Dr Neville Buch

The Future of Faith: A Call to Reimagining SOFiA

Abstract

The Sea of Faith in Australia (SOFiA) stands at a critical historical juncture. After thirty years of fostering open, inter-belief dialogue inspired by the non-realist philosophy of Don Cupitt, the organization faces potential dissolution. This essay serves as an urgent call for conversation with thinkers aged 40 or below to reimagine SOFiA’s mission. It details the organization’s sociological and philosophical roots, addresses the overlooked revolution in Religious Education (RE), and presents the stark reality of the June 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Without a new generation of educated leaders to take the helm and steer the organization toward new religion or non-religion paradigms, SOFiA will cease to exist as an incorporated entity, losing the infrastructure necessary to influence public policy and higher education.