The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid (Anglican Aid) has appointed Bishop Malcolm Richards as Chairman, following the retirement of Bishop Peter Tasker from the board in November 2020.

The Rt Rev Malcolm Richards is the Bishop for International Relations for the Diocese of Sydney, and the Director of the Centre of Global Mission at Moore Theological College. Malcolm and his wife Elizabeth served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kindu Diocese, during two critical periods in the country’s recent tragic history. As a result, Anglican Aid commenced support of Berea Bible College in Kindu, established by Bishop Richards.

Anglican Aid CEO Canon Tim Swan is very pleased to work closely with Bishop Malcolm Richards, and thanked Bishop Peter Tasker for his service.

“We are grateful for the wisdom and vision Bishop Peter Tasker has given to this organisation. Under his steady hand, Anglican Aid has grown from an agency managing an annual budget of $1.3M, to a $5M+ organisation which manages more than 100 projects in over 30 countries, including Australia,” Tim said.

“With Bishop Malcolm Richards now at the helm, I look forward to working together with him to resource Christian leaders in the world’s neediest communities to care for the people they serve. Malcolm’s personal knowledge of so many people and places where we work is invaluable to strengthening partnerships with the global church.”

The board has also welcomed four new members very recently – Ms Karen Andersen, Mrs Michelle Chase, the Rev Peter Sholl, and the Rev Luther Symons.

They have replaced long-serving board members the Rev Brett Hall, Mr Doug Marr, Ms Emma Penzo, the Rev Canon Peter Rodgers and Bishop Peter Tasker. Their wise counsel will be missed but bringing fresh perspectives to the board is an important part of going forward.

Ms Andersen said she was excited to be joining the board. “I’m excited to help support this vital aid work in communities around the world, and to show God’s love to a world in need.”

She brings to the board 20 years of experience as a corporate lawyer, and 14 years Board experience in Christian organisations. Karen has been active with City Bible Forum and India Gospel League over the last two decades, and attends Forestville Anglican Church.

Mrs Chase was a senior staff member of Anglican Aid from 2016 – 2019. She said, “The Lord has blessed us in so many ways in the Sydney diocese. I feel very privileged to serve on the Anglican Aid board, and be part of helping the people of our diocese share the incomparable riches of his grace with others who have so little.”

Rev Luther Symons said he is passionate about seeing the gospel go throughout the world. Luther is the lead pastor of Hope Anglican Church in South West Sydney and is closely linked with several Anglican Aid partners including Miracle School Ministries, in Pakistan.

The new Board will meet together for the first time in February 2021.