The Right Reverend Dr Matt Brain, an assistant bishop for the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, will be officially installed in his new position next February.

He takes over the reins from Bishop Andrew Curnow, who retired last week and was farewelled with a service last Saturday.

Bishop Brain, 42, was elected earlier this week by the diocese’s Bishopric Electoral Board.

Bishop Brain said he and his family were excited for the move to Bendigo, and the vibrant communities of faith in the diocese were something that was “very attractive” to him.

He said he was looking forward to meeting people.

“Being able to serve God and his people is a great privilege and I rejoice in this new opportunity to serve,” Bishop Brain said.

“It is wonderful to be able to follow a leader like Bishop Andrew who has skillfully and faithfully borne witness to Jesus in the many communities that make up the diocese.” 

He said he held great respect for his predecessor and offered his congratulations to Bishop Curnow on a job well done.

Read more: New chapter awaits for Bendigo Bishop Andrew Curnow

In his current role, Bishop Brain is responsible for ministry training and development in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, and oversees parish support chaplaincy and mission.

At the parish level, he is the Rector of Arawang Anglican Church, southwest of Canberra.

He is also deputy chair of the board of St Marks Theological College.

Bishop Brain has a keen interest in advocacy and is a trustee of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Australia.

In a pastoral letter, Bishop Brain said the dioceses of Bendigo and Canberra-Goulburn shared many values and characteristics.

He expects to move to Bendigo in the new year.

Next year will be a year of change for the Bendigo Anglican diocese. The diocese will look for a new dean for St Paul’s Cathedral in 2018, following last month’s announcement the Very Reverend John Roundhill will take up a new position as a bishop in Queensland.