About the birth of Real World


In this page I present excerpts from various documents circulated to Chaplaincy Network members, selected for their relevance to the early development of Real World. They are in chronological order, but not otherwise particularly organised. For the story, see "The Birth of Real World".


Date Document
type
Contents

1992
April
28
Proposal

A CHRISTIAN JOURNAL FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

DRAFT PROPOSAL

1. PURPOSE:

To provide an instrument for Christian dialogue within Auckland's tertiary institutions.

To encourage a united Christian statement to the tertiary community.

To make a place where Christians of different traditions and persuasions can express their faith to one another and to the wider community; to promote a sense of being united in Christ which transcends sectarian interests.

To provide a means for individual and corporate Christian witness.

To reflect the concerns and beliefs of a wide range of Christians in terms of the intellectual and interest level of the journal.

2. EDITORIAL POLICY:

It would be necessary to solicit articles, reviews and comments from a wide range of people in the tertiary institutions. These would need to be planned and deliberately sought; some spontaneous contributions would be forthcoming, no doubt. To do this effectively it would be necessary to have an Editor to coordinate the journal and the contributions and to oversee the production. The Editor would need to work with an Editorial Board which met regularly and helped to generate ideas and develop policy. The Editor would need to make a commitment for two years initially. The Board would be ultimately responsible for the whole enterprise in all its aspects.

3. COST:

There would need to be an initial plan about how costs would be covered. We would certainly need grants from Churches and Chaplaincy Boards, at least for the first period. There would be costs in preparing copy, paper and production. Would we seek to offset some of this by advertising? It is possible that the Council for Christian Nurture, based at Royal Oak (Anglican Diocese of Auckland) may be prepared to have a part in this in lieu of the funds presently given to Tertiary Chaplaincy.

4. FREQUENCY:

Initially one issue per month, Feb-Nov, may be all we can manage. If the journal is successful it could become fortnightly. A good deal depends on the length of each issue.

5. FORMAT:

What about A4 stapled in the middle? This is comparatively easy to produce on computer and makes good use of the paper. Something like Next Week. Would we have a cover? Perhaps not initially, although it gives a certain class and distinctiveness.

6. NAME:

Different Threads may be too folksy and is now identified with the broadsheet. A new journal requires a new name. What about something like The Christian Tertiary News; Christian Perspectives; Faith for Today; Tertiary Faith and Works? None of these will really do, but it is essential to fix on a name and stick with it.

7. TOPICS:

Theological/philosophical comment of a serious nature; say one article up to 2,500 words per issue.

Biblical exposition; one passage or topic per issue.

Pastoral discussion; issues that trouble people, like suffering, death, marriage and sexual relations.

Socio-political comment.

Ethics; specific issues.

Worship/liturgy.

News from the denominations; important decisions.

A 'corner' for Christian Groups.

Regular feature writers, perhaps just fairly short pieces.

Reviews of books, films and articles.

8. FIRST ISSUE:

Here are some suggestions as to what might appear in a first issue:

An Editorial setting out the aims of the journal, welcoming readers and encouraging contributions.

A principal article dealing with the question of unity; the theological basis, the present state of the question, its importance, the reality of divisions between Christians. Stuart could write this.

A pastoral piece: say, dealing with the issue of how to handle tension at home, especially for younger students trying their first sense of freedom.

Topical comment: the recent riot in Dunedin; students and booze. Did the police make the matter worse? What should local behaviour be in relation to capping?

Theological/liturgical piece: the relationship between Easter, Ascension and Pentecost; salvation as a single event. Paul Rankin?

Feature: Elbert's column; Vicki's comment.

Biblical exposition: What does the NT say about obedience to authority?

Book or film review: what about The silence of the lambs?

News from Christian groups and individuals in the institutions.

9. CONTRIBUTORS AND READERS:

This proposal is heavily loaded towards the University; this is inevitable since we are connected with this institution. It would be necessary for the Editor to make contacts in the other institutions. The Tertiary Chaplaincy Board would help in this regard. It would be helpful to have a meeting with John Hinchcliffe early on. It would probably be necessary to find a contact or representative in each institution.

