Hannah Felsbourg
16 August 2024
The Right Reverend Sophie Relf-Christopher was consecrated as assistant bishop of the Adelaide Diocese last night.
She is the second female bishop for the Anglican Church of Adelaide and one of the youngest bishops in Australia.
In her new role, Bishop Relf-Christopher aimed to make the Diocese of Adelaide faithful, connected, and courageous.
She expressed confidence that the church could address contemporary challenges and hoped her ministry would be marked by compassion and a focus on justice.
“The Church is called to advocate for the oppressed, to share the hope entrusted to us, to encourage one another, and uphold the cause of the downtrodden,” she said.
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Archbishop of Adelaide Geoff Smith praised her commitment to God’s mission and her pastoral skills.
He said he was delighted at her appointment, highlighting her record of accomplishment in leading a growing parish and her gift for communication.
Consecration of Bishop Sophie Relf-Christopher. Picture: Supplied
Bishop Chris McLeod said Bishop Relf-Christopher’s youth would bring fresh eyes and new thoughts to the role, potentially challenging established perspectives.
Bishop Relf-Christopher was born in London and moved to Adelaide as a child.
She was ordained in 2011 and has served as parish priest at St Jude’s Brighton for eight years. Since 2022, she has also been the Archdeacon of Sturt.
Before her ordination, Bishop Relf-Christopher taught film and television production at UniSA and worked on student equity initiatives. She is married to Paul and has two sons.
Bishop Relf-Christopher was consecrated at St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral on 15 August.
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