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Media release
Date: 10 June 2004
Contact: Patty Fawkner SGS, Director, on (02) 9356 3888

Uniya announces Fr Frank Brennan's departure

Statement of Sr Patty Fawkner, the Director of Uniya Jesuit Social Justice Centre, announcing the departure of Fr Frank Brennan who will take up a fellowship at Boston College, Massachusetts, in September:

For the fifteen years of Uniya's history, the one constant face and voice has been that of Uniya's founding Director, Frank Brennan SJ. Now it is time for Frank to take his leave. Who could imagine an Uniya without Frank Brennan? He is appreciated for his many gifts, so generously shared. These include rigorous analysis, prolific writing, articulate presentations, the ease by which he engages and informs church and civic leaders, astute awareness of political realities, and the depth of his compassionate commitment to social justice.

Frank has always 'walked the talk', whether by visiting indigenous communities and concerned pastoralists in outback Queensland during the height of the Wik debate, or by his regular visits to Woomera and Baxter Detention Centres and his subsequent meetings with the Immigration Minister where he advocates on behalf of detainees.

For Frank, there is life after Uniya. In September 2004 he will take up a fellowship awarded to him by the Jesuit Institute at Boston College. Frank's project during the academic year will be: 'Articulating the Catholic Church's Voice of Public Reason Across Religious and Cultural Divides by providing guidance to the public intellectual in a pluralist democracy who wants to translate the Church Tradition to the Modern World.'

That is quite a mouthful! It simply means that Frank will have the opportunity to research, reflect and depth what he has been doing over the past 15 years – facilitating conversation between church and society and making the riches of Catholic Tradition accessible to the men and women of our time.

Before he travels to the USA Frank will make two visits to Indonesia where he will study the language and monitor the July Presidential elections.

Frank will be keenly missed. I know that all our supporters join me in wishing him continued strength to his arm and clarity to his voice.

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