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Very Reverend Associate Professor Shane Mackinlay

Very Reverend Associate Professor Shane Mackinlay named Bishop of Sandhurst

The University of Divinity congratulates the Very Reverend Associate Professor Shane Mackinlay on the announcement of his appointment by Pope Francis as the next Bishop of Sandhurst, Victoria.

A parish priest and academic, Fr Mackinlay has served as Master of Catholic Theological College since 2011. Prior to his appointment at the College, he held a range of leadership, advisory and academic roles within the Ballarat Diocese, and Australian Catholic University. He also served as spokesperson for the Catholic Church during the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations.

Fr Mackinlay said while his role at Catholic Theological College was a demanding one and typically saw the Master relinquish parish ministry, he had been keen to continue that work alongside his teaching and administrative duties.

I love teaching and also being involved with people in their local parish communities and I very much look forward to continuing those two ministries in a different way in my new role,” Fr Mackinlay said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Sherlock, said:

I congratulate the Very Reverend Associate Professor Shane Mackinlay on his appointment as Bishop of Sandhurst and offer my prayers for him, the Diocese and Catholic Theological College in this time of transition.

Associate Professor Mackinlay has made an outstanding contribution to the University as Master of Catholic Theological College, growing the College in size and its capacity to deliver curriculum and research to meet the needs of the church and community. He has served the University admirably through participation in its Strategic Planning Committee and Executive group. I am delighted that as Bishop of Sandhurst he will continue in close association with CTC and the wider University.”

Fr Mackinlay’s episcopal ordination is expected to take place in mid-October, 2019.

1 comment

  • Well, even Australia is so far away also we in Germany got the notice of his nomination. For sure he is well, no, very well educated, he seems to have a friendly personality, very important for a bishop and I appreciate his announement to welcome everyone, because that´s the job of the church to invite everyone like Christ did, besides some of my students called him a hot guy, well, a bit unusual kind of expression, but good luck! Reverend Father Nicolaus V. Hess Ph.D.

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