The Most Reverend

Anthony Fisher

OP
Archbishop of Sydney
On British television discussion program
After Dark in May 1994
ArchdioceseSydney
ProvinceEcclesiastical Province of Sydney
MetropolisSydney
Appointed18 September 2014
Installed12 November 2014
PredecessorGeorge Pell
Other post(s)Member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life
Orders
Ordination14 September 1991
by Eusebius Crawford
Consecration3 September 2003
by George Pell
RankArchbishop
Personal details
Born
Anthony Colin Fisher[1]

(1960-03-10) 10 March 1960 (age 64)
Crows Nest, New South Wales, Australia
NationalityAustralian
DenominationRoman Catholic
Occupation
Previous post(s)
  • Bishop of Parramatta (2010-2014)
  • Titular Bishop of Buruni (2003-2010)
  • Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney (2003-2010)
Alma mater
MottoVeritatem facientes in caritate
("Speaking the truth in love")
Coat of armsAnthony Fisher's coat of arms
Styles of
Anthony Fisher
Reference styleThe Most Reverend
Spoken styleYour Grace or My Lord Archbishop
Religious styleArchbishop

Anthony Colin Fisher OP (born 10 March 1960) is an Australian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and a friar of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Since 12 November 2014, he has been the ninth Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. He served as the third Bishop of Parramatta from 4 March 2010 to 12 November 2014, having previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Early life and education

Fisher was born the eldest of five children in Crows Nest, Sydney, to Gloria Maguregui, whose father was of Spanish Basque origin and whose mother was half Italian and half Romanian – she migrated with her family to Australia from Asia in the 1950s – and Colin Fisher, a pharmacist from Ashfield with Anglo-Irish roots.[2] He was baptised at St Therese's Church, Lakemba and attended the parish school in 1965 and 1966.[3] The Fisher family lived in Belmore, Canterbury and Wiley Park before moving to Longueville and Manly.

Fisher attended St Michael's Primary School in Lane Cove, Holy Cross College Ryde and Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview where he was dux in 1977. He studied at the University of Sydney for six years, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in history with first-class honours, and a Bachelor of Laws, before practising law at top-tier commercial law firm, Clayton Utz, where he drafted the contracts for the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Building.[4]

Early career

Fisher entered the Order of Preachers in 1985 and studied for the priesthood in Melbourne, receiving an honours degree in theology from the Yarra Theological Union, a member institution of the Melbourne College of Divinity (now called the University of Divinity).[1] He worked for a time at Uniya, a centre for social research in Kings Cross, on immigration and refugee issues, and at Holy Name Parish in Wahroonga, Sydney. He was ordained to the priesthood at Holy Name Church in Wahroonga by Eusebius Crawford OP, Bishop of Gizo, on 14 September 1991.

Fisher then undertook doctoral studies in bioethics at the University of Oxford until 1995, matriculating from University College, while residing at Blackfriars Hall. His Doctor of Philosophy degree was granted for a thesis on "Justice in the Allocation of Healthcare". His academic work has included lecturing in Australia and overseas and publishing many books and articles on bioethics and morality. In 1994 he appeared on two British television programmes: the bioethics series Brave New World[5] and a special edition of the live discussion program After Dark.[6]

Fisher debating Philip Nitschke at Sydney University, 2003

From 1995-2000, Fisher was a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. From 2000-03 he was the foundation director of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne, the Australian campus of a postgraduate pontifical institute with nine campuses around the world.[7] The principal work of the institute was in teaching and research on questions concerning respect for human life and the dignity of the person and support for marriage and family life. The Australian campus ceased operations in December 2018.

In 2003, he debated euthanasia activist Philip Nitschke at the Great Hall of the University of Sydney.[4][8] He is the Chancellor of the Catholic Institute of Sydney by virtue of his appointment (having previously served as the deputy-chancellor) and Adjunct Professor of Bioethics at the University of Notre Dame Australia.[7]

In the Dominican order at the time of his episcopal appointment, Fisher was the Master of Students (seminarians) and Socius (deputy) to the Prior Provincial of Australia and New Zealand. In the Melbourne diocese, he was Episcopal Vicar for Healthcare, spokesman for the diocese on matters of ethics, a visiting lecturer at the Catholic Theological College and secretary to the Senate of Priests.[7] He was the organiser of World Youth Day 2008 held in Sydney.[9]

Fisher's community involvements have included being Chaplain to the Parliament of Victoria, a member of the Infertility Treatment Authority of Victoria, chair or member of several hospital ethics committees, a conventual chaplain ad honorem to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and a chaplain to various other organisations. He has also had various engagements in parish life and the pastoral care of the handicapped and the dying.[7]

Bishop

Fisher was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Sydney and Titular Bishop of Buruni by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and consecrated by Cardinal George Pell at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney on 3 September 2003. He was the parish priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Watsons Bay and Episcopal Vicar for Life and Health in the Archdiocese of Sydney. He is also a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Australian Bishops' Commission for Doctrine and Morals.[1]

