A community of Catholic biblical scholars ACBA

Welcome to the Australian Catholic Biblical Association

Sacred Scripture,
studied in faith,
served in scholarship.

"I meditate on the works of your hands." — Psalm 143:5

ACBA is a national association of Catholic biblical scholars — laywomen, laymen, religious and clergy — engaged in the academic study and pastoral application of Sacred Scripture across Australia and New Zealand.

Apply for Membership →Annual Conference

Australian pastoral landscape — gum trees and rolling green hills, reflecting the works of creation. — The work of God's hands — the Australian landscape that grounds our scholarship.

Our Mission

Scholarship
in service
of the Word.

The Australian Catholic Biblical Association brings together scholars, teachers and postgraduate students committed to the rigorous, faithful study of Sacred Scripture. Members are drawn from universities, theological colleges, seminaries and parish communities across Australia and New Zealand.

We meet annually in conference and support emerging scholars through fellowship and the exchange of research. Membership is by sponsorship and approved at the Annual General Meeting.

1952

Established

Annual

Conference

Aust. & NZ

Member network

AGM

ACBA Conference 2026

5–7 July · Adelaide University

The 2026 conference was co-located with an international biblical fellowship, bringing members into direct exchange with overseas colleagues. Three days of papers, panels and shared liturgy, with conference and informal dinners. 2026 registration was sold out via TryBooking.

✚Three-day programme — papers, panels and pastoral discussion
✚Conference dinner and informal evening gatherings
✚Per-day registration with add-ons (members & invited guests)
✚Booking via member email distribution — not publicly open
✚Conference programs available from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Conference details → 2027 preview

Membership

A sponsored community.

Membership in ACBA is by sponsorship from an existing member, with final approval at the Annual General Meeting. The application can be completed online or by downloadable form.

Find a sponsor

Applicants are sponsored by an existing ACBA member who can attest to their commitment to biblical scholarship. If you don't yet know a member, our Secretary will arrange a conversation.

Apply online

Complete the online form below, or download the printable version and email the completed form to the Secretary if you prefer to apply on paper. Both routes follow the same sponsorship process.

AGM approval

Sponsored applications are presented at the Annual General Meeting, where members vote on approval. New members are welcomed at that year's conference.

Begin application → Download form (PDF)

Members Publications

Scholarship from our members.

ACBA compiles an annual index of scholarship from its members — books, journal articles, commentaries and conference proceedings. The archive extends back through five years of member publications.

ACBA Members Publications 2019–2020

Annual index

The most recent published index of member scholarship from across Australia.

View archive →

Earlier indices: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19

Later indices: 2021–22 onward

In preparation

Indices are compiled every two years — 2021–22, 2023–24, 2025–26, 2027–28 and onward — and are added here as members supply their publications.

Go to Publications →

Scripture for the month

A verse to dwell on.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but shall accomplish that which I purpose."

[Isaiah 55:11]

As ACBA begins this new chapter online, we trust that the word we study and share is never spoken in vain. May it go out from here and accomplish its purpose in the Church and the world.

Member spotlight

From our community.

Professor Frank Moloney

The Australian Catholic Biblical Association notes with sorrow the passing of Rev. Professor Francis (Frank) J. Moloney SDB AM FAHA (1940–2025), who died in Melbourne on 8 November 2025 after a period of illness.