Peter Fensham ASCM Tribute 24 October 2021
Channel: Australian Student Christian Movement
Date: 2021-10-27

Peter Fensham – ASCM Tribute

On 24 October, ASCM held an online service to remember the great contribution of Professor Peter Fensham, ASCM Chair in the 1970s and a much respected and loved mentor and friend for many in the movement.  Thanks to Don MacArthur for suggesting this event, to Sandy Yule for leading it, and to all who shared their memories of Peter.

Peter Fensham set an example for the spirit of ASCM as a pioneer in progressive Christianity. Monash University published his obituary, recognising his long career as a professor of science education from 1967 to 1992.  At our SCM tribute gathering, friends and family spoke about Peter’s warm and radical spirit, including through his leadership of the World University Service.

Peter was a leader in listening to others. He had a strong focus on inequalities in school education, with passionate support for social justice in federal education funding.  A gifted leader and educator, Peter had international standing in science education and communication, with a prescient focus on the politics of environment.

In chairing regular ASCM meetings, Peter brought clear agendas and well-prepared reflections.  He made the ASCM a fun place to be, through his intellect, his political awareness and his openness. Also, his remarkable generosity, opening his Philip Island holiday house to students for meetings and holidays, together with his beloved wife Christine, and his hospitality in welcoming guests at home.

Peter was proud to confront the difficulties that come when you stand up for unpopular causes. He was a prophetic voice but not always a popular one.

A remarkable innovation that Peter brought to the Uniting Church was organising adult learning groups instead of sermons. These have continued in The Avenue church for the last fifty years.  His interdisciplinary interests in science, technology and theology crossed the divide between arts and science.

One of his greatest joys was intelligent conversation over dinner, including at ASCM national conferences at the Chum Creek campsite. Peter saw SCM as an extended family community, complex, multi-layered and generous. As his health declined in recent years, Peter remained endlessly interested in the world and in other people.

His deep Christian faith saw God working in the world through the Holy Spirit, feeling how things moved mysteriously out of our control, joining us together with each other to transform our wider social connections.