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A Century of Influence The Australian Student Christian Movement 1896-1996 by Renate Howe Published July 2009

We are very pleased to announce that the centennial history of the Movement has been published (July 2009) by University of New South Wales Press.

In 1993 a Group of Friends of the ASCM was formed and began to prepare for the writing of a history of the Movement. The General Committee of the ASCM enthusiastically endorsed the idea.

Academic historian Dr Renate Howe, an associate professor at Deakin University, was invited to become its author with support from the University as well as the ASCM Centennial History Working Group.

The Centenary of the ASCM was celebrated in 1996 at a Centenary Gathering in Canberra attended by over three hundred SCMers covering six generations from the 1920s onwards. This event provided an important impetus to the project especially in helping to facilitate the more than 70 extended oral interviews which have been so foundational for the subsequent history.

The now completed work is a history of a very influential movement in so many aspects of Australia’s social and political development in the 20th Century. It also provides a perspective on the history of Australian universities during this period, covering nation-defining debates on the possibility of belief, issues of peace and war, and Australia’s relationship with Asia. It was in the SCM that so many students formed their attitudes, often found their life long partners, and developed a commitment that would sustain them through their lives.

Additional information about the publication is available on the Flyer (PDF file - 86Kb) and by means of publication Endorsements. SCM Friends and Supporters can make discounted early bird purchases by printing and mailing the Order Form (PDF file - 86Kb) or phoning Wendy Taylor on 0408 619 905.

Information about Book Launches in each state or area over the months August to October will be made available as they come to hand. 

Download Flyer/Order Form (PDF file - 86Kb)