Volume 48, No. 16, Sepetember 7, 2006
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CLOSER
TO THEE: Air Force Reserve SQNLDR Philip Freier has been
appointed Archbishop of Melbourne.
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By
Rebecca Codey
AIR Force Reserve Chaplain (SQNLDR) Philip Freier is Australia’s
newest archbishop.
Chaplain Freier, who joined the Air Force Reserves in December
2001, was elected by an overwhelming majority as the new Anglican
Archbishop of Melbourne on August 22.
Archbishop-Elect, The Right Reverend Dr Freier, as he is known
in the civilian world, was ordained priest in 1984, and has been
a bishop since 1999 when he became Bishop of the Northern Territory.
He has extensive experience in cross-cultural, “grassroots”
ministry and, according to Bishop Administrator of the Diocese,
Dr John Wilson, he is a wonderful choice and “brings a very
rich experience, coming out of an Australian context”, as
reported in The Age on August 22.
Chaplain Freier, though taken aback by the news of his appointment,
was humbled by the degree of confidence the 800-strong synod —
a group of people and clergy representing all parishes in the
Melbourne Diocese — has in him.
“The position is a great responsibility and I will of course
spend time learning the issues of Melbourne. My experience provides
a good background for this role — it has taught me to listen
to people and learn about sensitivities.
“I want to unite people in the church in Melbourne for God’s
ministry and mission.”
Chaplain Freier is a Reservist with 13SQN (City of Darwin), but
works across RAAF Base Darwin in support of Air Force members.
The 51-year-old husband and father thought it was important to
make his services available to the Air Force. “I value my
role in Air Force chaplaincy; I respect the contribution of Air
Force personnel and am pleased to be a part of this by supporting
them in their work.”
Chaplain Freier has dedicated his working life to guiding and
educating people — in particular the isolated indigenous
and non-indigenous communities that stretch across Australia’s
north. Before entering the ministry, he was a teacher at Thursday
Island, Kowanyama, and Yarrabah, and according to Sydney’s
Anglican Archbishop, Peter Jensen, is admired by all sections
of the church (sydneyanglicans.net).
Chaplain Freier’s appointment follows four days of election
meetings attended by synod members. He will replace outgoing Archbishop
the Right Reverend Peter Watson, who retired in December last
year.
For more information go to: http://www.media.anglican.com.au/
