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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
Partners
Founded in 1896, the Australian Student Christian Movement (ASCM) was supported by the University of Melbourne's denominational university colleges (Ormond, Trinity and Queen's) and the city's prestigious independent schools. Although a national movement, the secretariat was based in Melbourne from 1910, drawing support from the city's liberal Protestantism. From the 1930s to the 1960s, the ASCM bridged town and gown to become a focus for progressive, ecumenical theology and for radical politics. The ASCM criticised the White Australia Policy, assisted with the settlement of postwar refugees and opposed the Vietnam War. Former members contributed to the leadership of Melbourne's churches, public service, education and the establishment of the Uniting Church in 1978.