John Parkes (bishop)
John Parkes | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Wangaratta | |
.jpg) Parkes in 2019 | |
| Church | Anglican Church of Australia |
| Diocese | Wangaratta |
| In office | 2008–2019 |
| Predecessor | David Farrer |
| Successor | Clarence Bester |
| Other post(s) | Assistant bishop in the Diocese of Brisbane Dean of Brisbane |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Anthony John Parkes 6 August 1950 United Kingdom |
| Died | 3 July 2025 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | British, Australian |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Spouse | Margaret |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Sheffield St Mark's National Theological Centre |
Anthony John Parkes (6 August 1950 – 3 July 2025) was a British-born Australian Anglican bishop. He was the tenth Bishop of Wangaratta between from 2008 to 2019.[1]
Biography
Parkes was born in the United Kingdom in 1950 and educated as a lawyer at the University of Sheffield. He moved to Australia and worked as a barrister and solicitor in Sydney prior to beginning training for ordination in 1986.[2] He was rector of All Saints' Church in Ainslie (1998–2004) and was also a former barrister where he served on the General Synod Standing Committee and the Church Law Commission.[3]
Prior to his election in Wangaratta, Parkes served as an assistant bishop and the dean of Brisbane in the Diocese of Brisbane. He was a finalist in the first 2006 election for Archbishop of Melbourne.[2]
Parkes was installed as Bishop of Wangaratta on 13 December 2008.[4]
Parkes, as a supporter of same-sex marriage,[5] was criticised within the church for his stance.[6] In December 2017, Parkes organised Anglican bishops to write to federal members of parliament, seeking that they pass the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, same-sex marriage legislation without stronger religious exemptions.[7]
Parkes retired on 21 December 2019,[8] and was replaced as Bishop of Wangaratta by Clarence Bester. After a long battle with illness, Parkes died on 3 July 2025, at the age of 74.[2]
References
- ^ "Wangaratta bishop elected to national tribunal". Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
- ^ a b c Porter, Muriel (16 July 2025). "John Parkes, a bishop 'larger than life'". The Melbourne Anglican. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Anglican Church of Australia - Church Law". www.anglican.org.au. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
- ^ "Diocese of Wangaratta website". Archived from the original on 25 September 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
- ^ "Bishop labelled a 'hero' after admitting same-sex marriage is inevitable". 7 September 2015.
- ^ "What God has Joined Together, Bishop Parkes Puts Asunder". 6 October 2015.
- ^ "Rebel Anglican bishops urge support for Smith bill as same-sex marriage debate reaches House of Reps". 4 December 2017.
- ^ Parkes, John (7 March 2019). "Bishop Announces Retirement". Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta. Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
External links
Media related to John Parkes at Wikimedia Commons