Last month, the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct. Yesterday, the Centre announced that it had appointed as Interim Director noted Australian cleric Dr John Shepherd. As Dean of St George’s Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia from 1990 to 2014. Shepherd faced criticisms for actions such as inviting Muslim and Buddhist leaders to speak at the Cathedral, founding a study group named Heretics Anonymous, and for his very public support of LGBT+ inclusion and marriage equality. In a wide career across the Anglican Communion, Shepherd has served as a priest in Australia, the US (Long Island), and in England (in Manchester and Cambridge). He was also Chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford and has taught music as a university lecturer and is a noted theological commentator.
In a press release, the Centre welcomed him into his new role and especially lauded his fundraising abilities.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome are very pleased to announce the appointment of The Very Revd Dr John Shepherd as the Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See.
Dr Shepherd was Dean of St. George’s Cathedral, Perth, Western Australia from 1990 to 2014. During his time as Dean over $19,000,000 was raised to fund a complete restoration and development of the cathedral and Old Deanery alongside the building of the Cadogan Song School. Dr Shepherd has had a distinguished ministry in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. He was ordained at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne in 1966 having completed his BA at the University of Melbourne. He also has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Union Seminary in New York and a PhD from St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge — his doctorate focused on the changes in the doctrine of sacrifice in sacred music during the English Reformation
He has been a parish priest in Melbourne, on Long Island, in Manchester and Cambridge and he was Chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford from 1980-1988. He is a regular contributor to the Expository Times and The Times, in London. He has taught music as a university lecturer and is a noted theological commentator. Dr Shepherd’s wife, Joy, was Principal of St. Hilda’s Anglican Girls’ High School in Perth from 1997-2014.
Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian