Professor Peter Sherlock was Foundation Vice-Chancellor of the University of Divinity from 2012-2024. He was appointed Emeritus Professor of the University by the University Council on 8 November 2023.

Professor Sherlock studied history at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford. He was a Commonwealth Scholar at Corpus Christi College, Oxford (1997-2000) and an ARC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Melbourne (2004-2008). He joined the University in 2008 serving as Dean of the United Faculty of Theology (2008-2012).

Professor Sherlock’s research examines the cultural history of Renaissance and Reformation Europe, especially the commemoration of the dead and cultures of remembering and forgetting. He also publishes on gender and religion, and on theological education. Forthcoming works include The Monuments of Westminster Abbey: Power and Memory in Early Modern Britain (Routledge) and (with Daniel Nellor) Theology Matters, a book on the impact of theological study in the careers of prominent Australians.

He has supervised over 20 masters and doctoral theses in diverse fields including early modern European history and theology, modern mission history, gender relations in Christian churches, and governance and strategy in modern religious institutions.

Professor Sherlock’s teaching specialisations include Reformation and Renaissance European history and theology, research methodology, and Anglican identity and polity.

He was the President of ANZATS (2022-2024), Chair of the Council of Deans of Theology (2015-2023), and a Board Member of IHEA (Independent Higher Education Association). He is a member of the Anglican Church of Australia and has held several governance roles nationally and in the Diocese of Melbourne. He is a Lay Clerk (bass) in the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne.

University Appointments

External Affiliations

• Australian and New Zealand Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (Member)
• St Paul's Cathedral Music Foundation (Trustee)