John Parkes (bishop)
Australian Anglican clergyman (1950–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anthony John Parkes (6 August 1950 – 3 July 2025) was a British-born Australian Anglican bishop. He was the tenth Bishop of Wangaratta from 2008 to 2019.[1]
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John Parkes | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Wangaratta | |
Parkes in 2019 | |
| Church | Anglican Church of Australia |
| Diocese | Wangaratta |
| In office | 2008–2019 |
| Predecessor | David Farrer |
| Successor | Clarence Bester |
| Other posts | Assistant bishop in the Diocese of Brisbane Dean of Brisbane |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Anthony John Parkes 6 August 1950 United Kingdom |
| Died | 3 July 2025 (aged 74) |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Spouse | Margaret |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Sheffield St Mark's National Theological Centre |
Biography
Parkes was born in the United Kingdom in 1950 and educated as a lawyer at the University of Sheffield. He moved to Australia and worked as a barrister and solicitor in Sydney prior to beginning training for ordination in 1986.[2] He was rector of All Saints' Church in Ainslie (1998–2004) and was also a former barrister where he served on the General Synod Standing Committee and the Church Law Commission.[3]
Prior to his election in Wangaratta, Parkes served as an assistant bishop and the dean of Brisbane in the Diocese of Brisbane. He was a finalist in the first 2006 election for Archbishop of Melbourne.[2]
Parkes was installed as Bishop of Wangaratta on 13 December 2008.[4]
Parkes, as a supporter of same-sex marriage,[5] was criticised within the church for his stance.[6] In December 2017, Parkes organised Anglican bishops to write to federal members of parliament, seeking that they pass the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, same-sex marriage legislation without stronger religious exemptions.[7]
Parkes retired on 21 December 2019,[8] and was replaced as Bishop of Wangaratta by Clarence Bester. After a long battle with illness, Parkes died on 3 July 2025, at the age of 74.[2]
