HerStory
An ecumenical feminist spirituality centre:
"Honouring women’s experiences,
nurturing wisdom in all people and,
working for justice in our world."
We acknowledge that Sophia stands on Kaurna land,
land to which we have been welcomed by the Kaurna elders.
Sophia was established in 1991 by the Dominican Sisters of Holy Cross Congregation, South Australia.
Sophia is an ecumenical feminist spirituality centre and was named Sophia to honour the female personification of the Divine. Sophia is situated in a specially designed terracotta spiralling single storey building, in Cumberland Park, a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia.
Sophia is staffed by volunteers: a Coordinating Team of three women, more than ten other volunteers and women (and some men) who teach courses, facilitate activities and offer counselling services.
Sophia is a circle of women, not an institution.
Sophia is committed to honouring diversity and the women who come to Sophia are from a range of backgrounds. Older women, young women, Indigenous women and women from non-English speaking backgrounds are part of the Sophia community and children come with their families.
While some women are church members, others no longer go to church and some do not name Christianity as their heritage. Whatever their backgrounds all of these women are committed to nurturing their spirituality and working constructively to create a better world. It is here that they share their concerns, develop friendships, contribute their time to voluntary work, work for justice, participate in study and interest groups and meditate and celebrate together.
Some courses and activities are open to men and women, and some are offered for women only. They include Enneagram Courses, Feminist Theology, Women's Spirituality, Feminist Public Library, Women's Singing, Dancing, Writing and Art, English for Refugee Women, and much more.
The Sophia Vision:
Sophia began with the intention that it would unfold from the experience of the women who came. Their wisdom, experience and needs continue to create the community and shape the life at Sophia.
A cursory study of the Sophia programme shows our understanding of spirituality as that which embraces the whole of our humanity and touches every aspect of our lives.
The Sophia vision is to work towards creating a society in which diversity and respect for all peoples and the earth is celebrated.
We seek to explore ways of crossing boundaries and making connections with people from all religious traditions. We do this through our feminist worldview, our commitment to feminist spiritualities and our passion for justice.
At Sophia we are committed to the indigenous people of Australia, in particular the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri people. We do all we can to advocate for and work with refugee women and children. Peace in our world is an urgent concern and we join with those groups who work for peace and justice for all peoples.
More About Sophia
I’ve always dreamed of being involved in an organisation that
is grounded in feminism
openly acknowledges spirituality
has a ‘broad church’ philosophy
supports women in their journeys
actively affirms and acknowledges women
is inclusive and welcoming of all people
celebrates diversity and difference
acknowledges the original Indigenous inhabitants of this country
looks for the good in people
encourages women to be strong, powerful and to speak their wisdom
makes decisions collaboratively
is non-hierarchical
is non-competitive
honours the importance of process, even when that’s challenging and time-consuming
deals with conflict elegantly
delights in others’ achievements
treats people respectfully
sits with women when the going is tough
resides in a beautiful space
Now I’ve found it
it’s called
Sophia
Trish Fairley - 28.03.2006
Sophia Is ...
Serene surroundings
Open to observe
Pathways to partake
Healing for the heart
Inspiration to illogical thinkers
All denominations are in awe
Consoling and caring
Enjoyable environment
Natural and notable
Total tranquility
Restful retreat
Empowering energy
Margaret Jones - November 2006