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Archdeacon Rev Philip Newman OAM (1940 - 2021)

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria wishes to add its voice to the myriad of others in paying respect and tribute to our late friend Archdeacon Rev'd Philip Newman.

Rev’d Philip will always be remembered as a strong and respected advocate for multifaith communities across Victoria. He was an instrumental member of a number of multifaith bodies, including the Port Phillip Multifaith Network, the Victoria Police Multifaith Taskforce, the Victorian Government's Multifaith Advisory Group, and this organisation the Faith Communities Council of Victoria.

Rev’d Philip served as chaplain at the Commonwealth Games Village in Melbourne in 2006 and was involved in the planning and organisation of the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne in 2009. He also took a keen interest in ecumenical (intrafaith) matters, serving as President of the Victorian Council of Churches from 2007 to 2009.

Rev’d Philip played vital roles in advocating, breaking down barriers and bringing people together, raising the possibility of a more just world by creating a community and providing opportunities for so many to discover their common humanity and their shared experience of faith. His commitment to others often saw him hosting barbeques or other acts of hospitality and he was a strong advocate that the best way to engage with others was over food, drink and conversation.

His whole life was one dedicated to serving the most vulnerable communities within Australia. This dedication saw him receive the Medal of the Order of Australia for his long service in Victoria in 2002.

We are eternally grateful for his lifelong commitment to multiculturalism, multifaith and ecumenical advocacy.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rev’d Phillip Newman’s family, friends and colleagues of the Anglican community.

Rev Ian Smith on behalf of the Faith Communities Council of Victoria - Management Committee

Rev Philip regularly attended the annual Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference
(Left of Photo: November 17, 2019 @ Springvale City Hall)