Graduates strive to revive cultural body

Sydney
7 April 2002

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Graduates strive to revive cultural body

Co-founder Rachel Galea working with Aboriginal children in a remote community.

Two local Catholics are determined to revive an intellectual movement for Catholics that faded away when they were babes in arms.

The International Movement for Catholic Graduates died in Australia during the 1970s, but lived on internationally. Now based in Geneva, the group is called International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs.

University of Technology Sydney graduates Minh Nguyen, 25, and Rachel Galea, 23, are working to launch the Australian branch - the Australian Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs.

"There is a clear need for a community for young Catholic intellectuals and professionals who are challenged by contemporary questions of human rights, the environment and peace and security," Mr Nguyen said.

The launch takes place next month with a conference featuring a range of speakers, including the head of the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of NSW, Professor Marc Williams, peace activist Dennis Doherty, archdiocesan ecumenical officer Sr Trish Madigan and Peter Sabatino, from the National Council of Churches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

But the group's intentions go beyond talk, Mr Nguyen said.

"The ultimate point of critical analysis and theological reflection is to empower members towards transformative action in their workplace, society and the world," he said.

"It is a faith community responding to the signs of the times in both the Australian and global contexts."

The conference begins with a public meeting and lectures at the University of Technology Sydney on Friday, April 19, with entry through donation. Workshops continue at the crypt, St Joseph's, Newtown, on Saturday April 20.

Call 0403 181 586 or visit www.acmica.org