Archbishop Hart re-appointed President of the Australian Catholic Conference Media Release 8 May 2014

The Catholic Bishops of have re-elected of , , as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for a two-year term.

The election took place during the plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, which is taking place this week, 4th – 10th May, at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.

Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson, has been re-elected Vice-president of the Conference for a further two-year term.

The Archbishop of SDB and the of Port Pirie Gregory J. O’Kelly SJ were both elected to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Permanent Committee.

Continuing on the permanent committee are Archbishop of Brisbane , Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn , Bishop of Darwin Eugene Hurley and Bishop of Wollongong Peter Ingham.

Speaking during the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary meeting, President Hart said: “I thank my fellow bishops and diocesan administrators for their dedication and commitment in governing the Australian at a time when we are facing many challenges.”

Over the course of the meeting, the bishops are discussing various issues including the treatment of Asylum Seekers, the Royal Commission and evangelisation.

“With prayer and planning we trust that our discussions and decision-making may be guided by the Holy Spirit,” Archbishop Hart said.

Following their plenary meeting in North Sydney, the Australian Catholic Bishops will travel to New Zealand to attend a week-long meeting of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania.

For media queries please contact Aoife Connors on 0450 348 597 or [email protected]