Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide
Posted on December 7, 2025
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Here’s a news release from the Diocese of Adelaide:
6 December 2025
Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide
The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide is pleased to announce the election of The Right Reverend Dr Bradly Billings as its 11th Archbishop.
Dr Billings, currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne, brings to Adelaide a wealth of experience in parish ministry, theological education, and senior church governance. He has served as an Assistant Bishop since 2016, most recently as the Bishop for the Oodthenong area, which covers the northern and western growth areas of Greater Melbourne and extends to include Geelong. There he oversees 64 parishes and authorised congregations.
Known for his extensive work in parish ministry, and in church planting and revitalisation, Dr Billings’ qualifications include a doctorate in theology and a Master of Law in Canon Law.
He succeeds The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, who retired in November.
Speaking on his election, Dr Billings expressed his reliance on Christian hope as he prepares to lead the Diocese.
“The hope we have in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me confidence and faith for the future, despite the many challenges we face as Anglicans and as disciples of Christ,” Dr Billings said.
“I firmly believe the Christian faith and tradition continues to be good news for all people, and that making the gospel known in words and in actions is the shared task of all believers.”
Dr Billings has a strong track record of collaborative leadership and intends to bring a unifying approach to the role.
“I am comfortable with, and respectful of, the full diversity of Anglicanism,” he said. “I seek to model ministry that is genuinely shared, and to cultivate quality relationships grounded in mutual trust, respect, and humility. I see myself as a partner in ministry with those with whom I live, work, and share my vocation.”
Welcoming Dr Billings’ election, Diocesan Administrator Bishop Sophie Relf-Christopher said: “I have been keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance at every stage of the nomination and election process.
“I am delighted that Adelaide Anglicans have elected Bishop Billings, and know that he will passionately encourage the ministry of this Diocese, to the Glory of God. We have every indication that Bishop Billings will serve with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, and herald God’s extraordinary love for the world.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the many faithful Adelaide Anglicans who have been praying and preparing for this day, and to the nomination committee.”
Before consecration as bishop, Dr Billings served as Archdeacon of Stonington and Glen Eira and as the vicar of parishes in Toorak and Gisborne, and Curate in Frankston. He has also served as the Director of Theological Education for the Diocese of Melbourne and is a published author in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and church history.
Dr Billings is married to Karen, and they have five adult children and three grandchildren. He is also a devoted owner of a Hungarian Vizsla named Ruby and enjoys Premier League football and history.
Arrangements for Dr Billings’ installation at St Peter’s Cathedral will be announced in due course.
Here’s some more background on Bishop Billings from the Diocese of Melbourne.
South Africa: Joy and hope in a pair of shoes!
Posted on December 7, 2025
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“Jesslyn, a Grade 5 student at Kuyga Primary School, would begin each day with quiet determination. Leaving the small metal home where she lives with her mother and brother, she would start the 30-minute walk to school along a dusty, dirt path.
But very quickly, she would grow weary. Her shoes were worn out …”
– Here’s some encouragement to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) from The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid.
The Idols of the Eyes
Posted on December 6, 2025
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Phillip Jensen’s website is featuring two talks from the Queen’s Birthday Conference 2019.
The topic? The Idols of the Eyes.
Challenging.
A Prayer for Australia
Posted on December 6, 2025
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“You may have heard around the place talk of ‘doubling the number’ of gospel-centred Christians in Australia, or the idea of praying for and working toward an annual ‘five percent conversion growth’ goal. It’s showing up all over the place.
In June of 2025 TGCA gathered a group of Christian leaders to pray and work on what we might do together. We prayed, heard a bunch of papers, discussed and debated various proposals.
Following on from that day, a small group worked on refining the statement, and the Council returned to it for a final endorsement. Here’s what we came up with:
We acknowledge God works out all things according to the counsel of his will and in his mercy saves his people through the faithful preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God, as a movement of Reformed evangelicals in Australia, we commit to pray for and work toward a doubling (at least) of the number of gospel-centred Christians in our country over the next fifteen years.
We will pray for and work toward:
- seeing 5% conversions (as a percentage of annual attendance in our churches and ministries);
- the gospel going to every socioeconomic, ethnic, and community group within our nation—especially those currently under-reached;
- a doubling of the number of men and women with the necessary conviction, character, and competency in full-time Christian ministry and missionary service.
I find it in turn exciting, daunting, galvanising, and inspiring. I hope you do too. I trust a little commentary will be helpful. …”
– Rory Shiner, Chair of the TGC Australia Council, writes to encourage us to to fall to prayer.
Latest ministry opportunities in the Diocese of Bathurst
Posted on December 5, 2025
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From the Diocese of Bathurst:
“Precious opportunities await! Please pray for the 12/28 of our parishes without clergy (down from 14!!)
1. Condobolin
2. Trundle
3. Warren
4. Bourke-Brewarrina
5. Coonamble
6. West Wyalong (locum here until Easter)
7. Wellington (locum here)
8. Coonabarabran
9. Cumnock
10. Blayney (from April 2026)Currently we have amazing lay people in the following parishes, but would also welcome enquiries for clergy to serve part time in:
11. Coolah-Dunedoo
12. Nyngan.”
– Via the diocesan Facebook page.