Fisher was named the third Bishop of Parramatta by Pope Benedict XVI on 8 January 2010 and was installed on 4 March 2010 in St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta.[1] On 18 September 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of Sydney.[9] The next day, Fisher called for harmony in the community in light of counter-terrorism raids that had just begun. He said, "As a religious leader though I think people of faith have something very important to do and to say at the moment. [These are] troubled times in our world and even in our own city. We need to bring some calm and some restraint and some wisdom at this time."[10] Fisher was installed as Archbishop of Sydney on 12 November 2014 in a ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Sydney (Clover Moore), the Premier of New South Wales (Mike Baird) and John Howard, a former Prime Minister of Australia, as well as other politicians and leaders of Orthodox Christian and other religious communities in Sydney.[11][12][13]

On 6 May 2015, Pope Francis appointed Fisher a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.[14]

In December 2015, Fisher was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome following an gastrointestinal infection which was complicated by an immune-related pathology. He received intensive care treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, before moving to another healthcare facility.[15] The Archdiocese of Sydney announced that Fisher would return to regular, active duties from 5 May 2016[16] and he celebrated his first public Mass on 29 May 2016.[17]

Response to child sexual abuse cases

In July 2008, when asked at a World Youth Day press conference about an alleged case of clerical sexual abuse in Melbourne years earlier, Fisher said: "Happily, I think most of Australia was enjoying delighting in the beauty and goodness of these young people and the hope — the hope for us doing these sorts of things better in the future — as we saw last night [at World Youth Day], rather than, than dwelling crankily, as a few people are doing, on old wounds." The father of the alleged victims and advocates for survivors of abuse reacted angrily and criticised Fisher's language. One said: "We've had non-stop calls from family members who are angry and distressed about this young Bishop's response."[18][19] Fisher later said his comment was taken out of context: "I called the reporters cranky and, boy, did I get jumped upon ... they said I was calling the abuse victims cranky, which I certainly wasn't doing."[20][a]

When he became archbishop, Fisher committed the church to doing better in its response to child sexual abuse cases. He said, "Victims of abuse and all young people must come first – no excuses, no cover-ups. The Church must do better in this area and I am committed to playing a leading role in regaining the confidence of the community and of our own members."[9]

He stated that the "Church in Australia is going through a period of public scrutiny and self-examination" and expressed his hope that it "will emerge from this purified, humbler, more compassionate and spiritually regenerated."[9][22] He lamented the institutionalised child sexual abuse that occurred historically in his former Diocese of Parramatta and took the opportunity to apologise for what he acknowledged as the Church's failure to properly assist victims.[23] Speaking of previous abuse cases, he reiterated his desire for openness and change saying, "We want to make sure every child is safe and cherished going forward."[22]

Australian federal election, 2016

In the campaign cycle leading up to the 2016 federal elections, Fisher condemned the policies of the Australian Greens, describing them as "nasty" and contravening "basic moral standards". He called on the government to honour its commitment to take in Syrian Christian refugees and put in place common-sense policies regarding refugees and asylum seekers in light of the exposition of abuse suffered by detainees in offshore processing centres. He stated that it was a "matter of striking a balance" although adding that "[he did not] know all the answers".[17] This followed calls that he made in September 2015 exhorting the government to consider increasing its humanitarian refugee intake and to prioritise Christians fleeing Syria believing it necessary due to "campaigns to drive Christians from the Middle East". Both the Anglican and Catholic churches in Australia had also asked the government to consider increasing its yearly humanitarian refugee intake by 10,000.[24]

Opposition to same-sex marriage, and position on other LGBT issues

Fisher has consistently opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage.[25] According to The Independent newspaper, this is "part of his general stance against increased rights for LGBT people."[26] New Ways Ministry has drawn attention to a number of "LGBT-negative statements" Fisher has made.[27] In March 2017, Fisher stated that businesses such as Qantas and Telstra should not sponsor Pride events aimed at supporting LGBT staff or encouraging non-discrimination, nor lobby in favour of the legalisation of same-sex marriage. He accused private sector chief executives of applying "pink bans" to other companies or executives that did not support such issues.[28]

In August 2017, during the political debate to determine whether Australia should introduce same-sex marriage, Fisher argued that religious schools, charities and hospitals could be coerced to comply with the "new view of marriage" if the majority of Australians opted for a change in legislation and that teachers would not be free to follow the "traditional" church teaching on marriage, but instead be forced to teach a more "politically correct" curriculum.[29][30][31] He said that religious believers would be vulnerable to discrimination suits and could even lose their jobs if same-sex marriage is legalised.[32] Same-sex marriage was subsequently introduced to Australia by an act of federal parliament in December 2017 following widespread support in a national postal survey.[33]

