The Anglican Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn has lost two senior leaders in the space of a week, with the resignation of Bishop Stuart Robinson and the appointment of Bishop Matt Brain as Bishop of Bendigo.
The Anglican Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn has lost two senior leaders in the space of a week, with the resignation of Bishop Stuart Robinson and the appointment of Bishop Matt Brain as Bishop of Bendigo.
58-year-old Bishop Robinson has led the diocese for nine years after 20 years serving in the Sydney diocese and a three-year secondment to Belgium, part of the Anglican Diocese in Europe. He served in Belgium.
“After working to renew the diocese by his missional-focused leadership, Bishop Robinson is leaving to re-engage in parish ministry and to devote more time to family matters.” the official announcement said.
Until a new bishop is elected by the diocesan synod in mid-2018, the diocese will be led by its long-serving Vicar-General, Assistant Bishop Trevor Edwards.
Meantime, the Bishopric Electoral Board in the Diocese of Bendigo, after deliberations lasting a number of months, has chosen Dr Matt Brain as the 10th Bishop of Bendigo.
Bishop Matt currently oversees Ministry Training and Development in the Canberra-Goulburn diocese, as well as Parish Support Chaplaincy and Mission.
He has worked in both lay and ordained capacity in five dioceses including North-West Australia where he was ordained and gained valuable experience in rural and remote ministry.
Bishop Matt has published numerous books, articles and conference papers and lectures at St Marks Theological College in Ministry and Outreach where he is also the deputy chair of the board. His doctoral thesis was “Treasures in Jars of Clay: Towards a new Pauline Pastoral Theology of Mission to Generation Y in Australia.”
“Being able to serve God and his people is a great privilege and I rejoice in this new opportunity to serve.” Bishop Brain said. “The Diocese of Bendigo shares many values and characteristics with Canberra & Goulburn. Indeed its vision is to ‘… transform society through the gospel of Jesus Christ by building healthy mission-shaped faith communities.’ What a great call.”
The date for his installation is Saturday, 17 February at St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo.
“I realise this is the second piece of surprising Episcopal news you have received in the past week and no doubt there will be mixed emotions as you process the prospect of both our departures in the New Year.” wrote Bishop Robinson in a pastoral letter. “I want to assure you that God sovereignly works all things for the ultimate good of His people, and I am therefore convinced he will attend to all the future needs of this great Diocese. In particular, God has provided and will continue to provide the people we need in this considerable time of transition in diocesan life.”
