Bishop Ric Thorpe from London elected Archbishop of Melbourne

Posted on May 24, 2025 
Filed under Australian dioceses, People

News from The Melbourne Anglican:

“The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne has today announced the election of the Right Reverend Dr Richard (Ric) Thorpe.

The Administrator Bishop Genieve Blackwell was pleased to announce the decision following the deliberations of the Archbishop Election Synod.  The synod, comprising approximately 760 people of the diocese, consisting of clergy and lay parish representatives, began its work on Friday 23 May.

Archbishop-elect Ric, currently serves in a special episcopal role as Bishop of Islington in the Diocese of London.  It encompasses diocesan, national and international responsibilities, held together within the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication with a focus on church planting.

Ordained in the Diocese of London, Bishop Ric did his undergraduate theological studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and his doctorate through Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky United States.

Archbishop-elect Ric says, ‘We have come to love Melbourne over the years, as we have served and ministered in the diocese, in other denominations, and across the nation.’

Dr Thorpe’s passion is ‘seeing the whole Church of God thrive, enabling churches to be healthy, new congregations planted, and struggling churches revitalised.’

The Chair of the Board of Nominators, Dr Jenny George, described Archbishop-elect Ric as ‘an experienced and visionary leader. Ric has been personally involved in revitalising small or shrinking parishes and planting new churches.  His commitment to developing future leaders is seen in his local and global training of church planters and other leaders.’

He will succeed Archbishop Philip Freier who retired in February after serving 18 years in office, once it completes some internal processes to confirm his election.

Bishop Thorpe will be installed as Archbishop in St Paul’s Cathedral later in the year at a date to be advised.  Bishop Blackwell will continue to serve as Administrator until that time.

The Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell
Administrator of the Melbourne Diocese.”

– Source.

Here’s some background from The Diocese of London.

And a video by Bishop Thorpe from The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication. (Above image from the video.)

From 2015: New church plant bishop will be Rev Ric Thorpe – by Ruth Gledhill gives some more background.

Please pray that the outcome of this election will be that the churches of Melbourne will be greatly encouraged to lovingly and clearly proclaim Christ across that city, and the Lord will be glorified as men and women turn to him.