Speeches
Monday, 03 November 2025
Archbishop of Adelaide last service
It’s Rod’s and my privilege and a real pleasure to join you for the final service of Archbishop Geoff and to celebrate his 43 year ministry to the people of Adelaide and Australia, by design, I feel on All Saints Day, a joyful occasion.
I note, Geoff, that you are the tenth Archbishop of Adelaide, and I am its 36th Governor. That must say something about the staying power of bishops!
Institutionally, there are close and long-standing ties between St Peter's Cathedral and Government House.
These ties go all the way back to Bishop Short, the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide.
When the Bishop and his wife first arrived in Adelaide, they lived at Government House alongside Governor Robe and his family.
It’s a lovely connection that the Archbishop’s staff, which he has laid on the altar, belonged once to Bishop Short himself.
From our front pew vantage point, filled perhaps less frequently than we should like, Rod and I have witnessed Archbishop Geoff’s faithful ministry within the Diocese of Adelaide.
As Governor, I have also watched his leadership with and among other faith leaders in our community, building bridges and fostering understanding across diverse traditions.
And I have observed his faithful ministry and leadership as Primate during a challenging time for the Anglican Church in Australia and globally, guiding the national church through the pandemic and navigating complex theological discussions with grace.
Archbishop Geoff has described his episcopate as being in three parts – pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID – and each phase has indeed shaped his ministry in profound ways, as many of you know.
I have valued Archbishop Geoff’s thoughtful approach to the intersection of faith and public life, particularly his willingness to speak out on issues that matter deeply to our community – from domestic violence and poverty to child protection and social justice.
It is clear that Archbishop Geoff is widely respected, deeply appreciated, and indeed loved, within the laity, the ministry, Diocesan Council, and the Synod.
As a member of the congregation, I thank him for his constant encouraging and inspiring reminders of God’s love for us, right to the last.
He and Lynn have shown us how to continue God's work with dedication, integrity, and compassion, and while they will be greatly missed, their example will endure.
Geoff and Lynn, Rod and I wish you well as you return to Queensland, to be with family and friends, and settle into your new church and community on the Sunshine Coast.
We thank you for your service. Your ministry has left an indelible mark on us all.