Assemblies of God Australia
• Buddhist
• Christian Leaders Network (CLN)
• Islam
• Lutheran Church of Australia
• Presbyterian Church Chaplaincy
• Roman Catholic Chaplaincy
• Uniting Church Chaplaincy
• List of Current USQ Chaplains
  

Anglican Church Chaplaincy

At present due to recent changes of personnel there is no Anglican chaplain at USQ. However any Anglican students or staff may contact the offices of the Bishop of the Western Region, telephone +61 7 4639 1875, email rwnolan@bigpond.com.

Australian Christian Churches (ACC) Assemblies of God Australia

Enquiries regarding the Australian Christian Churches (ACC) Assemblies of God Australia should be directed to Chaplain Greg Otto on +61 7 4638 1636 or 042 328 2942 or by email gpotto@gmail.com.

Buddhist

Enquiries regarding Buddhism should be directed to Chaplain, Venerable Wu Ping on +61 7 4637 8765 or by email pllc2001@yahoo.com.au.

Christian Leaders Network (CLN)

Enquiries regarding the Christian Leaders Network (CLN) should be directed to Chaplain Yew Meng Lim on 041 974 3296 or by email hspwr07@optusnet.com.au .

Islam

Muslims in Toowoomba and from the University come together and meet in the Muslim Prayer Room situated at the University. Friday prayers are conducted regularly at about 12.30 pm. 

The Islamic Centre is accessible at all times for other prayers and activities. In the evening of the second and the last Friday of every month Muslims get together in the Islamic Centre whereby students and families meet to get lessons from the Holy Qur’an as well as the Hadith. All Muslims as well as non-Muslims are most welcome. Please direct all enquiries to Associate Professor Shahjahan Khan on + 61 7 4631 5532.

Lutheran Church of Australia

Enquiries regarding the Lutheran Church should be directed to Chaplain Even Reichelt on 043 202 4997.

Presbyterian Church Chaplaincy

The Presbyterian Churches of Toowoomba have appointed the Reverend Roland Sondergeld as honorary Chaplain to the campus. The Chaplain is available to assist students as they face numerous personal and spiritual challenges during their time at university. His role as honorary Chaplain seeks to complement and support the existing Christian groups on campus. Assistance with accommodation is available, as is transportation to worship and youth functions. In addition to general Chaplaincy, students are encouraged to become equipped to personally minister Christ to their colleagues at the University. Training in how to share the Gospel through 'Christianity Explained' and other courses are readily available. Central to our ministry is the reproductive principle of 2 Timothy 2.2. The present Presbyterian chaplain, Reverend Roland Sondergeld, may be contacted by telephoning +61 7 4633 4188 (H). 

Roman Catholic Chaplaincy

Going back to its earliest times, the Catholic Church has a history of endeavouring to harmonise secular and religious knowledge, with the aim of forming people who were 'universal'. The first universities emerged from the Cathedral, Monastic and Professional Schools of the High Middle Ages. Some of the most ancient and prestigious universities were founded by the Church: Paris, Padua, Bologna, Oxford, Cambridge, Salamanca, Heidelberg and a host of others. Evidence of the importance that the Church in Toowoomba places on university education is provided by the fact that the Catholic Church maintains the only full-time chaplaincy at the University of Southern Queensland, entrusted to the “Legion of Christ” religious congregation. In addition, the Church has founded Concannon Residential College, sponsors several scholarships and holds the annual Concannon Oration at the University. Fr John Peard holds Sunday Mass at the Multifaith Chaplaincy Services Centre, room K520 from 11:00am. Father John Peard, Parish Priest of St Anthony's, Memory Street, Toowoomba, is the point of contact, telephone +61 7 4636 1737.

Uniting Church Chaplaincy

Enquiries regarding Uniting Church campus ministry should be directed to Mrs Sharon Kirk, telephone +61 7 4638 9989.

List of Current USQ Chaplains

For more information contact  William Conwell, telephone +61 7 4631 1678.