President’s Christmas message to VAT members
Dear members and friends
Victorian Anglicans Together join in extending to Archbishop Ric Thorpe and his wife Louie a warm welcome and best wishes for his episcopal ministry in the diocese.
At the service of Installation on 30 November 2025, he summarised the priorities for the diocese: prayer, mission, church planting, developing leaders, and schools.
It is, as the Archbishop has said, a new season for the diocese. Victorian Anglicans Together seeks to proclaim the Good News in word and deed, in a way that engages all people in their diversity.
We look forward to working constructively in this ministry:
Offering support where we can to parishes and their representatives facing the challenges that will arise
Bringing relevant news and developments to the attention of members and friends
Encouraging fellowship and discussion among our members and friends on issues of importance, including parish revitalisation
Preparing for next year’s synod, offering support and guidance to parishes and their representatives.
Members of Victorian Anglicans Together participated in a lively conversation about ministry in the year about to close and in the future at VAT’s end-of-year gathering at St George’s Malvern on 4 December. You can read a full report here.
We also commend to you the accompanying Christmas reflection from our Vice-President, Archdeacon Colleen O’Reilly, which you can read here.
We offer our special thanks to the Rt Rev’d Genieve Blackwell (Administrator), the Rt Rev’d Dr Alison Taylor (Assistant Bishop) and Dr Leanne Beagley (Interim CEO) for their ministry in the Diocese during the vacancy in the See. We also wish the new Interim CEO, Matthew Crichton, well in his new role.
We offer Bishop Brad Billings congratulations and best wishes on his election as Archbishop of Adelaide.
The VAT Committee sends you their greetings and blessings for a joyous, holy and wonder-filled Christmas and Epiphany season.
Yours in Christ
Michael
Michael Shand AM KC
President - Victorian Anglicans Together
Michael Shand AM KC is a distinguished Australian barrister and church leader with deep experience in commercial, equity and church law and governance. He has served as Chancellor of the Anglican Dioceses of Melbourne and Ballarat, lectured in church law, and been recognised for his service to both the Anglican Church and the legal profession, including being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. As President of Victorian Anglicans Together, Michael brings thoughtful leadership grounded in justice, integrity and faithful engagement with contemporary church life.