The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne has elected the Right Reverend Dr Ric Thorpe as its next Archbishop.
This follows the deliberations of the Archbishop Election Synod, which included around 760 clergy and lay representatives.
Currently serving as Bishop of Islington in the Diocese of London, Thorpe is widely recognised for his leadership in church planting and revitalisation through the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication, as reported by New Anglican.
He said: “Seeing the whole Church of God thrive, enabling churches to be healthy, new congregations planted and struggling churches revitalised, is at the heart of my mission.”
Dr Jenny George, chair of the Board of Nominators, described him as “an experienced and visionary leader”, praising his commitment to raising up future church leaders both locally and globally.
Thorpe, who has visited Melbourne frequently and spoken of his deep connection to the region, will succeed Archbishop Philip Freier, who retired in February after 18 years of service.
His installation at St Paul’s Cathedral will take place later this year.