We were delighted to host the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at a Provincial Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne.
More than a thousand clergy, parishioners and representatives from Anglican schools and agencies from across Melbourne and Victoria attended the service, including the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Revd Peter Comensoli, and other Heads of Churches.
In his sermon, Archbishop Welby spoke with regret about the effects of colonialism on First Nations people, as well as the early disunity between the Anglican and Catholic clergy in Melbourne. But he said God is capable of creating a people who can tackle issues of climate change, war and aggression.
“The heart of the call of God to all Christian people is not that they are unanimous, but that they are united,” the Archbishop said. “God is the one who is capable of transforming his people and creating a people who can tackle climate change, war, selfishness, aggression [and] narcissism.”
Archbishop Justin Welby
Take a look at some of the highlights below. If you missed the service, you can watch it here.
Children welcoming the Archbishop on behalf of the Diocese 
Ecumenical and Anglican bishops from across Australia attended. 
Mrs Caroline Welby and Mrs Joy Freier OAM 
Prayers were led by members of Anglican Congregations 
More than 1000 clergy and parishioners filled the Cathedral 
Archbishop Welby, Archbishop Freier and Archbishop Comensoli led the blessing with Heads of Churches. 
Archbishop Justin Welby with the Cathedral’s First Nations Artist-in-Residence Canon Glenn Loughrey
We wish The Archbishop and Mrs Welby every blessing as they continue on their journey around Australia.
Images: Ming Zhou