Announcements have been made this morning in both Sydney and Perth that the new dean of Sydney Cathedral is Kanishka Raffel, currently the Rector at St Matthew’s Shenton Park in Perth where his bio reads as follows:
Kanishka was born in London to Sri Lankan parents and was raised as a Buddhist. While studying law at Sydney University a friend gave him a copy of The Gospel according to John and he subsequently became a Christian. Kanishka has served as Rector of St Matthew’s since 1999. He is married to Cailey and they have two daughters. He loves curry, cricket and having gelato at the beach with his family but knows no pleasure so great as sharing the news about Jesus with people who have no idea who Jesus is or how much he loves them.
Kanishka gave one of the Bible talks at GAFCON 2013 in Nairobi and the Bible studies at the recent 2015 Anglican Future Conference in Melbourne.
Here is Kanishka speaking to St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, as part of their Preaching Matters series:
Kanishka has been good enough to agree to answer a few questions for readers of davidould.net. You can read them here.
Kanishka succeeds the previous dean Phillip Jensen who retired in 2014.
SydneyAnglicans.net have the announcement here.
“I’m delighted Kanishka has accepted my appointment, which was unanimously agreed to by the Chapter, to become the next Dean of Sydney” said Archbishop Glenn Davies in announcing the move.
Mr Raffel has been the senior minister at St Matthew’s, Shenton Park in Perth since 1999.
Born to Sri-Lankan parents in London, Mr Raffel and his family emigrated to Australia from Canada. He was raised a Buddhist and converted to Christianity in his teens.
“Kanishka has exercised a valuable ministry in Perth and although it is a big wrench for him and his family to return to Sydney, I appreciate the sacrifices that are involved.” Dr Davies said.
The Archbishop described the new Dean as “an outstanding teacher of the Bible who, God willing, will have a significant ministry to the city of Sydney.”
“Kanishka preaches with a pastor’s heart and his care and concern for people will be evident throughout his ministry” Dr Davies said.
Image: Bible Society
Preacher with a pastor’s heart – sounds like just what we need. I am sure he will continue the gospel work of his predecessor.
Interesting that this appointment also continues the tradition that Deans of Sydney usually have significant experience in other dioceses or other provinces.
Welcome Fr Raffel and family!