Melbourne\u2019s Archbishop Philip Freier is to resign in March as Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia after almost six years in the role. Dr Freier is to remain Archbishop of Melbourne, a post he took up in December 2006.<\/p>\n
The shock announcement from the Primate\u2019s office on 25 November said Dr Freier would step down on 31 March 2020, before his term was due to expire, and would not seek re-election. He would have been eligible to seek a three-year extension as Primate.<\/p>\n
No reason was offered for Archbishop Freier\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
Dr Freier wrote to all Australian Anglican bishops on 25 November to say he would not accept a further term, and that he would conclude on 31 March to allow his successor to prepare for the next General Synod (national parliament) of the Church in Maroochydore, Queensland, from 31 May to 5 June next year.<\/p>\n
He had been due to chair the synod.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am hopeful that my early advice to you will enable a smooth transition to be made,\u201d he wrote to the bishops.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Melbourne\u2019s Archbishop @ABFreier<\/a> is to resign as Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia. The shock announcement from his office said Dr Freier would step down on 31 March 2020, before his term was due to expire, and would not seek re-election. https:\/\/t.co\/5e9zrm7xaS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1tFG6MCxm7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Anglican Media Melbourne (@MelbAnglican) November 25, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n