Bishop Chris McLeod was installed as Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide at a Solemn Evensong on Sunday evening.
It is the latest milestone for Bishop Chris, a Gurindji man whose mother was a member of the Stolen Generations.
“I think my Mum would’ve been proud,” he told the congregation.
Kaurna Cultural Bearer, artist, and community leader Mr Karl “Winda” Telfer offered the Welcome to Country.
The service was attended by the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC, who read the First Lesson, the Premier, Steven Marshall, and Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor.
Marshall and Verschoor joined the Rev’d Anne Hewitt, executive director of Churches Together SA, the Ven David Bassett and Reuben Jacob, St Peter’s People’s Warden in speeches of welcome for Bishop Chris.
The new Dean says he looks forward to working with the Cathedral in strengthening our service to the community, especially with the First Nations’ people of Adelaide.
“At the heart of the Cathedral’s ministry is the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, bringing healing and reconciliation to all,” says Bishop Chris.
The Archbishop of Adelaide, Geoff Smith, said he was delighted Bishop Chris had accepted the role.
“His life prepares him to serve the spiritual needs of the Cathedral community, while strengthening ties between the church and Aboriginal communities.”
Bishop Chris will retain his role as National Aboriginal Bishop.
It is the latest milestone for Bishop Chris, who was ordained as Assistant Bishop of Adealide in 2015, becoming South Australia’s first and Australia’s third Aboriginal Anglican bishop.
