Right here stands a cornerstone of faith in Southern Queensland the Anglican Church of Australia. This is not just any church. It is a vibrant community known also as the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. It stretches from the coast down to New South Wales. It extends west to the borders of the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Let’s step back in time. In 1858 the Brisbane diocese was born. It was separated from the Diocese of Newcastle. Before this the area fell under William Tyrrell Bishop of Newcastle.
Queen Victoria herself appointed Edward Tufnell as the first bishop in 1859. Tufnell chose St Johns Cathedral as the pro-cathedral. He also donated the central stained glass windows in the apse a personal touch that still shines today.
By 1866 the church had grown. Benjamin Glennie served as the Archdeacon of Brisbane. Matthew Hale succeeded Tufnell in 1876. He had been translated from Perth. William Webber followed Hale.
The year 1905 marked a significant change. The Diocese of Brisbane became the permanent metropolitan see. Its bishop became the metropolitan archbishop. This elevated status reflected its importance within the region.
Bishopsbourne a special house was built around 1865 in Milton for Bishop Tufnell. It served as the residence for bishops and archbishops for many years. In 1964 Archbishop Philip Strong bought Eldernell. It was renamed Bishopsbourne. Later in 2007 Archbishop Phillip Aspinall sold the Hamilton residence for $11.2 million. He moved to a new residence in Ascot for $2.6 million. This too was named Bishopsbourne.
The Anglican Church of Australia has seen many leaders. Edward Tufnell served from 1859 to 1874. Matthew Hale then took over. William Webber followed. St Clair Donaldson held the position and Gerald Sharp. William Wand served and Reginald Halse. Philip Strong followed. Frank Coaldrake was elected but he died before taking office. Felix Arnott then served. John Grindrod then took over the role and Peter Hollingworth. Phillip Aspinall served from 2002 to 2022. Currently Jeremy Greaves is the Archbishop of Brisbane.
Many assistant bishops have also served. John Francis Stretch was the first Australian made a bishop for ministry in Australia.
Saint Johns Cathedral is a landmark. It was completed in 2005 after 100 years of construction. In 2015 statues were installed on the cathedral’s facade. They cost $45000 each. Shortly before a storm caused millions of dollars in damage to one of the walls.
Theology remains central to the Anglican Church of Australia. Clergy receive training from various colleges. Saint Francis Theological College is a key institution.
The church has a dominant liberal Anglo-Catholic ethos. Religious orders have made Brisbane their Australian base. Clergy are required to wear a stole over the cassock or alb.
The dean of the cathedral Peter Catt founded A Progressive Christian Voice. He advocates for same-sex marriage. The Angligreen environmental group is also a significant voice.
The Anglican Church of Australia faces challenges. Archbishop Aspinall noted that few Anglicans have in-depth knowledge of the Bible. He supported Josephine Inkpin when she came out as Australia’s first openly transgender priest.
In 2022 St Johns Cathedral announced it would offer blessings for same-sex unions.
The Anglican Church of Australia has a close relationship with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane. They perform some collaborative ministry.
Between 2011 and 2016 the number of parishioners in the diocese declined by 7%.
So as you stand before this place remember the history. The Anglican Church of Australia is a story of faith change and community. It continues to evolve. It addresses contemporary issues while holding onto its traditions.