Simon Hansford BA, BTh. | |
|---|---|
| Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT | |
| In office 29 September 2017 – 14 September 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Rev. Myung Hwa Park |
| Succeeded by | Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 June 1963 Sydney, Australia |
| Spouse | Fiona Hansford |
| Relations | Richard Hansford (father) Rupert Grove (grandfather) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Education | Newington College United Theological College, North Parramatta |
| Occupation | Minister |
Simon Richard Hansford (born 3 June 1963) is an Australian Uniting Church minister who served as Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales & ACT between 2017 and 2023.[1] He is known for his advocacy of changing drug laws in New South Wales[2][3] for his support of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum[4] and that there is there is no place for domestic and family violence in his church.[5]
Birth and family
[edit]Hansford was born in Sydney, the son of Barbara (née Grove) and Richard Hansford. His maternal grandfather was Rupert Grove (1906–1982), of whom the Australian Dictionary of Biography states: "in the progression towards the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Australia, Grove made a decisive impact."[6] Rupert Grove and his son-in-law, Richard Hansford, were partners in the Sydney legal firm McCoy, Grove & Atkinson.[7]
Education
[edit]Hansford attended Newington College (1970–1980) commencing in the Preparatory School at Lindfield.[8] He studied for the ministry at the United Theological College (1988-1990) at North Parramatta, which is now a part of Charles Sturt University.
Clerical life
[edit]His first ministry placement was in Dubbo, New South Wales, in 1991. After 12 years in Dubbo[9] he spent three years in Queanbeyan. He then served as Presbytery Minister in north-western NSW for seven years before his 2012 appointment as the Minister of Southside Uniting Church in Tamworth.
Marriage and children
[edit]Hansford is married to Fiona and they have two daughters, Rachel and Miriam.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford". Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW & ACT. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
- ^ The Northern Daily Leader Simon Hansford leads case for drug law reform Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ The Guardian We will save lives in regional Australia by treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ SMH Tension over church stances on Voice Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ NSW Communities and Justice Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ Australian Dictionary of Biography – Rupert Howard Grove (1906–1982) Retrieved 24 January 2017,
- ^ History of McCoy, Grove and Atkinson 1887—2014 Archived 31 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 January 2017.
- ^ Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 82
- ^ Daily Liberal – Reverend Hansford to step down from St Andrew's pulpit Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ Insights – Rev. Simon Hansford is Moderator Elect Retrieved 8 November 2016.