28 April 1992


1992
April
30
Proposal

DRAFT PROPOSAL

1. PURPOSE:

To provide an instrument for Christian dialogue within Auckland's tertiary institutions.

To encourage a united Christian statement to the tertiary community.

To make a place where Christians of different traditions and persuasions can express their faith to one another and to the wider community; to promote a sense of being united in Christ which transcends sectarian interests.

To provide a means for individual and corporate Christian witness.

To reflect the concerns and beliefs of a wide range of Christians in terms of the intellectual and interest level of the journal.

2. EDITORIAL POLICY:

It would be necessary to solicit articles, reviews and comments from a wide range of people in the tertiary institutions. These would need to be planned and deliberately sought; some spontaneous contributions would be forthcoming, no doubt. To do this effectively it would be necessary to have an Editor to coordinate the journal and the contributions and to oversee the production. The Editor would need to work with an Editorial Board which met regularly and helped to generate ideas and develop policy. The Editor would need to make a commitment for two years initially. The Board would be ultimately responsible for the whole enterprise in all its aspects. It is recognised that a Business Manager would be necessary. The task of gaining support for the enterprise would entail a considerable pastoral responsibility on the part of the Board. Handled sensitively this could be a means of bringing together diverse Christian traditions into a more united witness.

3. COST:

There would need to be an initial plan about how costs would be covered. We would certainly need grants from Churches and Chaplaincy Boards, at least for the first period. There would be costs in preparing copy, paper and production. Would we seek to offset some of this by advertising? It is possible that the Council for Christian Nurture, based at Royal Oak (Anglican Diocese of Auckland) may be prepared to have a part in this. A very rough estimate of cost might be around $1,000 per issue. We should aim to attract some $10,000 in funding from donations from Christian Trusts and Chaplaincy Boards and Church administrations. The journal would be distributed free to students but others would be asked to pay.

4. FREQUENCY:

Initially one issue per month, Feb-Nov, may be all we can manage. If the journal is successful it could become fortnightly. A good deal depends on the length of each issue.

5. FORMAT:

What about A3 stapled in the middle? This is comparatively easy to produce on computer and makes good use of the paper. Something like Next Week. Would we have a cover? Perhaps not initially, although it gives a certain class and distinctiveness.

6. NAME:

Different Threads may be too folksy and is now identified with the broadsheet. A new journal requires a new name. It is essential to fix on a name and stick with it.

7. TOPICS:

Theological/philosophical comment of a serious nature; say one article up to 2,500 words per issue.

Biblical exposition; one passage or topic per issue.

Meditation /spirituality.

Pastoral discussion; issues that trouble people, like suffering, death, marriage and sexual relations.

Socio-political comment.

Ethics; specific issues.

Worship/liturgy.

News from the denominations; important decisions. Inter-faith dialogue.

A 'corner' for Christian Groups.

Regular feature writers, perhaps just fairly short pieces.

Reviews of books, films and articles.

8. FIRST ISSUE:

Here are some suggestions as to what might appear in a first issue:

An Editorial setting out the aims of the journal, welcoming readers and encouraging contributions.

A principal article dealing with the question of unity; the theological basis, the present state of the question, its importance, the reality of divisions between Christians. Stuart could write this.

A pastoral piece: say, dealing with the issue of how to handle tension at home, especially for younger students trying their first sense of freedom.

Topical comment: the recent riot in Dunedin; students and booze. Did the police make the matter worse? What should local behaviour be in relation to capping?

Theological/liturgical piece: the relationship between Easter, Ascension and Pentecost; salvation as a single event. Paul Rankin?

Feature; Elbert's column; Vicki's comment.

Biblical exposition: What does the NT say about obedience to authority?

Book or film review: what about The silence of the lambs?

News from Christian groups and individuals in the institutions.

9. CONTRIBUTORS AND READERS:

This proposal is heavily loaded towards the University; this is inevitable since we are connected with this institution. It would be necessary for the Editor to make contacts in the other institutions. The Tertiary Chaplaincy Board would help in this regard. It would be helpful to have a meeting with John Hinchcliffe early on. It would probably be necessary to find a contact or representative in each institution.

