‘Home-grown’ Bishop of Wollongong appointed
Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Release
The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, has announced the appointment of Rev. Canon Peter Lindsay Hayward as the new Bishop of Wollongong.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese overwhelmingly endorsed his appointment on Monday night.
Canon Hayward was born in Sydney in 1959 but his family moved to Nowra when he was nine and he attended Bomaderry High School.
He is a graduate of the University of New South Wales in Civil Engineering, and also of Moore Theological College, from which he also holds a Master of Arts degree.
Dr Jensen says, "Peter Hayward is a son of the Wollongong region and loves its people. He is a seasoned church planter, having founded churches in Australia and in the United States. His experience in multi-cultural ministry, clergy training and in diocesan affairs means he can give clear spiritual and intellectual leadership. " "¨
After his ordination in 1992, as an assistant minister, Peter Hayward founded a church in the new housing area of Glenmore Park. In 1996 he moved to Spokane in the State of Washington in the USA and became the founding Rector of an independent Anglican congregation known as Christ the Redeemer. In 2001, Peter moved back to Sydney where he became the rector of St Bede's Church Beverley Hills with Kingsgrove Anglican Church.
Bishop-elect Hayward also received a warm endorsement from his predecessor in Wollongong, Bishop Al Stewart, who is leaving the region to head up a new church-planting program for the diocese.
The Wollongong region, part of the Sydney Diocese, includes some areas of Sutherland Shire, Campbelltown, the Southern Highlands and extends down the South Coast to Ulladulla.
Bishop-elect Hayward is excited by the challenge "Anglican churches here are known for being a vital part of the community and that's very important to build on."
There is personal enthusiasm as well "I love this region. Even while living away, our family has come back for holidays every year. Now, I don't need to leave!"
For more information and photos call or email the Archbishop's Media Adviser, Russell Powell on 0411 692 499 , rpowell@anglicanmedia.com.au
