The Rt Rev Dr Ric Thorpe, the Bishop of Islington, is to be the next Archbishop of Melbourne, following the Election Synod of the Diocese of Melbourne. Around 760 clergy and lay representatives met for the deliberations and vote, choosing between the shortlisted candidates. More background on the process can be found here from the Melbourne Board of Nominations.
The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, welcomed the announcement soon after it was made, commenting:
Congratulations to Ric on his election as Archbishop of Melbourne. For decades, he has been a driving force behind church growth in London. Since his time leading the transformation of St Paul’s Shadwell, parishes across the Diocese have benefited from his strategic drive and energy – as has the wider Church of England in his national role as Bishop of Islington in recent years.
We have so much to thank Ric for. He will be missed here, and he and Louie will leave for Melbourne with our prayers and deepest gratitude.
Bishop Ric added:
London has been our home for over 30 years, and we owe its people, its churches and its communities so very much. While I’m incredibly excited for the challenge that lies ahead in Melbourne, Louie and I will leave with the deepest gratitude to the friends, family and colleagues who have shaped our lives here. After we depart later in the year, we’ll of course stay in close touch with London, and look forward to seeing the Diocese continue to thrive in the years to come.
Bishop Ric is due to be installed as Archbishop in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, later this year.