Adelaide Election Synod this weekend
Posted on December 5, 2025
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The members of the Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide meet this weekend to elect a new Archbishop.
Doubtless, they would crave your prayers for godly wisdom. Pray that they will elect someone who loves the Lord Jesus, holds to the authority of God’s Word, and who can help and encourage members of the churches of Adelaide to live for Christ and to reach out to their city.
The gathering begins with a Synod Service on Friday evening, with the business sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon and (if required) Sunday afternoon. (Summons here.)
MOCLAM: Mission to the world
Posted on December 3, 2025
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For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. (2 Cor 5:14-15)
“Today, 20 per cent of Latin Americans identify as evangelical, compared to only 3 per cent in the 1960s. Growth has been fast, and leaders have emerged with admirable enthusiasm, a sincere desire to reach the lost and a deep love for God’s people.
However, while this statistic sounds impressive, only a very small percentage of pastors have been given the opportunity to undergo formal theological training. …”
– At the Moore College website, Adrian and Anita Lovell, CMS Missionaries in Bolivia, share something of the impact and potential of MOCLAM.
Ethics with AI and Preaching
Posted on December 3, 2025
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From The Pastor’s Heart:
“What are the dangers when pastors let AI assist… or sometimes author? …
Stephen Driscoll works in Campus Ministry in Canberra. He’s the author of Made in Our Image: God, artificial intelligence and you.
Stephen argues that writing is thinking, and when we automate the writing we risk automating away the deep thinking and wrestling with God’s word that forms the preacher’s heart. …”
– Watch here.
Related:
John Piper asks ChatGPT to write a Prayer.
The Man of Promise — In whom do you trust?
Posted on December 2, 2025
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From Phillip Jensen:
“Dear friends,
We come to the last of our series in the opening chapters of Genesis. We have certainly enjoyed rethinking the great themes that these chapters contain and hope that you have similarly enjoyed our discussions.
As we’re coming towards the end of the year, we are thinking about next year’s programmes. We would love to hear of any part of the Bible you would want us to work through, or any particular issues you would like us to address. …”
– Hear Philip Jensen and Peter Jensen at Two Ways News.
Expository Preaching Trust Calendar 2026
Posted on December 2, 2025
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The Expository Preaching Trust has published their Calendar for 2026.
There are many opportunities for preachers to find help and encouragement,
Speakers include Simon Manchester and David Cook.
‘I will be a witness to the resurrection’: Archbishop Thorpe
Posted on December 1, 2025
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From The Melbourne Anglican:
“Let me state it plainly. I will proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as long as God gives me breath…”
“Melbourne’s new Anglican archbishop has been installed, beginning a new season for the church and diocese.
Archbishop Ric Thorpe became Melbourne’s 14th leader on Advent Sunday, succeeding Philip Freier who retired in February after 18 years of service. …”
– See the full report by Jenan Taylor.
Photo of Archbishop Ric Thorpe greeting Archbishop Kanishka Raffel by Janine Eastgate, The Melbourne Anglican.
How new laws could impact believers
Posted on November 30, 2025
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“A new podcast from the Freedom for Faith group aims to keep believers informed of looming threats to religious freedom in Australia.
Freedom Matters features Bishop Michael Stead, the chairman of Freedom for Faith and diocesan spokesman on religious freedom in conversation with Monica Doumit, the director of public affairs and engagement for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and a fellow board member of Freedom for Faith. …”
– At SydneyAnglicans.net, Russell Powell highlights an important new podcast.
Watch the podcast at Freedom for Faith.
Repeat the Sounding Joy: Advent devotionals with Christopher Ash — Part 1
Posted on November 30, 2025
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From Tyndale House, Cambridge:
“In this four-part series for Advent, Tony Watkins talks to Christopher Ash, Writer in Residence at Tyndale House, Cambridge, about Luke chapters 1 and 2. These chapters are the focus of Christopher’s book of Advent devotions, Repeat the Sounding Joy (pub. Good Book Company).
In this first episode, Christopher and Tony discuss the birth of John the Baptist.…”
– Watch here.
Advent account a salutary reminder in self-centred times
Posted on November 30, 2025
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“The Prayer Book Bible readings and Collect for Advent Sunday are a powerful reminder that the Jewish Messiah who was crucified in Roman Judea will one day return to the judge the world.
The reading from Matthew’s Gospel stresses the humility of Jesus when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey in fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9…”
– Julian Mann writes at The Conservative Woman. (Published in 2024.)
500 Years of Books — at Moore College
Posted on November 28, 2025
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“During Sydney Rare Book Week, the Donald Robinson Library hosted ‘500 Years of Books,’ an evening that allowed attendees to handle and closely examine significant works from the library’s rare books collection.
The response in the room was remarkable. As each volume was introduced, guests leaned forward, eager to see the fine details, bindings, illustrations, marginal notes, early type, and the physical evidence of centuries of use. Many found themselves leaving their seats repeatedly, drawn toward the tables to observe the craftsmanship up close. …”
– Erin Mollenhauer Senior Archivist & Special Collections Librarian at Moore Theological College shares highlights of the event.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…