29 August 2022
The Archbishop of Brisbane has announced his resignation following 21 years in the role.
The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall AC announced he had tendered his resignation on 29 August, effective as of 5pm on 2 February 2023.
Dr Aspinall said in the announcement that it had been a unique privilege to serve as Archbishop. He thanked readers for their support, prayers and collegiality.
“Some of this ministry has been difficult, painful and demanding. At other times we have been filled with peace and joy in Christ’s service. In it all there has been a pervading sense of God’s grace,” Dr Aspinall said.
He said a great deal had been achieved over the last 20 years, and much more remained to be done in a new chapter.
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“I am extremely proud of and filled with gratitude for the team of clergy and lay leaders who give so unstintingly of themselves in parishes, schools, Anglicare and other mission agencies,” Dr Aspinall said.
“This Diocese has a very important place in the Anglican Church of Australia. The vision we have embraced to foster, articulate, embody and promote a comprehensive Anglicanism has never been more important in the life of the national church and in the international Anglican Communion. May you all go from strength to strength in that mission,” he said.
He assured readers of his prayers for the future and in the search for his successor.
Dr Aspinall also said he intended to take long service leave following the diocesan ordinations on 3 December 2022 until his resignation on 2 February.
The announcement came following the recent establishment of the first parish of the Diocese of the Southern Cross in Southern Queensland.
Southern Cross Anglican Beenleigh and Logan has met under the leadership of Reverend Peter Palmer, former Diocese of Brisbane clergy member.
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