Peter Jensen was born on July 11th, 1943

Written by: Lisa Chang

Peter Jensen: A Pillar of the Anglican Church and Advocate for Faith

Peter Frederick Jensen, born on July 11, 1943, is a renowned Australian Anglican bishop, theologian, and academic who has left an indelible mark on the Anglican Church. From 1985 to 2001, he served as the principal of Moore Theological College, and later, from 2001 to 2013, he held the esteemed position of Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of the Province of New South Wales in the Anglican Church of Australia.

Early Life and Education

Jensen's early life was marked by a strong educational foundation. He was born in Sydney and educated at Bellevue Hill Public School and The Scots College. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he pursued a degree in law, studying for two years before transitioning to primary school teaching.

It was during the late 1960s that Jensen entered Moore Theological College, where he excelled academically, winning the Hey Sharp prize for coming first in the Licentiate of Theology. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from Sydney University, a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the University of London, and a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree from the University of Oxford.

Ordained Ministry and Academic Pursuits

In 1969, Jensen was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church of Australia, and in 1970, he was ordained as a priest. He worked as a curate at St. Barnabas, Broadway, between 1969 and 1976. During his time at the University of Oxford, where he pursued his doctorate, he was granted permission to officiate in the Diocese of Oxford, England.

Jensen's academic pursuits were marked by a strong focus on systematic and biblical theology. He lectured at Moore Theological College from 1973 to 1976 and again from 1980 to 1984. His 1976 master's dissertation, "Calvinism and the Persecution of the Witches in England 1563-1604," and his 1979 doctoral dissertation, "The Life of Faith in the Teaching of Elizabethan Protestantism," showcase his rigor and commitment to theological scholarship.

A Leadership Role in the Anglican Church

In 1985, Jensen was appointed Principal of Moore Theological College, a position he held for 16 years. This was followed by his appointment as Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of the Province of New South Wales in 2001, a role he held until his retirement in 2013.

In 2007, Jensen was one of the founding members of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a movement that aimed to promote biblical orthodoxy within the Anglican Communion. He served as General Secretary until 2019, when he stepped down and was succeeded by Benjamin Kwashi, former archbishop of Jos in Nigeria.

Legacy and Impact

Peter Jensen's contributions to the Anglican Church and theological education have been profound and far-reaching. His commitment to biblical orthodoxy and his leadership roles within the Anglican Church have inspired countless individuals and shaped the trajectory of the church.

• His tenure as Principal of Moore Theological College saw significant growth and development in theological education.
• As Archbishop of Sydney, he played a crucial role in shaping the Anglican Church in Australia.
• His involvement in GAFCON has helped to promote biblical orthodoxy within the Anglican Communion.

Through his dedicated service, Peter Jensen has left an indelible mark on the Anglican Church, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of faith leaders and theologians.