Archbishop Coleridge elected as president of bishops conference

Archbishop Mark Coleridge was elected as the new president of the Australian Bishops Conference.

THE AUSTRALIAN Catholic Bishops have elected Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge as their new president at a conference last month.

Archbishop Coleridge, who took up the new position on May 10, takes over from Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart.

The Brisbane Archbishop paid tribute to his predecessor.

“With his courtesy and efficiency, Archbishop Hart has made a unique contribution as president of the Conference since 2012,” Archbishop Coleridge said.

The departing Archbishop Hart completed six years as president having been elected in 2012.

Archbishop Coleridge was ordained auxiliary bishop of Melbourne in 2002 and later became Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn.

He has served as Archbishop of Brisbane since 2012.

“With few illusions about myself or the task that awaits, I humbly accept the call to serve as president of the Conference at a time that is clearly challenging,” Archbishop Coleridge said.

“Among other issues, we bishops will together have to address the recommendations of the Royal Commission and prepare for the upcoming Plenary Council 2020.

“I trust I will be able to provide the unifying leadership this will require.

“Pope Francis is showing the way for bishops conferences around the world, and I look to his leadership to guide and inspire mine in Australia.”

Sydney Anthony Fisher OP was elected vice-president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on the same day Archbishop Coleridge was elected.

Both will serve two-year terms.

To read a question and answer interview with Archbishop Coleridge go to http://cgcatholic.org.au/catholic-voice/