The Dawson Society was thrilled to have been able to host the launch event for Dr. Philippa Martyr’s latest work, Witness: The Future Catholic Church in Australia. Held at the Raffles Hotel in Perth on Tuesday, April 8th, the launch was a truly remarkable and engaging evening.
Launching the book was renowned Australian theologian Professor Tracey Rowland, who travelled from Melbourne especially for the event. Professor Rowland delivered an insightful and eloquent speech detailing some of the realities facing the Church around the world, particularly in so-called developed nations, where the institutional footprint of the Church seems to outweigh the numbers of Church-goers in the pews, highlighting the significance of Dr. Martyr’s work and its potential to impact contemporary discussions about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia.
Dr. Martyr then took the dais to share something of the inspiration behind “Witness” and the journey of its creation. Her speech was both heartfelt and thought-provoking, capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the evening. She spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the Catholic Church in Australia, and how her book aims to address these issues through a combination of data, interviews, and personal reflections.
Guests were then invited to participate in a Q&A session, where they had the opportunity to ask Dr. Martyr questions and gain further insights into her book. This interactive segment was particularly well-received, and conversation continued to flow following the conclusion of the formalities for the evening.
The book launch at the Raffles Hotel in Perth was a resounding success, with over 80 attendees and all copies of “Witness” sold out. The event left attendees with a deeper appreciation for Dr. Martyr’s new work and a memorable experience of an evening well spent in good company.
Copies of Witness can be purchased online through Connor Court Publishing.
