Through the groups and activities of the Chaplaincy, we:

... help people find meaning in their lives, particularly following times of grief, stress or crisis;

... connect people with other people and services;

... help people understand and find spiritual strength in their lives;

... explain the Christian story and its role in developing spiritual understanding;

... make ourselves available to debrief near-death experiences and similar unusual occurrences;

... encourage and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness in our community towards a fairer world for ALL, and;

... care for the whole person - body, mind and spirit.

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What is the role of religion? Is it a hobby? Is it a pastime? Is it an escape from reality? Is it the opium of the masses?
 In the last century, that question was often answered very negatively. Religion was finished.

Science had explained all the mysteries, or, it was going to …and so society would be better off without religion.

That failed because we can’t do without religion any more than we can do without music or art
or the other things that make us fully human and which give us a sense of transcendence.
 
As a Chaplaincy Community we need to continue to ask contemporary question so, our theme for 2026 is:

What is the Future of Religion?

Is religion going to transform? Is it going to offer us new perspective, through a union with other ways of knowledge, other ways of respecting and developing the human? And how do the different religions collaborate and respect and see each other? 

The heart or source of all authentic religion is the mystical –the experience of the ultimate reality of God, beyond, through and over thought and imagination. It’s this contemplative dimension of religion that offers us both an insight and a way into the common ground of humanity. This is the predominant reason why religion is important, because it can open up for us…

• a new way of overcoming our divisions;
  
• a new way of overcoming our addiction to war and violence;  
• a new way of overcoming dishonesty and fakeness in public life, and;
• an opportunity to recover a sense of integrity and truth and indeed, love at the heart of the human family

We’ll be connecting in with speakers from many different backgrounds and different traditions –men and women who are interested in this topic, and who are working for a better society and world. Each bring a creative and original perspective.

 
Our own contribution to this will be to understand the role of contemplation –that at the heart of every religion there is a contemplative or a mystical dimension alongside the institutional, cultural, intellectual and so on. 

Throughout the year there will be opportunities to hear from others, for discussion and for sharing the perspectives among ourselves. And at the end of the year, we’ll have a panel discussion to bring it all together.

So, join us for this journey in 2026 into the future of religion.

We’re about life in ALL its fullness  
– body, mind and spirit!

Want to know more?
Come and join the conversation where all are welcome,
and all means ALL.

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Rev.LIAM MCKENNA

Lane Cove Community Chaplain

0404 596 592

[email protected]

Activities running on a monthly cycle...

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  Activities by arrangement...

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Always...

Pastoral care in chaplaincy involves providing spiritual, emotional, and relational support to individuals, families, and communities, regardless of their faith or religious background. Chaplains, trained in pastoral care, offer a compassionate presence, a listening ear, and guidance through life's challenges. We help people explore their faith, find meaning in their lives, and navigate difficult situations like grief, loss, and anxiety.

Spiritual Support

We help individuals connect with their spirituality, whether through religious practices or personal reflection. 

Emotional Support

We provide a safe space for people to express their emotions, offering comfort and understanding during times of stress or crisis. 

Relational Support

 We build relationships with people, fostering a sense of belonging and connection, especially for those who may be isolated or feeling alone. 

Guidance and Counseling

We offer guidance and support in making decisions, navigating difficult situations, and finding meaning in life. 

Faith Exploration

 We can help individuals explore their faith, deepen their understanding of religious traditions, or find new spiritual paths. 

Community Building

We also play a role in building and strengthening communities, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. 

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Social justice advocacy is the practice of promoting and defending human rights and a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities within society. It involves various actions, including speaking out, writing, and acting on behalf of individuals or groups to ensure their rights are protected and their concerns are considered.

In a world compromised by climate change, challenged by inequity, insecurity and injustice,
we're hopefully and practically committed to the well-being of creation;
compassionately dedicated to the flourishing of human beings and human communities;
and creative, disruptive and daring in our witness.

Social Justice

• Social justice emphasises fairness, equality, and equity in how society distributes its resources and opportunities. 
  

• It aims to address historical injustices and create a more just and equitable society for all. 


• Key principles of social justice include equal rights, equal opportunity, and equal treatment. 


• Examples of social justice issues include combating discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability; care for creation; Reconciliation; and, advocating for access to essential services for all. 

Advocacy

• Advocacy involves actively speaking, writing, or taking action to promote, protect, and preserve the legal and human rights of others. 

 

• It can be done on behalf of an individual, group, or the public at large to influence policies and practices. 


• Advocacy can involve various strategies, such as public awareness campaigns, Lane Cove Forums, lobbying policymakers, and providing direct assistance to those in need. 
  


• As a social justice advocate, we work to create a more just and equitable society by challenging unfair systems and practices and advocating for change. 
  

We work to raise awareness of social justice issues, build support for change,
and influence policies and practices that promote fairness and equality for ALL. 

By advocating for vulnerable individuals and groups,
we play our part in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to flourish. 

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