Service of Recognition for New Anglican Archbishop

Service of Recognition for New Anglican Archbishop

The service of recognition and commissioning for the new Archbishop of the New Zealand Dioceses will be held tomorrow in the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary in New Plymouth.

The Most Rev'd Philip Richardson, who is 55, is one of three Archbishops leading the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. He will continue as Bishop of Taranaki, a role he has held since 1999.

Archbishop Philip says he was determined to have the service in New Plymouth, and not in one of the big centres, because Taranaki is home, a place and people that has shaped him and his family for the good.

"There will be a number of elements of the service that I will treasure and the service will reflect a commitment to building a happier, healthier, inclusive and just communities in New Plymouth and across the nation," says Archbishop Philip.

Anglican leadership will travel from across New Zealand and Polynesia to attend the service. Components of the service include Judge Sarah Reeves taking part in the service. Bishop Sir Paul Reeves was a mentor and friend to Archbishop Philip and so his daughter has been asked to give the homily.

The service will be shared with Wharehoka Wano, who is being installed as a Canon of Taranaki Cathedral and will hold the position named in recognition of Sir Paul - the Reeves Canonry.

Archbishop Philip will work alongside Archbishop Brown Turei, who leads Tikanga Maori (the Maori cultural stream of the church) and Archbishop Winston Halapua, who is the Bishop of Polynesia. Both will be present at service tomorrow.

Archbishop-elect Philip and his wife Belinda Holmes will remain in their New Plymouth home. They have two adult children, Josh and Clare.

ENDS

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