ACU spirituality course formally recognised

Australian Catholic University's (ACU) Master of Arts (Theology) course has received a certificate of recognition for its Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry specialisation.

The Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction (AECSD) recently acknowledged the course as meeting the standards for the Formation of Spiritual Directors.

To date, only four training institutions across Australia have received this recognition, with ACU offering the only university-based formation program.

Offered at ACU since 2002, the three year spiritual direction formation program is designed for people who want to expand their awareness of the Christian contemplative tradition and develop their skills in journeying with others as a spiritual companion.

Professor Raymond Canning, Assistant Head, School of Theology, Canberra, expressed appreciation for the AECSD's recognition.

"The strand in Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry seeks to educate pastoral ministers, spiritual companions and retreat givers in the theoretical and practical foundations of Christian spirituality and in the ministry of spiritual direction," he said.

Students from Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Uniting, Baptist and Church of Christ backgrounds have graduated or are undertaking the Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry specialisation.

To view more information on the Formation of Spiritual Directors guidelines, visit http://spiritualdirection.org.au/.

The Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry specialisation of the Master of Arts (Theology) is available at the Canberra Campus.