The Rt Revd Ric Thorpe has been installed as the 14^th Archbishop of Melbourne and Metropolitan of Victoria, in the Anglican Church of Australia.

In a service held on the first Sunday of Advent (November 30), the Archbishop-elect was installed at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne in front of 1400 people, and to an audience online.

Ordained in The Church of England, the Rt Revd Ric Thorpe was formerly the Bishop of Islington, in London. He is also a leading figure in church planting and has served as part of the Anglican Communion Network 'Plant Anglican'. The network has developed a range of church planting resources and training initiatives, and contributed to the revitalisation of many Anglican churches around the world.

Archbishop Ric was elected in May this year after the former Archbishop, the Most Revd Philip Freier, retired in February.

The installation service was attended by clergy, leaders and episcopates from across Australia as well as representatives from indigenous communities. During the service, Archbishop Ric's wife, Louie Thorpe, read from the gospel of Matthew 28:16-20 which outlines the Great Commission. The service featured lively music, including drumming led by Christian musician and founder of Psalm Drummers, Terl Bryant, a long-time friend of Archbishop Thorpe.

In his homily, the new archbishop honoured his predecessor for ‘almost two decades of faithful service,’ and shared that his priorities for the diocese are prayer, mission, church planting, developing leaders and schools. Archbishop Ric also affirmed his commitment to unapologetic evangelism as he stated, ‘I will proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as long as God gives me breath.’

The Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect, also sent a representative to deliver her commendation at the service. The Rt Revd David Urquhart (the Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York) shared on her behalf that Archbishop Ric ‘had shaped many faithful lives through church planting’ and commended his wife, Louie, saying she had ‘formed many loving and prayerful disciples, particularly with her work with clergy spouses.’

The Most Reverend Dr Mark Short, Primate of Australia and Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, shared with The Melbourne Anglican that he welcomed the new archbishop’s experience and expertise in evangelism. He commended  Archbishop Thorpe has having been ‘able to build great relationships across the different traditions in the Church of England around the common purpose of making Christ known and growing Christ’s church,’ and reflected that this perspective ‘will enrich the life of the Anglican Church of Australia and all our diversity.’

Watch a short video of highlights from the service. 

Learn more about the Diocese of Melbourne in the Anglican Church of Australia.