Peter Hollingworth, the 23rd Governor-General of Australia and a former Anglican archbishop, has died at the age of 91.
Hollingworth, who was the first and only cleric to hold the vice-regal office, passed away peacefully. He was born in Adelaide in 1935 and was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1960.
Early Career and Social Work
Hollingworth began his ministry as deacon-in-charge of St Mary's in North Melbourne before joining the Anglican welfare agency Brotherhood of St Laurence in 1964.
Over a 25-year tenure there, he served in multiple roles, including chaplain, director for youth and children's work, and director of social policy and research. He was appointed executive director in 1980 and also completed a master's degree in social work during this period.
Ecclesiastical and Government Roles
Hollingworth was elected Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane in 1989 and held that position until his appointment as Governor-General in 2001 under then-Prime Minister John Howard.
Recognition and Awards
- Named Australian of the Year in 1991
- Received an Order of the British Empire
- Received the Order of Australia
Resignation and Controversy
Hollingworth resigned as Governor-General in May 2003 amid controversy regarding his handling of child sexual abuse allegations within the Anglican Church while serving as Archbishop of Brisbane.
An Anglican church inquiry found that:
- He failed to act on knowledge of sexual abuse
- He allowed priests Donald Shearman and John Elliot to remain in ministry despite knowing they had assaulted children
- He did not handle a complaint from Beth Heinrich regarding Shearman's conduct fairly, reasonably, or appropriately
In 2016, Hollingworth testified at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He accepted findings of serious errors of judgment and apologized to victims, but maintained he committed no crimes.
In 2023, the Professional Standards Board ruled against defrocking him; however, Hollingworth voluntarily ceased practicing as a priest to reduce distress for survivors.
Church Acknowledgment
The Anglican Church of Southern Queensland expressed condolences and acknowledged with deep regret the past failings of the church, apologizing unreservedly to those who suffered abuse, distress, isolation, and harm due to the church's failure to respond with integrity.
Personal Life
Hollingworth's wife Ann died in 2021. He is survived by three daughters and four grandchildren.