Aims & objects
ACBA encourages the intentional study of Sacred Scripture in the Catholic tradition, supports members in their scholarly and pastoral work, and fosters collaboration between universities, theological institutions and parishes across Australia and New Zealand.
This is pursued through an annual conference, the formation of emerging scholars, and the maintenance of a national network of biblical research.
History
The Australian Catholic Biblical Association grew from a small circle of Catholic biblical scholars gathered in Sydney in 1952 at the initiative of Dr William Leonard, who hoped to foster shared study of Sacred Scripture among Australian Catholics. The group adopted its first constitution in 1954 and, under the leadership of Fr Harry Davis, brought the English scholar Fr Alexander Jones to Australia for a Biblical Congress in 1959. As a parallel association took shape in Melbourne, the two groups joined forces — notably during Fr Bruce Vawter's 1962 lecture tour — and resolved to establish the body nationally.
In 1964, at a conference and general meeting in Sydney attended by scholars from across Australia and New Zealand, the Constitution was formally approved and the Catholic Biblical Association of Australia was established as a national learned society, with Fr Harry Davis as its first president. Today, as the Australian Catholic Biblical Association, it unites scholars from universities, theological colleges, seminaries and parishes across Australia and New Zealand.
Constitution
ACBA is governed by its constitution, which sets out the purposes of the Association, the rights and responsibilities of members, the election of office bearers and the conduct of the Annual General Meeting.
Download constitution (PDF) →Formation
ACBA supports emerging scholars working in biblical studies — postgraduate members, early-career researchers, and those preparing for academic and pastoral vocations.
The annual conference is a particular point of welcome for these members. Postgraduate and early-career scholars are warmly encouraged not only to attend but to present their own work, taking their place in the Association's exchange of research alongside established colleagues. To help make that possible, ACBA offers two student scholarships each year, assisting with conference and travel costs so that emerging scholars can participate fully in the life of the Association.
Executive Members
Office bearers are elected at the Annual General Meeting. Members of the public can reach the Executive directly using the addresses below.
Dr Rosemary Canavan
Senior Lecturer in New Testament
Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, East Melbourne
Rev Dr Michael Trainor
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies
Australian Catholic University, Adelaide
Dr Ian Elmer
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies
Australian Catholic University, Brisbane
Br Dr Paul Creevey fms
Lecturer in Biblical Studies
CTC & YTU
Links & affiliations
ACBA maintains connections with peer scholarly societies and theological institutions across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
- · Australian Catholic Theological Association — actatheology.com.au
- · Fellowship of Biblical Studies (Australia & New Zealand) — https://fbs.org.au
- · Catholic Biblical Association of America — catholicbiblical.org
- · Society of Biblical Literature — sbl-site.org
- · International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament — iosot.net
- · Catholic Biblical Federation — c-b-f.org
Minutes & AGM
AGM minutes and executive meeting records are held in the members' area. Members can sign in to access the full archive — and to view notices specific to the membership.
Members' area — minutes & AGM →