Contributions by others to the thesis No contributions by others. Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree No works submitted towards another degree have been included in this thesis. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects No animal or human subjects were involved in this research. v Acknowledgements At the beginning of a thesis that seeks to develop a practical theology of friendship, it is my privilege to acknowledge those who have sustained me throughout this research. I am deeply grateful for the friends, communities, traditions, and resources that have provided various forms of inspiration, sustenance, and support along the way. It has been a privilege to undertake this research. I am thankful for the support extended through the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at the University of Queensland that has made it possible. I am particularly appreciative of my advisory team, Neil Pembroke, Charles Ringma, and Irene Alexander, for their academic mentoring, insight, and ongoing encouragement. I am also indebted to my family, including my husband, James, and my children, Joanna and Jeremy. They have been invaluable sources of encouragement, support, and inspiration throughout this project. Amongst others that have accompanied me at various stages of this journey, I wish to extend particular appreciation to those who have encouraged me with the importance of this work.