CSCC – Centre for Spirituality of Care and Community

For up to date information please visit: https://www.cscc.org.au/

The purpose of the organisation is to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the spirituality of care and community for the well-being of individuals and society within a broad notion of spirituality.

https://www.cscc.org.au/product-page/the-mystery-of-god-and-the-power-of

Introducing the Centre for Spirituality of Care and Community (CSCC) 

The Centre for Spirituality of Care and Community is a new organisation inspired by, and honouring the life and work, of the late Rev Roy Bradley, one of the leading figures of modern pastoral care in Australia.

The Centre has been formed by some of his friends, colleagues and family members who are eager to see the continuation of Roy’s pioneering work in pastoral care, and commitment to the importance of community, in the wider Australian society.

Background
Roy Bradley OAM was a major figure in the introduction and development of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)  in Australia.

The Reverend Roy Algernon Bradley was awarded, the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 2009 for service to the community through the development of healthcare chaplaincy and pastoral education centres.

He died on Saturday 26 August 2017. Two days later, the Australian and New Zealand
Association of Clinical Pastoral Education paid tribute to Roy as  a pioneer of CPE in this region.

In 1987, the Association presented him with a special award recognising his work in pioneering CPE programmes in Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Hobart, Ballarat, Albury and Warrnambool.

In his retirement Roy continued to support the continuing growth of CPE in this$ country.

Earlier, from 1982 to 1987, Roy was able to deepen his interest in spirituality and community in his role as Warden of The Avalon Community. Over those five years, he and his wife Margaret hosted conferences and retreats, and provided pastoral care, counselling and a safe haven for many from a broad cross section of our society. He also lived out his commitment to community by helping to establish the Ruach community with his extended family.

Roy’s sense of spirituality and community was one that actively engaged with social justice, including the environment, gender equality, marriage equality, and supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples and asylum seekers. He participated in protests, discussions and spiritual reflections over these matters right up to his death at age 91.

Aim, Purpose and Activities

The aim of CSCC is to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the spirituality of care and community for the well being of individuals and society within a broad notion of spirituality.

Spirituality is defined as ‘the process and experience of meaning making in the life of individuals and community as we find our place in the world and beyond’. Spirituality is embraced as an integral part of a wholistic approach to health, incorporating physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. We are inspired by the Australian  Aboriginal  emphasis  on  the  inseparable  nature  of  spirituality  and  the  wellbeing  of  individuals,  family  and  community.  The  Centre  will  work  collaboratively  with  a  wide  range  of  institutions and organisations, religious and non-religious, to achieve its aim.

One of the first tasks is to host the annual Roy Bradley Oration on Spirituality of Care and Community.

Funding  and  resources  permitting,  the  organisation  will  seek  to  deepen  our understanding  of  this subject through scholarly research, seminars and forums, and increase awareness in the wider society through  strategic  partnerships  with organisations  with  established  networks  and  infrastructure  for extended outreach. It will publish discussion papers and books in a variety of formats.

Governance and Funding

CSCC  has  been  established  under  the  Associations  Incorporation  Reform  Act 2012(Vic)  with  a committee of management drawn from a potential membership of 100.

Funding of the organisation is from its membership fees, donations and bequests.

Support, Friends and Members

CSCC is seeking support from all who share in our vision for a greater understanding and awareness of the spirituality of care and community in all areas of personal and communal life. You can support our goals and activities through participation and financial support.

We are seeking a hundred Foundation’ Members who would each contribute $1,000 (either as a once off  contribution  or   $200  a  year  over  5  years)  towards  an  endowment  fund  of  at  least   $100,000;  the interest from this will support the Annual Roy Bradley Oration.  You can also be a Friend of CSCC and any donation or other support in kind will be appreciated.