About Sophia​

establisheD in 1991​

Why Sophia?

People from a wide range of backgrounds participate in the life of Sophia and celebrate diversity and wisdom wherever it is found. Women’s experiences especially are honoured according to the vision of the Dominican Sisters who established Sophia in 1991.

Sophia is a name given to female wisdom in several cultures and so that was the name chosen. They hoped that the spiral shaped building with its surrounding gardens would become a sanctuary of learning, sharing and nurturing.

This is reflected in the contribution of many volunteers to the administration of Sophia, which is both managed and staffed by volunteers, together with a part-time administrative assistant.
Sophia receives a small annual subsidy from the Dominican Sisters and small donations from appreciative participants and organisations. With no government support, Sophia relies on hiring, membership and fundraising. So wherever possible, if you can contribute to the ongoing livelihood of Sophia, this will always be appreciated!


Sophia Ecumenical Feminist Spirituality Inc:
•ecumenical– we embrace all liberating spiritual traditions.
• feminist – we work toward a society where all persons have opportunities for full development and where women and men live and work in equal partnership and in harmonious relations with the earth.
• feminist spiritualities – we honour right relations with self, others, the rest of nature and ‘ultimate/intimate reality’.

Sophia Is…

An experience: At Sophia, women find kindred spirits, respect, sanctuary, inspiration and challenge.

A place: Nestled in the shade of a generous Moreton Bay fig, the building reflects a spirit of peace, beauty and harmony.

A symbol: Sophia is carried in the hearts of many women as a sacred space where their experience is affirmed and they encounter wisdom and justice.

A sign: Sophia began in 1991 as a result of the far-sighted vision of the Holy Cross Dominican Sisters in SA. Sophia has now become Sophia Ecumenical Feminist Spirituality Inc and is sustained by the work of dedicated volunteer staff. Women from diverse backgrounds participate in a wide range of activities.


Management

The beautiful Sophia space is managed and staffed by volunteers, together with a part-time administrative assistant.

Sophia receives an annual subsidy from the Dominican Sisters, income from hiring and small donations from appreciative participants and organisations. With no government support, Sophia has to rely on fundraising efforts.

So wherever possible, if you can contribute to the ongoing livelihood of Sophia, this will always be appreciated.

What do we do?

creative writing
singing; circle dancing
social justice activities
feminist spiritualities and theologies
English classes for refugee women
women writing retreats and spiritual companioning
meditation
embodied spirituality through InterPlay
yoga
mindfulness
counselling

The Sophia Statement

We acknowledge that Sophia is on Kaurna Land to which we have been welcomed by Auntie Cherie Watkins, Kaurna elder.

We also acknowledge that Sophia is the gift of the Dominican Sisters to the community and we honour their vision and intent.

Sophia has grown from insights found in Christian feminist liberation theologies and embraces all liberating spiritual traditions. Feminist spiritualities honour right relationship with self, others, the rest of nature and ultimate/intimate reality.

At Sophia we:

Provide a place inspired by feminist spiritualities where communal
ritual and spiritual life are nurtured.

Honour female experiences and provide women with space to discover and express their truth, and opportunities to develop and apply their potential.

Actively respond to the oppression and suffering of women, children and men caused by patriarchal and capitalist structures in religion and society.

Work towards a society where all persons have opportunities for full development and where women and men live and work in equal partnership and in harmonious relationship with the earth.

Foster a more compassionate world order and the integrity of the earth by promoting social justice, peace and human rights, particularly for women.

Sophia Works Towards Justice

Below are some of the initiatives we support:

International Women’s Day
NAIDOC Week
One Billion Rising
Refugee Week
UN Orange Day
Voice. Treaty. Truth.
The Fig Tree
Young Women Statue
Water Urns
The Mandala Quilt is the focal point of the Conference Room and was a collaborative work by many women depicting their hopes and dreams for the new millennium.
Water Lilies
The Sophia Library
Spiral Garden
Enterance