Writings

Notes

  1. ^ A year later, and after the publication of Fisher's "out of context" explanation, the Sydney Morning Herald continued to cite Fisher's original language as evidence that "At times, [the church] has given the clear impression that it wishes sexual abuse victims would shut up and go away."[21]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Rinunce e nomine" (PDF) (Press release). Vatican Press Office. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  2. ^ Wehner, Tom (12 November 2014). "Meet Sydney's New Shepherd, Archbishop Anthony Fisher". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  3. ^ "Profile". Roman Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. 8 January 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  4. ^ a b "The turbocharged bishop – National". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 29 September 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  5. ^ WorldCat programme listing and Production company website, accessed 20 December 2017
  6. ^ Production company website, accessed 16 August 2018
  7. ^ a b c d "Pope Appoints Bishop Anthony Fisher to Archdiocese of Sydney". Vatican Radio. News.va. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  8. ^ Curruthers, Fiona (22 August 2003). "Euthanasia protagonists disagree over cost of living". The University of Sydney. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  9. ^ a b c d Blackburn, Richard (18 September 2014). "Catholic Church names Bishop Anthony Fisher as Cardinal George Pell's successor". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  10. ^ Watson, Vanessa (19 September 2014). "Bishop Anthony Fisher appointed Archbishop". Parramatta Sun. Fairfax Media Regional. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014. ((cite news)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ McCowen, Sharyn (1 October 2014). "'Main focus on people' at installation Mass". The Catholic Weekly. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ West, Andrew (13 November 2014). "Sydney's new Archbishop: Anthony Fisher steps into big shoes". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  13. ^ Parker, Scott (13 November 2014). "Anthony Fisher succeeds George Pell as Catholic Church anoints ninth Archbishop of Sydney". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Pope names two new members for Doctrine of Faith". Vatican Radio. Holy See Press Office. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  15. ^ King, Simon (5 January 2016). "Sydney Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher in intensive care". The Australian. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 29 April 2016.(subscription required)
  16. ^ Hiini, Robert (27 April 2016). "Recovering Archbishop Fisher due to return to work". The Catholic Weekly. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  17. ^ a b Livingstone, Tess (30 May 2016). "Federal election 2016: Greens' policies immoral, says Catholic archbishop". The Australian. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  18. ^ Bourke, Emily (17 July 2008). "Catholic Bishop's 'old wounds' comments slammed". ABC News. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  19. ^ Bryant, Nick (20 July 2008). "A spectacular show". BBC News. Retrieved 3 December 2011. Victims were incensed by the comments of Bishop Anthony Fisher, the World Youth Day co-ordinator, who said they should not "dwell crankily" on old wounds.
  20. ^ Bates, Rob (29 July 2009). "The faith and conviction of Bishop Anthony Fisher". Wentworth Courier. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 4 December 2011. ((cite news)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "Church painfully slow to learn lessons of abuse". Sydney Morning Herald. 12 August 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  22. ^ a b Livingstone, Tess (19 September 2014). "'Mud on boots' of new chief Catholic Anthony Fisher". The Australian. News Corporation. Retrieved 19 September 2014.(subscription required)
  23. ^ Feneley, Rick (19 September 2014). ""I am ashamed": new Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher admits church has failed abuse victims". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  24. ^ Quinn, Liam (8 September 2015). "Sydney Archbishop says Australia should take more asylum seekers in response to refugee crisis in war-torn Syria… and should prioritise CHRISTIANS". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  25. ^ Fisher, Anthony (11 August 2017). "Between ideal and reality: What future for marriage in Australia?". The Catholic Weekly. Retrieved 21 May 2019. I will not rehearse my case for marriage as traditionally understood and for retaining that understanding of marriage in our laws which I have offered on many occasions.
  26. ^ Griffin, Andrew (24 December 2017). "Same-sex marriage has made 2017 a horrible year, says Catholic archbishop". The Independent. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  27. ^ https://www.newwaysministry.org/2018/01/02/archbishop-2017-horrible-year-due-marriage-equality/
  28. ^ Livingstone, Tess (31 March 2017). "Catholic archbishop Fisher to CEOs: butt out of same-sex debate". The Australian. Retrieved 12 April 2019.(subscription required)
  29. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2017. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  30. ^ Kelly, Joe (14 August 2017). "Same-sex marriage: Church warns of 'same-sex coercion' for schools". The Australian. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
  31. ^ Fisher, Anthony (14 August 2017). "Marriage Redefinition will Affect Every Australian: Archbishop Fisher". Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017. ((cite news)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Sydney Archbishop says religious believers could lose their jobs if gay marriage is legalised". The Australian. Australian Associated Press. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2019.(subscription required)
  33. ^ Karp, Paul (7 December 2017). "Marriage equality law passes Australia's parliament in landslide vote". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
Catholic Church titles Preceded byIsmail Rueda Sierra Titular Bishop of Buruni 2003-2010 Succeeded byRaphael Thattil Preceded byKevin Michael Manning Bishop of Parramatta 2010–2014 Succeeded byVincent Long Van Nguyen Preceded byGeorge Cardinal Pell Archbishop of Sydney 2014–present Incumbent
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