Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The Anglican Church in Tasmania has received with deep sadness the news of the untimely death of one of its most prominent priests and university academic Associate Professor Christopher Newell.

Dr Newell, the son of the former Bishop of Tasmania, the Rt Revd Phillip Newell OA, has served with great distinction on the staff of St David's Cathedral in Hobart and in the medical faculty of the University of Tasmania, speaking and publishing widely in his chosen fields of medical ethics, spirituality, pastoral theology, bioethical issues and the situation of people with disabilities.

Christopher has received many accolades from the community, including membership of the Order of Australia 'for service to people with disabilities, particularly through advocacy and research, to the development and practice of ethics and to health consumers.' He was a delegate to the '2020 Summit' convened by the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd, in April 2008 in Canberra.

Dr Newell has over many years lived with significant physical disability himself, whilst carrying a full work load. He is survived by his wife Jill, and the three girls - Hannah, Hayley and Christine.

The Dean of Hobart, the Very Revd Lindsay Stoddart writes, 'I have lost the closest of friends. The Cathedral, indeed the Australian Church, has lost an intellectual giant, a champion of the disabled and a humanitarian of profound depth and care.

Item from: The Anglican Church in Tasmania