Many voices will form beating heart of biennial mission conference

Mission expert Dr Carol Zinn’s theatre-in-the-round-style presentation will highlight a program focused on dialogue and encounter at the fourth biennial ‘Mission: one heart many voices’ conference to be held in Sydney in May next year.

The Executive Director of the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious will provide a unique insight into the art of leadership for mission at the gathering, which will take place at the SMC Conference and Function Centre from May 13-15.

Headlining the conference, but departing from the traditional keynote address, Dr Zinn will opt for a more interactive style of presentation, encouraging participation from many of the 500 participants expected to fill the auditorium throughout the three conference days.

The energetic dialogue will contrast yet integrate with a special moment of lament, healing and hope on the final day of the conference. A diverse and inclusive schedule of masterclasses, workshops and presentations will fall in between.

‘The focus on radical inclusion, encounter and dialogue will ensure the conference conversations—which are always a highlight—are challenging and meaningful for all participants,’ said Peter Gates, Deputy National Director of Catholic Mission, which is jointly coordinating the conference with Catholic Religious Australia.

‘The use of creative and performing arts at the conference has always been popular and in 2019 it will stretch the possibilities of engaging and learning over the course of the three days,’ Mr Gates said.

Participants will be spoilt for choice at the conference, with over 50 expert presenters delivering concurrent sessions on leadership, youth, music, social justice and advocacy, sustainability, and interreligious relations.

Bishop Paul Tighe, the Secretary for the Pontifical Council for Culture, will discuss the ever-changing role of technology and media in mission. The former Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications has a rare inside knowledge of Pope Francis’ renowned social media profile, which the Pontiff has used to great effect.

‘With Dr Zinn coming from the United States and Bishop Tighe from the Vatican, the ‘Mission: one heart many voices’ conference is truly an international event in 2019, and that really highlights that, despite distance, we are all joined together by our shared mission in the world,’ Mr Gates said.

‘Pope Francis’ challenge for us is that “every man and woman is a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world”. This conference nurtures and inspires that mission in each of us to be co-creators with God for a better world for all.’

Mr Gates believes that ‘Mission: one heart many voices’ will energise participants with a renewed vision of a Gospel-inspired mission. ‘I really encourage anyone who is passionate about mission and seeking professional and personal development to register for this conference.’

To learn more and to register for ‘Mission: one heart many voices’, you can visit www.mohmv.com.au today.