Q&A with Bishop of Rockhampton and Provincial Clergy Conference preacher, The Right Rev’d Peter Grice
Spotlight Q&A
Meet Bishop Peter Grice and find out about his current projects, faith journey, favourite scripture, thoughts on Reconciliation, what he would write on a billboard and what he does in his free time
Where do you currently live and where do you worship?
Currently, my wife, Virginia, and I live in The Range, Rockhampton. We worship primarily at St Paul’s Cathedral in Rockhampton, although I would describe my attendance as “patchy” because I often attend other parishes on Sundays.
Bishop Peter Grice and wife Virginia at the Hobart Bishops’ Conference in 2023
How long have you been involved in the Anglican Church and in what roles?
I used to attend an Anglican Sunday school from about age 8. I graduated to youth group. At uni I attended an Anglican church, and helped with music, Sunday School and Bible study ministries. I was then, in succession, a Catechist at College, a Deacon in a parish, a Priest and then Vicar of that parish, then an Archdeacon, then a Dean of a Cathedral, then a Bishop and an acting Dean.
What does your main current role involve?
Being Bishop requires that I do everything in my power to encourage parish ministry, meeting with clergy, corresponding, and the like. I travel across the Diocese to encourage all our ministers, lay and clerical.
Bishop Peter Grice commissioned The Rev’d Beryl Andersen at Biloela in July 2023
What projects or activities are you currently working on?
We have two main Diocesan-wide projects. The first is an ongoing development program for our lay leadership, with four modules across two years. The second is a combined preaching and Bible study series on grace. Both initiatives have been received with enthusiasm.
What has been one of the highlights of your time as a regional Queensland Bishop so far?
I love the exhilarating space in the Diocese. To drive for six hours to be met by enthusiastic church members who engage with the pastoral encouragement I bring is totally a privilege. There are many more highlights.
Bishop Peter Grice and Anglicare Central Queensland CEO Carol Godwin at a monthly breakfast meeting in 2023
Can you tell us a little about your Christian faith journey?
Both parents encouraged me to attend church and embark on ministry. I was very influenced at uni where I was encouraged to examine the claims of Christ with rigour.
How does your Christian faith inspire you and shape your outlook, life choices and character?
It is total. There is not one decision I make that I consciously exclude from this outlook — the love of Christ.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Provincial Clergy Conference on the Gold Coast?
Catching up with Godly colleagues from around the Province. Also, the encouragement and pastoral support from old and not-so-old friends.
Why is it important for clergy across our Province to gather to listen, learn, reflect, worship and enjoy fellowship time together?
We all need the diversity of the Body of Christ. I take it that the imperatives in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are to be taken seriously as we seek to engage with a world that is getting progressively more complex, but also progressively more curious.
What are the primary strengths of the Church and what is the best way to make the most of these for the benefit of our communities?
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. In Jesus we have the substance of the hope we trust and offer.
“Most profound of all, of course, Peter’s graciousness eloquently manifests and expresses the very heart of the gospel,” (Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, pictured here with the newly consecrated Bishop of Rockhampton Peter Grice and clergy from around Australia in 2021 at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane)
What is your favourite Bible scripture and why?
Perhaps Romans 5.8, probably because I preached on this on Sunday and have been reminded again of God’s lavish grace in Christ:
“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
My parents, who encouraged me to take my faith seriously.
Why is it important for Christians to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards Reconciliation?
We are the experts in reconciliation, love and justice. To work toward reconciliation is who we are.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
Look first, learn always, lead gently — aggregated from various bishops.
Bishop Greg Anderson, Bishop Peter Grice and Bishop Keith Joseph in Brisbane during Archbishop Jeremy’s installation in 2023
What is the bravest or kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
Good question — I always look back with fondness at the generosity and encouragement of my first parish. The way people engaged with my preaching and efforts to run the parish, I greatly appreciated. Also, a fellow student in first-year uni who delivered the best rebuke I have ever had to lift my game as a follower of Jesus, which was brave and kind.
If you found yourself on a deserted island, what three things would you choose to have with you?
Water, satellite phone and fully stocked ocean-going yacht.
If you could have a billboard with any text on it, what would it say and why?
I still like the Arthur Stace “Eternity” – preaching genius in one word.
What book have you given away most as a gift and why?
I like Packer’s Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs, 31 short chapters of pithy wisdom to get people thinking about theology ministry.
What do you do in your free time to recharge and relax?
I read, I make things out of wood, I encourage things to grow.
Bishop Peter Grice enjoys being in the outdoors in his free time (pictured here at Gladstone Harbour in 2023)
What’s your best childhood memory?
Too many, mostly involving family and water.
What is your karaoke go-to song?
Just don’t go there…
Where do you do your best thinking?
On walks — I usually win all the debates as well.
Editor’s note: Registrations for the Provincial Clergy Conference 2024 close on Monday 15 July 2024. Hear Bishop Peter Grice preach at the conference and gather with other clergy from across our Province on the Gold Coast between Monday 19 to Thursday 22 August. The theme of Provincial Clergy Conference 2024 is “Common Purpose, Shared Joy”. Participants will reflect on what it might mean to be the Church together in this season and how and where we might know joy as we journey together. There will be a variety of workshops and plenty of worship and fellowship. Visit the conference website for more information.
Jump to next article
