Primate Geoff Smith’s Retirement: What’s Next for the Anglican Church of Australia?

Archbishop Geoff Smith, Primate and Archbishop of Adelaide, has announced he will retire on November 1, 2025, after more than four decades of ministry. His departure comes at a critical time, as the Anglican Church of Australia faces internal divisions and prepares to elect new national leadership.

A Board of Electors will meet in July to choose the next Primate from among the current diocesan bishops. The new leader will guide the Church through ongoing debates about its direction and values.

One major challenge is the influence of GAFCON, a conservative movement whose leaders sometimes hold positions within the Australian Church. This dual involvement raises real concerns about conflicts of interest—especially when GAFCON’s actions seem to undermine the Church’s unity and governance. Can a leader truly serve both the vision of the Anglican Church of Australia and GAFCON’s divisive agenda? Many progressives believe this tension threatens the Church’s integrity and future.

As the Church prepares for this transition, the choice of Primate will signal whether it is ready to embrace unity, transparency, and a more inclusive future. We’ll keep you updated as this important story develops.