The Installation and Commissioning of the Right Reverend Richard Alexander Lewers as Anglican Bishop of Armidale took place last Wednesday in St Peter’s Cathedral. Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend Peter Jensen, officiated at the Installation Service.
Bishop Rick, as he prefers to be known, had been consecrated a Bishop at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, on Friday, May 25, 2012.
The Installation and Commissioning was an important event for both the Cathedral City of Armidale and the Anglican Diocese, which spans the New England North West region of NSW. Hundreds from the city and wider diocese packed St Peter’s and overflowed into the adjacent Parish Hall.
Bishop Lewers used the traditional entrance rite for a new bishop at his Installation, knocking on the Cathedral’s West Door with his pastoral staff. He was met by the Dean, the Very Rev Stephen Williams, and led in, to formally take possession of the Cathedral and the Diocese.
“I am very happy to be here. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I am addressing it quietly and slowly. My wife, Janene and I are loving Armidale and the changing seasons we are experiencing,” the new Bishop said.
“Anyone working in a role of helping people, such as mine, is constantly confronted with a world of trouble and breakdowns. Ministering to these situations, encouraging people to think about the Lord Jesus, his nature and why he is so significant to us, is both important and challenging.
“I will work with people collegially, to be well informed before making changes or decisions concerning the future of the Diocese.”
The Bishop’s specialised endeavours in his earlier ministry included three years as an evangelist on the staff at Evangelism Ministries (Department of Evangelism) in the Sydney diocese. The Armidale Diocese is evangelical and that sits well with him.
“The Bible is the basis of the ministry of the Church. Evangelicals believe that the Scriptures are given to us by God,” he explained.
“Our work is introducing people to the love of Jesus, exploring that love and doing everything we can, as a Church, to help people to make it home to Heaven.”
Prior to his consecration, Bishop Rick served in Sydney, Canberra and back to Sydney where he was the minister in charge of Engadine Heathcote. He is now looking forward to getting to know, first-hand, the rural and regional communities of his vast diocese. Getting out to the parishes is the priority in his first 100 day plan.
“Some of the most outstandingly giving people are working in isolated places to minister Jesus to people who wouldn’t have ministry if it wasn’t for the dedication of the clergy of this diocese, who are prepared to work in places that are remote from family and perhaps lacking in the facilities or conveniences of a city environment,” he said.
“I can’t wait to spend time in rural Australia and getting to meet and know people. I love farming communities.”
Bishop Rick and his wife Janene have three children: Nathan (a carpenter); Rachel (a university student); and Jacob (who has recently finished the HSC). They have remained in Sydney.
Story: Gary Fry
