In a society that has become disconnected from its cultural and religious foundations, the rising hostility towards Christians is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary Australians to live out their faith and beliefs in public.

In a country where everyone, regardless of their beliefs, should have the freedom to openly share and practice their faith without fear of discrimination or backlash, the reality is shifting in the opposite direction. Religious voices are being silenced, and there is a growing push towards enforced conformity and thought policing.

And the consequences are real: people risk losing their jobs, livelihoods, and reputations for expressing their faith or convictions in public. More and more people are turning to HRLA to assist them as they defend themselves against attempts to silence or censor or penalise them. 

People like HRLA client Dr Jillian Spencer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has been penalised by her employer for refusing to comply with gender ideology in her workplace. 

Or HRLA client Jasmine Sussex, a breastfeeding expert who is defending herself against a vilification claim for saying publicly that men can’t breastfeed.

It is clear that a new approach is needed for the future. Whilst providing a legal defence to people targeted for their beliefs is essential, a proactive approach that looks to equip and train the next generation of leaders in a Christian worldview is also needed. 

The Kategoria Conference, an important initiative of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, provides participants with an opportunity to receive formation and training in becoming Christian leaders who can shape and influence a secular society. 

Kategoria is about asking the hard questions, the ones Jesus himself might pose to our modern world: What would society look like if it truly embraced the Gospel? How should Christians act in a world influenced by secular ideals?

This year, the keynote speaker is Stephen McAlpine, author of “Futureproof: How to Live for Jesus in a Culture that Keeps on Changing.” 

Drawing from his book, Stephen will examine our rapidly evolving secular culture and demonstrate how the Gospel equips Christians to outlast, outshine, and outlive the cultural forces around them. His insights will set the stage for a deeper exploration of the ways in which faith intersects with today’s world.

The Conference is being held from 26 to 30 September 2024.

There is still time to register for this innovative event.

To find out more, including full program details, schedules and presenter information, visit the Kategoria website here.