30th April 1992


1992
May
8
Response

Calum :

Here are some comments on your discussion paper "A CHRISTIAN JOURNAL FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS". They are arranged in the same way as yours. There are not many, because I agree with what you presented; these are no more than suggestions for additions - and a rather longer bit of a different nature!

Alan.

1. PURPOSE.

Something like "To attack prevalent ideas that Christianity is negligible, or old-fashioned, or childish, or disproved-by-science, etc." ? It might be worth making this explicit.

5. FORMAT.

For "A4", read "A3". If I remember, I'll enclose a B4 sheet for your inspection.

6. NAME.

"Real World" (see 8 below.)

8. FIRST ISSUE.

Sketch of article for first issue - see over.


1992
May
19
Meeting

CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

From the Coordinator, The Rev Dr Calum Gilmour

A meeting of our group was held in the first week of the May vacation. Like most things in the vacation, it was not very well attended.

Present: Alan Creak; Stuart Vogel; Vicki Terrell; Elbert Lee; George Blanchard; George Dodd; Calum Gilmour.

We spent our time discussing the draft proposal for a Christian journal to be circulated throughout the tertiary institutions in Auckland. All members received this draft with the last minutes.

Alan Creak proposed the title Real World for the journal. This was generally well received. Alan explained the reasoning behind his proposal; he has also written an introductory article.

There was some concern that the title may imply something too serious. This was discussed at length and the conclusion reached that we do want to be reasonably serious.

Those present expressed a good deal of enthusiasm for the project. However it was agreed that it would be disastrous to start a project unless it could be continued in the medium term at least. It was recognised that we all had only limited time to offer.

The meeting itself was not representative enough to make any decision one way or another. It was agreed that notice of the next meeting be sent out and that the agenda be the draft proposal once again. It would be useful if we could make some firm commitment and begin looking for funding.

We therefore hope that as many as possible will attend our next meeting which is scheduled for:

Wednesday, June 10th 1992, at 1.0pm in the Committee Room, Department of Classics, 3 Wynyard St.

I look forward to seeing you there.


1992
June
11
Minutes

CHAPLAINCY SUPPORT GROUP

Notes of a meeting held on Wednesday 10 June 1992 in the Classics Department Committee Room at 1.00 p.m.

Present: Calum Gilmour, Hannah Baral, Jonathan Beazer, Alan Creak, Elbert Lee, Miriam Loretto, Andrew McKean, Paul Rankin, Anne Rattray, Doug Sadlier, George Seber, Stuart Vogel.

Apologies: Brian Davis, George Dodd

Discussion on the Draft Proposal for a Christian Journal for Tertiary Institutions

The suggestion of the title of "Real World" was approved.

The journal should be aimed at a wider group than "Journeyings"; mainly a Christian publication for students (like Grapevine). "Jesus People" in the USA was mentioned as a trendy paper but with very strong Christian emphasis. Should be an alternative to "Craccum". It should be a paper for Christians by Christians.

A3 folded and stapled as a suggested size & format.

Was there a need for a paper? It was felt that there was a gap to be filled.

A monthly publication was considered the most appropriate and local flavour has to be expressed - it could have an outreach page. It should aim for the Christian community, be interesting and able to be read by interested people outside the Christian community and understood by them.

It was decided to go ahead and produce a sample journal later in the year. Calum was prepared to put a dummy run together in the August vacation, provided people wrote items and submitted them to him.

Jonathan would contact students to write and will do a book review or local item.

Hannah and Elbert would do something on overseas students and the Christian perspective.

Miriam would write something on 'difficulties with the church'

Andrew would write on EFM

Alan had already given Calum something

George would write something aimed at those outside the church

Stuart would write film reviews

It was suggested there should be something in Maori or for Maori students

Jonathan agreed to write to all Christian groups on campus.


1992
August
11
Meeting

CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

From: The Coordinator, Calum Gilmour

At our last meeting on July 15th it was resolved to press ahead with a trial issue of the proposed Christian journal/magazine Real World.

Until we see what it looks like it is difficult to know how to describe it. Is it a magazine or a journal? Time will tell.

A number of people promised to send in material to me by Monday, August 24th. This is to remind you of this fact, and of the approach of the date. Once I have received the contributions I will put them together in a readable form. This will help us to see how we should proceed.


