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Trinity welcomes Dr Aaron Ghiloni

Dr Aaron Ghiloni outside Trinity Theological College in Auchenflower, Brisbane. Photo by Osker Lau

DR Aaron Ghiloni has joined Trinity Theological College as Director of Studies – Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, and Director of Field Education.

Dr Ghiloni's work is in Christian theology in dialogue with the humanities and social sciences.

His new book John Dewey among the Theologians is a conversation between educational theory and Christian doctrine.

He teaches the college's popular "Theology of Religious Pluralism" course.

From 2009 to 2011 he taught on the Abrahamic traditions at The University of Queensland and is currently completing further postgraduate qualifications in Islamic Studies.

He said that as a theological scholar, he is impressed by the foundational role "scholarly interpreters" play in the Uniting Church.

"With the Basis of Union, I am heartily 'open to an informed faith' and I believe it is crucial to 'learn to sharpen [our] understanding … by contact with contemporary thought.'

I applaud the Queensland Synod's desire to 'confess the Lord in fresh words and deeds' through the Together on the way, enriching community process.

"I think this is what we are emphasising at Trinity Theological College.

The curriculum has a distinct focus responding to the 'challenges and possibilities for the proclamation of the gospel in secular and pluralist Australia'.

"Thus, my classes in areas such as leadership, mission studies, and pastoral theology will be in dialogue with these cultural currents.

We will look at how Christian thought is challenged and enhanced through contact with other faiths and other disciplines."

Dr Ghiloni has extensive practical experience in teaching and educational leadership, and has been a high school teacher and administrator, youth and children's pastoral minister, and an adult education officer (including for the Presbytery of Moreton Rivers).

He brings a broad ecumenical outlook to his teaching, having served within the United Methodist Church, the Anglican Church of Australia, and a Pentecostal congregation.

Trinity Principal Rev Dr Geoff Thompson said the college is delighted to have Dr Ghiloni join the faculty.

"Together with his brief to expand the college's engagement with issues of leadership, he is well suited to help foster the college's mission of producing visionary leaders who have a 'theologically-formed commitment to the Christian community and discipleship formation.

Photo : Dr Aaron Ghiloni outside Trinity Theological College in Auchenflower, Brisbane. Photo by Osker Lau