Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Issued by the Diocese of Ballarat.

It is with great joy that we convey that the next Bishop of Ballarat is to be the Right Reverend Garry Weatherill. Bishop Garry was elected by the Bishop Election Board, chaired by Ms Alice Knight. Bishop Garry will be enthroned in Christ Church Cathedral Ballarat on Saturday, November 5 at 11 AM.

Bishop Garry is currently the Anglican Bishop of Willochra, in South Australia. He is an experienced and much loved country Bishop with important roles in the National Anglican Church and the International Anglican Communion.

Bishop Garry has been the Bishop of Willochra since 2001 and was formerly the Ministry Development Officer of that diocese from 1997 until his consecration. Before these appointments, he had been a very successful parish priest in South Australia.

Bishop Garry will continue his work as the National Chair of the Mission to Seafarers, and as a member of the General Synod Standing Committee.

Some Anglicans in Ballarat will remember his contribution to the Rural Ministry Conferences held in Ballarat in 2008 and 2009. He has acknowledged expertise in developing ministry in rural and regional Australia and will bring this expertise to the Ballarat Diocese, complimenting the work on mission which has taken place during these past years.

Commenting on his election, and in a message to the Diocese, Bishop Garry says:
“I’m very excited about coming to join the clergy and people in the Diocese as we rejoice in the abundant life that is Jesus’ promise to us, and as we search for new ways to be ambassadors of hope, love, forgiveness and justice.

I’m not so excited about the possibility of cold frosty mornings! I know that the Diocese has been through a dark time, but I hope and pray that together we can be authentic disciples and apostles of Jesus and continue to build on all the good of previous years. Please pray for me that I will serve you with grace, wisdom and humility.”