Archbishop Geoff Smith announced on 8 August that Bishop Chris McLeod has accepted his invitation to become the next Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral.
“Chris will bring to the role a firm commitment to the mission of God, extensive parish ministry experience and significant insights from his work as National Aboriginal Bishop. Chris will continue with his work as the national aboriginal bishop alongside the ministry as Dean,” the archbishop wrote.
“A commissioning date is still being finalised but is likely to be in the context of Sunday evensong so as many of us as possible can be present for this very significant Diocesan occasion.”
Bishop Chris is the first indigenous person to hold the position.
It is the latest milestone for Bishop Chris, a Gurindji man whose mother was a member of the Stolen Generations.
He was ordained as Assistant Bishop of Adelaide in 2015, becoming South Australia’s first and Australia’s third Aboriginal Anglican bishop.
“I am delighted to be serving the Cathedral, the Diocese of Adelaide, and the people of Adelaide in this capacity,” says Bishop Chris.
“The Cathedral is a people’s church, and an iconic part of Adelaide. I look forward to working with the Cathedral in strengthening our service to the community, especially with the First Nations’ people of Adelaide.
“I hope I can further assist the church in acknowledging and rejoicing in the First Nations’ heritage of this land, and to address the Church’s role in the harm done to my people.
“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.
“He is a wonderful choice,” says Archbishop Geoff. “He is well-known and popular in the Adelaide Diocese, having previously been a parish priest in Brighton.
“But he is also well-known nationally and brings the experience of 20 years of ministry among and beside Aboriginal people in Anglican orders.
“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.
