Trauma is experienced in many different forms and has a profound impact on all aspects of well-being for individuals, whānau, and communities. Creating safe environments is recognised as a key contributor to well-being for those living in the aftermath of trauma. Christ has called his Church to be light in this world, and this compels us to ensure our communities are safe spaces to openly discuss and address trauma.

The Christian Church has, sadly, played a role in perpetrating trauma and harm. In Aotearoa New Zealand this is expressly being highlighted through the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, with the report scheduled to be released in March 2024. Through learning about trauma and seeking to address the systemic practices, and individual actions, which have caused harm we will be better equipped to create communities of care and restoration.

The Sturt Lectures is a one day conference which will equip Pastors, Christian leaders and counsellors with the language and tools to recognise and respond to people suffering as a result of trauma. Together we will reflect on elements of church culture that supported, and in some instances still support harmful behaviour, and be resourced with tools to build trauma-informed churches equipped to create healing communities. We believe the church has been called to play this vital role supporting flourishing within its community.

Speakers to be announced soon!