Dickie, Alf

Description

Agent TypePersonIdentifierUMA-AG-000001634Activities & OccupationsClergyPolitical activistsHistoryThe Reverend Alf Dickie (1903-1978) was a leading figure in the Australian peace movement. He became a Presbyterian minister at 30, and was known, with Frank Hartley and Victor James, as one of the "peace parsons". They spoke out publicly on peace and social justice issues throughout the Cold War years. Dickie's view that Christians should work to change inequities in society led to him being labelled a communist and attacked by the media and in parliament. In July 1949 the three "peace parsons" formed the Australian Peace Council (APC) and in 1951 the Peace Quest Forum was established. Dickie's positions included chair of the Australian Peace Council (1949-59); chair of the Congress for International Cooperation and Disarmament (1959-72); and, despite being often at odds with the Presbyterian Church, he was elected as moderator of the Presbyterian Church (1965-66) and held the post of executive officer of the Presbytery of Melbourne (1968-72). Dickie brought an independent viewpoint to the peace movement and his work was crucial in developing the public support which culminated in the successful campaign against the Australian commitment to the war in Vietnam.

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Dates

Date1903-1978

Names

TitleReverendGiven NameAlfFamily NameDickie

Professional Relationships

Founder of OrganisationAustralian Peace CouncilMember of OrganisationCongress For International Co-operation And Disarmament (CICD)Presbyterian Church of Australia

University of Melbourne Archives

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Dickie, Alf