“I would like now to turn briefly to the development of the St John’s site. Paul, with others you are to drive the vision, the vision of God, present with God’s people, in compassion, pilgrimage, sanctuary and community, the vision that undergirds the development.  

As the Barton site of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and St Mark’s National Theological Centre across Lake Burley Griffin has placed a challenging call for leadership over my episcopate, and that of all Diocesan Bishops before me, so the St John’s development will place a challenging call for leadership over your ministry…..

This site is an absolute jewel, not just for the Parish, not just for the Diocese, not just for the city, but for the nation. On the corner of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade, with the Griffin Plan going through another major surge - this is the moment.  This is a sacred site, this is a sanctuary, this is a place of pilgrimage, and this is a place of compassion in the midst of a world of hostility.

Potentially this is a place to gather all who have stumbled around in the darkness, but genuinely seek life, love, and meaning.  Few other Parishes have people coming to the site for as many reasons as does St John’s.  This is a place that should be known by its councils, boards and various committees, as a place where people choose life.”