Preacher: Scott Cowdell

Scott Cowdell

The Revd Dr Scott Cowdell is a prominent Australian theologian, author, and academic who serves as a Research Professor in Theology at Charles Sturt University in Canberra. He is known for his work bridging traditional ecclesiology with contemporary Western culture, and has authored 11 books focusing on secularisation, church culture, and the prevention of institutional abuse. His academic work draws heavily on the mimetic theory of French philosopher René Girard. Scott served for decades in various parishes, theological colleges, and leadership roles. He was the Rector of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Manuka, ACT, and long-standing Canon Theologian for the Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn. In 2024 he entered the Roman Catholic Church after 35 years of ordained Anglican priestly ministry, and is pursuing ordination as a Catholic priest.