Our regional Bishop Robert Forsyth was joined by Archbishop Glenn Davies on Thursday 24 July for the commencement of ministry of St George’s new rector Rev Dr Geoff Broughton, along with Byron Smith, Jessica Smith, and David Taylor who will be part of the new ministry team. Geoff will conduct his first services on Sunday 27 July.
Geoff grew up in Sydney and has studied theology in the United States and Australia. Before joining the faculty at St Mark’s Theological Centre in Canberra he has been in Anglican ministry as a youth worker, associate minister and Rector – the last decade in the inner Sydney parishes of Darlinghurst/Kings Cross and Glebe.
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Recently acting director (previously deputy director) of St Mark’s Theological Centre in Canberra, where he lectures in theology and practical theology, Dr Broughton was often asked whether he would apply for the position of director after Bishop Tom Frame announced he would leave at the end of 2013. However Dr Broughton says he told anyone who asked that “with my skills, gifts and passions – I’d much rather run an inner-city parish.” An apparently chance meeting with the Bishop of South Sydney, the Rt Rev Rob Forsyth, at a series of lectures led Dr Broughton towards Paddington.
Geoff being keen to continue teaching – particularly in the areas of Christology, professional supervision and Anglican formation – with the support of Archbishop Glenn Davies as well as St George’s Parish, this will result in the establishment of a team ministry. The team, headed by Geoff, will bring Byron and Jessica Smith together with David and Sarah Taylor into the life of the parish. This team ministry will allow Geoff to continue, on a part-time basis, his association with St Marks Theological College and Charles Sturt University.
St George’s has a long term connection with St Marks Theological College as two of our former rectors went on to become director of St Mark’s, and a former member of the parish is currently a member of the academic staff.
For members of the St George’s community this is the final step in a long journey, as Geoff Broughton’s appointment was finalised some months ago, so please join with us in welcoming Geoff and Jackie, and their children.