8 October 2026
Dear Friends,
On Sunday I was elected the next Bishop of the Diocese of Bunbury.
Rachael and I have been spending significant time in prayerful discernment over the past year pondering where God would have us serve. It is with this in mind that I allowed my name to go forward as a candidate to the synod of the Diocese of Bunbury as they prepared to elect a new bishop. As much as I would love to stay with you, I cannot attend to two calls!
It has been a great privilege to be your bishop. We have seen our family grow up in the nine years we have shared with you. Thank you for welcoming and loving us all. It will be a wrench to leave you, the spiritual family we have here in Victoria. The Diocese of Bendigo is a beautiful place, and you make it all the more so. We have been able to share the greatest adventure, as we have worked together in God’s mission.
There is always much to do as we seek to act faithfully as people drawn into God’s mission. The challenging parts of this work can loom large and cause anxiety. Yet we follow a loving God who has proved faithful in the lives of those who entrust themselves into God’s care. God has been very kind to the Diocese of Bendigo in the team who share leadership. Please be active in praying for Sarah Crutch our Registrar, Dean George Hemmings who as Vicar General will act as Administrator when I conclude, and your Archdeacons, Tracey Wolsley, Steve Weickhardt and Peter Blundell who will help you hold space in the things which must wait and go ahead in the matters which must progress. Please also pray for the Bishopric Electoral Board as they prepare to convene and do the work of electing your new bishop.
As timings and other matters regarding our departure and the beginning of the Electoral Board’s work are settled, we will be sure to let you know.
Rachael, our children and I will all value your prayers as we prepare for all the changes which will come in following God’s new call.
Your servant in Christ,
+Matt
Download:
Pastoral Letter to the Diocese