David Richardson (priest)

The Revd Canon David Richardson OBE ChStJ
Emeritus Dean of Melbourne
Church	Anglican
Other posts	Representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Holy See and director of the Anglican Centre in Rome (2008-2013) Dean of Melbourne (1999–2008) Dean of Adelaide (1989–1999)
Orders
Ordination	1970 (deacon); 1971 (priest)
Personal details
Born	(1946-03-14) 14 March 1946 Townsville, Queensland
Nationality	Australian
Denomination	Anglican
Parents	David and Alice Tansey
Spouse	Margie Lewis (m. 1972)
Children	1 son; 1 daughter
Alma mater	University of Queensland

David John Leyburn Richardson OBE ChStJ (born 14 March 1946) is an Australian-born Anglican priest, former cathedral dean and director of the Anglican Centre in Rome.

Early life and ministry

David Richardson was born in Townsville, Queensland, but spent most of his childhood in England in North Devon and then the Midlands where his father worked as a priest. He finished his schooling in Brisbane.

After studying English literature at the University of Queensland, Richardson studied theology at St Barnabas’ College in Adelaide and then received his postgraduate diploma in pastoral theology at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Richardson remained in the United Kingdom and served a curacy at the Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge, the civic and university church of Cambridge, while also serving as chaplain at Girton College at the university from 1976 to 1979. He then returned to St Barnabas’ College as sub-warden where he taught New Testament studies, liturgy and pastoral care and spirituality until 1982. For the next five years he was the rector of Christ Church in St Lucia, Brisbane.

Cathedral dean

In 1988 Richardson was invited to become the Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide where he served for 11 years before becoming the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne in 1999. As dean, he led a multimillion-dollar public appeal to restore the cathedral's spires and improve the interior of the building. His contribution is commemorated by the stone sculpture of his head by Melbourne artist Smiley Williams on one of the cathedral's spires.

On his departure from St Paul's in 2008, the cathedral chapter awarded him the title of Dean Emeritus. This honour recognises his ministry in two metropolitan cathedrals, his achievement in restoring the building of St Paul’s Cathedral and his ministry which built up the attendances and finances in Melbourne.

Richardson was for 10 years the clerical representative for Australia on the Anglican Consultative Council (1992–2002). For 25 years he also served on the Australian National Liturgical Commission and was its executive secretary for 15 years. He also served for 15 years on an ecumenical body, the Australian Consultation on Liturgy.

Anglican Centre in Rome

In December 2007, Richardson was appointed as the representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, to the Holy See and the director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. He was installed in his new position by Archbishop Williams on 7 May 2008 in a ceremony in the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

Richardson retired in April 2013 and was succeeded by Archbishop David Moxon.

Richardson was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to strengthening relations between the UK, the Anglican Communion and the Holy See.

Personal

Richardson's interests include poetry, cooking, cars, cricket and gardening.

External links

• Anglican Centre in Rome website

Religious titles
Preceded by James Grant (Bishop Coadjutor of Melbourne)	Dean of Melbourne 1999–2008	Succeeded by Mark Gregory Burton

Anglican Communion titles
Preceded by John Flack	Director, Anglican Centre in Rome and Archbishop's Representative to the Holy See 2008–2013	Succeeded by David Moxon