New bishop-elect for LCA’s Victoria–Tasmania District

Pastor Brett Kennett will be the next bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Victoria–Tasmania District.

He was elected unopposed during the Victoria–Tasmania District Convention of Synod, held from 2 to 4 October at Luther College in Croydon Hills, Victoria.

Currently serving as the District’s Pastor for Congregational Support, Bishop-elect Brett will succeed Bishop Lester Priebbenow, who has served in the role since 2017. Bishop Lester did not stand for re-election and will retire after Pastor Brett is installed as bishop in the coming months.

Following the announcement, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith said Pastor Brett had received his election ‘with humility and thanksgiving to God’.

‘He asked for the prayers of the people for himself and for his wife Silvia, as Brett takes up this service of district bishop,’ Bishop Paul said.

Responding to his election, Pastor Brett said he received the call to the role ‘with gratitude, a sense of responsibility, and trust in God who calls us to serve’.

‘My work across the district as Pastor for Congregational Support has given me a deep appreciation for the joy and power of the gospel, and how these flow through the life and ministry of our congregations, pastors and lay leaders, often in challenging circumstances,’ he said.

As he prepares to take up the new role, Pastor Brett said he was ‘conscious of the need to encourage and support those who serve, help communities work together and keep the good news of Jesus Christ at the heart of the church’s life and mission’.

‘Above all, I’m thankful that the mission is God’s. Our call is to join in with what God is already doing,’ he said.

The convention also elected Pastor Hans Peethala as assistant bishop. Pastor Hans was elected unopposed and installed during the convention’s closing worship service. Pastor Brett was also affirmed ahead of his formal installation.

Pastor Brett paid tribute to Bishop Lester’s leadership and ministry.

‘I’m grateful for Bishop Lester’s faithful service and for the opportunity to work alongside him,’ he said.

‘Bishop Lester has been wonderfully generous in sharing his wisdom with me and allowing me to contribute to the work as a team using the gifts God’s given us.’

Reflecting on Bishop Lester’s ministry, Bishop Paul said a hymn from the outgoing bishop shared with convention delegates highlighted what was central to his ministry: pointing people to ‘Jesus Christ the crucified’.