About the author

Born in Sydney during the Depression, James is the son of an unemployed labourer and pursued higher education with Sydney University through scholarships. He studied languages and education, and went on to teach in NSW, England and Germany. After writing a speech for the Minister for Immigration — since hailed as the foundational document for Australia’s multiculturalism — James went on to work as a community educator under the Racial Discrimination Act. His role involved tackling anti-Aboriginal and anti-migrant prejudice, particularly in country communities. Invited to Melbourne to work with the Victorian Council of Churches to devise and teach Australia’s first course in multicultural theological education, he was ordained in mid-life to the Anglican ministry and worked cross-culturally in two parishes, also serving as Diocesan Director of Multicultural Ministry. He is married to Marjorie and has four adult children.