Bishop Harrower’s parting wish

By Imogen Elliott
Advertiser
September 12, 2015

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/bishop-harrowers-parting-wish/story-fnjj6011-1227524927421

John Harrower, who retired yesterday with a service at St David's cathedral, has been an active advocate for change. Photo by KIM EISZELE

THE Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower, says he will remember Tasmania as a place of great hospitality and hopes it can do more to help refugees.

Bishop Harrower yesterday officially retired after 15 years as the state’s 11th bishop.

Using his role to call for an inquiry in to child abuse in the church, speak out against domestic violence and challenge the Government’s stance on gambling and refugees, Bishop Harrower was an active member of the community that invited change.

He made headlines when he used his debut media conference to apologise to victims of sexual abuse.

Last week his focus was fixed on the Syrian refugee crisis.

“While I’m delighted Tasmania will take on 500 refugees, I’d like to see another 500 then another 500,” he said.

“I don’t think increased air strikes will make a difference to the crisis in Syria and it shows we’re thinking inwardly.”

Focusing on differences that divide communities is what Bishop Harrower believes prevents deeper conversations that could make a real difference.

He believes Australia has become fearful of change and needs to rebuild a positive sense of place.

“We can’t blame the media for creating a divide ... people don’t seem to be interested in anything other than conflict,” he said.

“I believe we can work together for the common good and instead of focusing on our differences we need to focus on the values we share.”

Bishop Harrower was a petroleum engineer before he served as a missionary overseas and was appointed to the episcopate in 2000 after being offered the Tasmanian position during his time as a vicar in Melbourne.

He will return to his home state of Victoria to continue his work on the board of World Vision and as an assistant to the Primate of Australia.

“I also hope to spend more time with my lovely wife Gaylene, who became my girlfriend on a school trip to Hobart in 1965,” he said.

Bishop Harrower officially retired after a diocesan service at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart yesterday.

A new bishop will be elected in late November.