The Rev Professor James Haire, National President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has been appointed Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

Professor Haire is currently Professor of Theology at Griffith University in Brisbane and Professor of New Testament studies at Trinity College, Brisbane. He delivered the Bible studies at the Anglican Church’s most recent General Synod, in Brisbane in 2001.

The Centre, located in Canberra, was launched in 1998 as a joint initiative of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn and Charles Sturt University. It aims to promote ecumenical activity, encourage the study of the history and impact of Christianity in Australia, and be a focal point for ‘contemporary Christianity’.

Professor Haire will take up his appointment with the Centre in the second half of the year, after completing his term as Uniting Church President.