About Us

Emanuel Swedenborg

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic who is best known for his significant contributions to religious thought and his exploration of the spiritual world. Swedenborg's mystical experiences led him to write extensively on theology, spirituality, and the afterlife. His theological works include Heaven and Hell, Arcana Coelestia (Secrets of Heaven), and The Divine Love and Wisdom. He developed a unique theological system that emphasized the importance of inner spiritual understanding and moral living.

Ian Arnold

Ian grew up in Melbourne and, already a young Christian during High School years was introduced to the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg through a friend when in his late teens. Feeling a call to ministry he travelled to the UK, via experience in missionary work in South Africa in 1961. Following studies at The New Church College and London University Ian was ordained in 1965 and married the love of his life, Margaret, the same year, they becoming parents of 5 children He has served as a Pastor in England, Mauritius, in Adelaide and in Sydney. In 1991 he became Principal of The New Church College in the UK and, returning home, he served as Principal of The Australian New Church College for 10 years. He retired in 2014.

Pastor Darren Brunne

Darren is married to Renee and they have 7 children. Darren has completed a Diploma of Ministry and is ordained with the New Church in Australia. Darren has always had an interest in spiritual things which led him to leave home and live in an ashram(temple) at 15 years of age. At 19 he had an encounter with Christ that convinced him to leave his then spiritual path and follow the Christian faith. Darren spent many years ministering in worship and children’s church. At the age of 28, he began traveling internationally and around Australia as an itinerant minister. His love for the Word of God and its deeper spiritual meaning led him to discover the works of Emanuel Swedenborg.

Ken Thompson

I was born into the New Church family. My maternal grand parents were early members of the Brisbane church and my mother as well as her brothers and sisters were very active members in participating in worship and the administration both Nationally and locally in Brisbane. One Aunt Maude Whatnall was our organist for over 40 years. I have been a long standing committee member,and currently hold the office of President of the Society. During the time between full time ministers served as Lay Preacher for some 5 years. My wife Diane and I were married in the Rosalie Church in 1969 as was our daughter 25 years later both officiated by the Rev John Teed.

Paul Manning

Relatively new member Paul Manning first discovered the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg in a second hand bookstore in Bath, England in 1988. It was called a Compendium of Swedenborg. Even though he had never heard of Swedenborg before, some of the topics were familiar as he was a member of the LDS church & topics such as Weddings in Heaven & The Celestial Kingdom seemed to be subjects only the Mormons talked about. He bought the book for £5 & never looked back.