Tim Sims AM Addresses Faith and Demographic Trends at St Edmund Campion Lecture

On Thursday 20 June, Campion College hosted the much-anticipated St Edmund Campion Mass, Lecture, and Dinner, drawing together students, faculty, distinguished guests and friends of the college. The highlight of the evening was an insightful lecture delivered by Mr. Tim Sims AM, a founding partner of Pacific Equity Partners and a member of its Operating Committee.

Mr. Sims, whose distinguished career includes leading Bain & Company’s Australasian and African operations and serving on its Global Executive Committee, has made significant contributions to national strategy projects and various government committees. A graduate of Oxford University and Harvard University, where he was a Mitsui European Scholar and a Kennedy Scholar respectively, Mr. Sims was honoured in 2019 with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his philanthropic endeavours.

In his address, Mr. Sims shared profound insights on navigating life's challenges and the current state of faith in Australia. He remarked on the reluctance of Australians to embrace their faith publicly and offered thoughts on how to revitalise church communities, focusing on discipling groups, welcoming newcomers, showing love in the community and engaging youth.

Mr. Sims also reflected on shifting demographic and dialogic trends, noting that millennials are on track to be less conservative than their parents. He expressed concern over the increasing use of condemnation tactics rather than persuasive discourse when addressing controversial issues. According to Sims, these changes pose a significant threat to the health of democracy and the longevity of Australian culture and values as we known them.

Highlighting the importance of protecting these values, he remarked, "We are blessed in Australia with an incredible peacetime and civilization which we need to reflect on and defend with wisdom and thought and care."

The Hon. Tony Abbott, who delivered the vote of thanks, praised Mr. Sims for his thought-provoking lecture and contributions to both the business and philanthropic sectors. He also praised Campion College for its continuous formation of young adults, immersing them in “the best that's been thought, and in the ideas, values and thinking that has made our civilisation at its best.”

The evening also featured a captivating rendition of “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera by Campion College students, Miette Salinas Byrne, Reshan Weerakkody and Caleb Smith.

The St Edmund Campion Mass, Lecture, and Dinner continues to be a significant event for Campion College, fostering a spirit of intellectual and spiritual growth among attendees. The college community looks forward to future gatherings that inspire and challenge them to live out their faith with purpose and conviction.

See below for photos from the night. Photos by Giovanni Portelli Photography.