Honouring a Legacy of
Service and Spirit

The Rt Revd Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop

One trained at Oxford, one in Melbourne, one in North-West Australia, seven did Priestly Formation at Wollaston Theological College. They have been chaplains in mines, hospitals, prisons and schools as well as parish priests. Four have been archdeacons and between them, these 10 people have contributed 256 years of priestly ministry to the life of God’s church.

On the afternoon of Saturday 18 October, Synod acknowledged the ministries of The Ven Kathy Barrett-Lennard OAM, The Revd David Bradbury, The Revd Donato Fimognari, The Revd Lorna Green, The Revd Rob Healy, The Revd Chris Hind, The Revd Bruce Hyde, The Revd Dr Elizabeth Smith AM, The Revd John Taylor and The Ven Angela Webb and wished them deep blessing in their future lives in retirement.

Time prevented us from saying all that might be told about each person’s ministry journey, but some common themes emerged. Repeatedly people described these friends or colleagues in ministry as ‘full of energy’ or ‘a powerhouse’ or someone who was excellent at reaching the wider community, ‘a cornerstone’, ‘an anchor’ and again and again ‘a treasured friend’.

It was a chance to discover something fresh about people we felt we knew well and it was lovely that so many friends and family were able to be present as ministries were acknowledged.

The Archbishop made a presentation to each household and Synod rounded off the speeches with a standing ovation.

We feel grateful for the depth and quality of ministry these people represent, we are delighted to be able to say how much we value them while they are with us to receive it and we offer our prayers and warm good wishes for the future.

Published in Messenger November 2025