Dignitaries, faith leaders and a packed church celebrated the installation of the Most Reverend Dr Brad Billings as the 11th Bishop and 6th Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide
The Most Reverend Dr Brad Billings was formally installed as the 11th Archbishop of Adelaide at St Peter’s Cathedral, bringing together church leaders, government officials, and a packed St Peter’s Cathedral of the Anglican community in South Australia.
Archbishop Brad, who was elected by the Diocese’s Synod in December 2025, comes to Adelaide from the Diocese of Melbourne, where he served as Assistant Bishop for the Oodthenong area — overseeing 64 parishes and authorised congregations across northern and western Greater Melbourne and Geelong. He succeeds the Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, who retired in November 2025.
In his remarks responding to the many messages of welcome, Archbishop Billings expressed deep gratitude for the warmth he and his wife Karen had encountered since his election.
“Both Karen and I have been overwhelmed by your welcome and embrace” he said.
“It has been truly wonderful to be so warmly and genuinely welcomed to your diocese, your city and your state — and that is going back to December last year, when messages came across every social media platform, phone calls and emails, and personal interactions, and it has continued right up until the truck arrived on Monday this week.”
The Archbishop paid particular tribute to Diocesan Administrator Bishop Sophie Relf-Christopher, who led the Diocese through the interregnum, saying: “I want to acknowledge the truly magnificent service that Bishop Sophie has performed as administrator of the diocese during the interregnum. Thank you so much.”
A City Gives Its Welcome
The installation drew a range of voices from across Adelaide’s civic and religious life, each offering formal words of welcome to the new Archbishop.
South Australia’s Governor Frances Adamson attended in her official capacity and reflected on the deep historical ties between the Diocese and the state.
She noted that the Diocese was founded just 11 years after Adelaide’s establishment, built on principles of freedom of religious expression.
She welcomed Archbishop Brad’s well-established commitment to reconciliation and social justice, areas she described as shared priorities.
“I welcome the priority you’ve given throughout your life in the church to reconciliation and the pursuit of social justice more broadly,” the Governor said. “These are areas where the Anglican Church has made a notable contribution to the life of this state — and they are priorities you and I share.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Carmel Noon brought greetings on behalf of Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and the Adelaide City Council, observing that the Cathedral and the Council share a history stretching back to the city’s founding years — the council first meeting in 1840 and the Diocese established in 1847.
She spoke of the value of partnerships between institutions of faith and civic government, particularly “at a time when compassion, understanding and thoughtful leadership” are needed.
Michael Brown, representing the Premier of South Australia, drew a laugh from the congregation with an observation about the state’s habit of recruiting talent from elsewhere: “Here in South Australia we really do enjoy identifying the best other states have and bringing it to ourselves,” he said.
Fellow Christians unite in welcome
The Right Reverend Mark Short, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, welcomed Archbishop Brad on behalf of the national church and his fellow bishops. He offered a pastoral encouragement to the new Archbishop as he prepares to navigate the challenges facing the church in a changing society.
“We are living in a time of increased pressure on social cohesion. We are living at a time when the old ways of doing things, accepted norms, are beginning to break down. At times such as this, the message of Jesus and the hope and reconciliation he offers to all has never been more relevant,” Bishop Short said.
Bishop Andrew Brook of the Lutheran Church welcomed the new Archbishop on behalf of the broader Christian community in South Australia, expressing a desire for the churches to work together, noting that Billings “will also play a significant role in the life of the wider church here in South Australia.”
Diocese voices: clergy, laity, chaplains and schools
Andrea McDougall, representing the clergy of the Diocese, offered a warm welcome on behalf of her colleagues. “Very excited to have you here with us,” she said
Andrew Porter brought greetings on behalf of the Diocese’s lay people, drawing from more than 50 parishes and 75 worship centres. He pledged the commitment of the laity to support and pray for the Archbishop.
“Please know that as a laity across more than 50 parishes and 75 worship centres across schools, agencies, and the various ministries encompassed by this diocese, we stand ready to walk alongside you in faith, hope, and love,” he said.
Carol Fort, speaking for the Diocese’s chaplains, welcomed the Archbishop with warmth, noting his reputation for collaborative and compassionate ministry.
“We give thanks that you, our shepherd, are known for your loving, compassionate and collaborative heart and your zeal for community. We are excited to hear you declare that making the gospel known in words and actions is the shared task of all believers,” she said.
Nick Hately spoke on behalf of the Anglican schools, expressing a desire for deeper partnership between the educational sector and the wider mission of the church.
A vision for service
Graham Reubernicht, representing AnglicareSA, highlighted the organisation’s reach across the state, supporting more than 50,000 South Australians each year through aged care, emergency services, family support and children’s programs. He pledged the organisation’s ongoing commitment to social justice and service alongside the new Archbishop.
A new chapter begins
Archbishop Brad holds a doctorate in theology and a Master of Law in Canon Law. He brings to Adelaide nearly a decade of episcopal leadership, a background in church planting and revitalisation, and a long record of theological education — having served as Director of Theological Education for the Diocese of Melbourne. He is a published author in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and church history.
He is married to Karen, and together they have five adult children and three grandchildren. A self-confessed Premier League football fan and history enthusiast, he is also the devoted owner of a Hungarian Vizsla named Ruby.
In his election statement, Billings had set out a clear theological vision for the Diocese: “The hope we have in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me confidence and faith for the future, despite the many challenges we face as Anglicans and as disciples of Christ.
“I firmly believe the Christian faith and tradition continues to be good news for all people, and that making the gospel known in words and in actions is the shared task of all believers.”
You can see more pictures from the Installation of Archbishop Brad Billings here.