1992
September
10
Minutes

CHAPLAINCY SUPPORT GROUP

Notes of a meeting held on Wednesday 9 September 1992 in the Maclaurin Chapel at 1.00 p.m.

Present: Calum Gilmour, Hannah Baral, Clare Collard Scruby, Alan Creak, Susy Carryer, George Dodd, Elbert Lee, Anne Rattray, George Seber, Stuart Vogel.

Apologies:

Real World - Calum distributed the trial issue and outlined the contents and production. The Chapel Secretaries did most of the typing; photocopying for 25 copies was $15 (24 pages). The Tertiary Chaplaincy Board had voted $300 towards the cost of production. The copy had not had a final proofreading. There was need for commitment of, say, two issues per term - 5 or 6 issues a year.

There was discussion on the format and layout and it was suggested that space should be allocated for comments/letters from readers. There should be a regular section on Bible Study and topical issues. Contributions would be requested from readers in future.

It was agreed to complete the first issue of 800 copies for circulation to Christian Groups and interested staff. Stuart would approach the Maclaurin Board for some funding.

.....

Thanks to all those who have contributed to Real World. The final version of Issue no. 1 is now in the last stage of production and should be ready for distribution in about 2 weeks.

Calum Gilmour Classics and Ancient History


1992
November
??
Note

CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

An end of year note from the convenor, Calum Gilmour.

I thought it would be a good idea to send around a final notice for the year just to keep you all up to date.

I have received a good number of contributions for the next issue of Real World. We plan to have this ready for distribution at the beginning of term 1 in 1993. We will get the copy typed at the end of January, so I will be happy to receive further contributions up until January 25th. Some book reviews would be a help, or articles of general interest.

Please send contributions for Real World and any other communications to my box in Classics. I think most of you know by now that I will be there again next year, contrary to expectation. I am very pleased that it was possible for the department to give me some teaching for 1993. The Tertiary Chaplaincy Board has also resolved to employ me for two days per week next year. This increase in chaplaincy time will enable us to develop the work further.


1993
March
1
Meeting

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

......

The second issue of Real World - and the first for 1993 - is now being distributed. We were able to print about 300 copies. These will be distributed through the Christian groups, to those associated with the Network, and the balance will be left around the campus in various places. We ask that they be passed on to others wherever possible.

The first Network meeting for this year will be held on Tuesday, March 9th at 1.05pm in the Maclaurin Chapel. We have usually met on a Wednesday, but for various reasons this is not possible on this occasion. I hope that this will not prove inconvenient to members.

This will be an important meeting. We must discuss matters relating to Real World: copy for the next issue, finance, distribution and other policy matters. There are other events to plan and discuss. We need to catch up on what everyone is doing and plan for the best possible witness to the University community.


1993
March
3 ?
Minutes

CHAPLAINCY SUPPORT GROUP

Notes of a meeting held on Tuesday 2 March 1993 in the Maclaurin Chapel at 1.00 p.m.

....

Real World

Distribution - Through Libraries and Departments. Calum to send a copy to the National Library.

Long Term Funding - Include a note on funding in the next issue. The Present issue was funded 50/50 by the Maclaurin Board and Tertiary Board. It was suggested that readers be asked for donations.

Cost - $600 for 300 copies; therefore 3 issues a year would cost $1800-$2000.

There was discussion on the magazine generally and it was agreed the format was good. Discussion included book reviews and the question of how to judge readers' reaction through feedback

Next Issue - Copy due by the end of term 1. George Seber and Mick Pender agreed to write articles.


1993
July
14
Minutes

Notes of a meeting of the Chaplaincy Network held on Wednesday 14 July in Calum Gilmour's room at 1.10 p.m.

....

Real World

Issue No 3 had been favourably received.

Stuart outlined the present distribution, eg Libraries, Maclaurin Chapel mailing list, etc. and there was some discussion.

Funding was also discussed and it was agreed that donations/subscriptions should be sought from staff who receive the magazine.

Copy for the 4th issue closes on Friday 6 August.

It was suggested that possible contributors could be given a theme or subject of interest to them, rather than asking them to write "something".


Alan Creak,
2005 May.