Authentic Anglican Identity in Schools

Those of us able to attend the Anglican Schools Australia conference in Melbourne returned recently. This post offers some (hopefully) valuable reflections and questions for our ministries, particularly as chaplains. Two main themes from the conference have stuck with me.

‘Embracing our AI’ was the theme for the conference, AI of course referring to ‘Anglican Identity’. This theme was prevalent across the entirely conference, workshops and keynotes. In the sessions and workshops I attended, there was discussion of the nature of spiritual leadership in schools, how a school assesses and develops its Anglican character, how the faith life of a school is a powerful resource in crisis, and a greater understanding of how students perceive the Anglican identity of their schools.

Chaplains and school ministry workers occupy a space where we often feel like the faith life of the school rests with us alone. The conference reminded us that Anglican identity, for Anglican schools, is a calling to those well beyond the chaplains’ office. It encompasses and embraces the whole of school life. While this can be a frustration when we don’t see this developing, or feel there are obstacles in the way, the conference reminded me that many in our schools, leaders and students, are seeking to see this embraced authentically. Chaplains ought not to feel like the odd one out in seeking change in this area – the overwhelming orientation of the conference was in seeing Anglican Identity grow into a vibrant reality in our schools.

Trends

There were also three sessions exploring faith trends in society and youth. Professor Andrew Singleton spoke on faith trends in young people today. Sophie Renton of McCrindle research spoke of research and trends in youth and how they inform the development of a flourishing school. Dr Ruth Powell of NCLS Research profiled young Anglicans from their research.

While there is a general trend away from organised faith communities amongst youth in Australia, and Anglican have been hit somewhat harder by this than some others, this insight reminds chaplains that what we experience is common across the country. That is, our ministry is increasingly to unchurched and biblical-illiterate youth. This presents a reminder to consider how our language and approach could better communicate the beauty of Christ to people that have never heard it before. Conversely, the research also reminded me that young, devout Anglicans are present and active in our communities. Anglican Identity is still real and relevant for young people today and chaplains occupy a unique space in helping those young Anglicans better embrace their faith identities as well showing its relevancy today to those searching for something more.

But as always, the highlight of the Anglican Schools Australia conference was in the collegiality and encouragement. To speak with chaplains from across the country whom you only see once a year, and with whom you can discuss the excitements, challenges and new ideas of our ministries is an experience of immense value, and I’m sure will continue to be in future ASA conferences.

See you in Brisbane for ASA 2025.