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Daniela Rizzo
Associate Lecturer in Systematic Theology; Director of HE Diplomas of Leadership and Ministry
Biography

Daniela is an Associate Lecturer of Systematic Theology at AC. She has recently completed her PhD, which articulates a unique intersection between systematic pneumatology and animal studies.

Daniela's academic memberships extend to the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, the Australasian Animal Studies Association, A Rocha Australia and more recently with the Pentecostal World Fellowship Creation Care Task Force. Outside academia, she is a member of the Warrnambool Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee, contributing to local environmental discussions and sustainable community initiatives.

Daniela's published research centres on the connection between animals and theology, aiming to address anthropocentrism within the theological discourse.

Daniela is driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of animals as she contributes to a more inclusive theological dialogue. Recognising that religious worldviews significantly impact how we engage with, and assign moral weight to, our actions within the natural world, she seeks to influence these perspectives both within her Pentecostal faith tradition and through ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue. Her goal is to inspire shifts in thinking that lead to proactive, tangible changes—especially in the ways we value and care for animals.

Daniela is a member of the Pentecostal StudiesEcotheology and Sustainable Development and Theology and Society research clusters.

Education

PhD (Alphacrucis University College)
Dissertation Title Theological Foundations for a Pneumatology of Animals 2025

M.A.(Theology) (Alphacrucis University College)
Dissertation Title 'Animal Glossolalia- Towards a Pentecostal Theology of Animals.' 2020

B.A.(Biblical Studies) (Harvest Bible College) 2006

Subjects taught by Daniela Rizzo
Articles by Daniela Rizzo
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