Commissioning of Kerrie Handasyde

On Monday, 4 March, the Uniting Church commissioned Associate Professor Kerrie Handasyde to the role of Coordinator of Studies: History of Christianity which she began in January 2024. Kerrie brings significant teaching and research experience to her role.

Kerrie says, “I see this role as one where my teaching and research about the past might inform the church’s self-understanding as it speaks prophetically in the present. I will endeavour to engage in teaching as reflective practice and in historical research as a spiritual discipline that demands clear-sightedness, empathy, courage, and the communication of understanding. Being commissioned for me is the fulfillment of a decades-long process of preparation. It acknowledges my scholarship and my pastoral and spiritual formation and authorises me to join fully in the collaborative work of educating others at Pilgrim Theological College.”

Kerrie was commissioned alongside other new Synod staff, the Reverend Sandy Brodine (Younger Generations: Education and Strategy) and the Reverend David Kim (Multicultural Ministry Coordinator).  In addition to her role on the teaching Faculty, Kerrie is also the Academic Dean.

Pictured: Rev Assoc Prof Robyn Whitaker (Acting Head of College), Assoc Prof Kerrie Handasyde (Coordinator of Studies: History of Christianity), Rev David Fotheringham (Moderator, Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania), Rev David Dong Won Kim (Synod Multicultural Ministries Coordinator) and Rev Sandy Bordine (Synod Younger Generations: Education and Strategy)
Also pictured: Rev Hoansung (Mike) You reads from the Bible in Korean (Mike is alumnus of Pilgrim)