Join us for the launch of Charles Strong’s AUSTRALIAN CHURCH. Christian Social Activism 1885-1917.
Editor: Marion Maddox.
Endorsed by: Dr Norman Habel, Chair of Charles Strong Trust

Former South Australian Premier Rev. Dr Lynn Arnold will launch the book, after which refreshments will be served. This event is free, but registration is required for planning purposes.

Charles Strong was a progressive Christian, social activist, public pacifist and intellectual genius who died more than 100 years ago and had no time for creeds. In the years preceding Federation in 1901, the Melbourne-based Australian Church emerged as a progressive Christian movement to serve a brand-new nation. Strong imagined the Australian Church becoming the national church, while addressing a broad social and political reform agenda, inspired by both theological and social liberalism. Strong and his wife, Janet, founded or led organisations for causes ranging from peace to penal reform. They fought for urban slum improvements, rural village settlements, childcare and adult education, the minimum wage and women’s suffrage. Bringing together leading scholars of history, politics and religion, Charles Strong’s Australian Church celebrates the church’s radicalism, while taking account of debates and obstacles on the path to social reform.

Editor, Marion Maddox, is Honorary Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Macquarie University, Sydney.