Remembering Bishop Ralph Wicks: A Pioneer of Renewal and Compassion in Anglicanism

My friend Sally recently shared with me the story of her late uncle, The Rt Revd Ralph Wicks—a remarkable man whose life and ministry left a profound mark on the Anglican Church in Australia. As I reflect on his journey, I find myself deeply inspired by his courage, faith, and vision for renewal within the church, and I want to share his story alongside my own reflections on how his legacy resonates with me today.

About Ralph Wicks

Ralph was the Organising Secretary of the Home Mission Fund and was consecrated on St James Day at St John's Cathedral, Brisbane. Born in Toowoomba and trained at St Francis Theological College in Milton, he was ordained in Brisbane in 1944. Ralph served as Rector of Goondiwindi from 1949 to 1954, Fortitude Valley from 1954 to 1963, and St James Toowoomba from 1963. He succeeded Bishop John Hudson in his episcopal role.

Ralph was married and had a son who earned a PhD in History. His wife was a librarian. This family foundation supported his ministry and personal journey, you can read Ralph's reflections here.

A Life Dedicated to Renewal and Spirit-Led Ministry

Ralph served as a bishop during a time when the Anglican Church in Australia was facing challenges of stagnation and decline. Early in his episcopate, he shared a candid observation:

“I had a feeling that the church as a whole was just plodding along. There were a few bright spots among the parishes, but on the whole I thought church growth was not exciting. What troubled me more was that not many clergy were over-concerned, and if they were anxious about the situation, they didn't show it.”

This sense of spiritual lethargy propelled Ralph to explore the emerging charismatic movement, which was breathing new life into churches through the power of the Holy Spirit. He was drawn to understand the “Power ministry,” longing for a faith experience that involved “resting in the Lord” rather than exhausting effort.

Despite personal challenges—his wife’s initial apprehension about his involvement in the charismatic movement and her battle with cancer—Ralph witnessed a profound transformation in his family life. He recounted:

“While I was away at a clergy retreat, my wife went, albeit reluctantly, to a house meeting to hear an evangelist and spiritual healer. She was the first to step forward for prayer. Later, she told me she didn’t really know what happened except friends were picking her up from the floor. She cried herself to sleep, not out of grief, but of joy. When I returned, I found a different woman in my home—she seemed to have grown ten feet tall spiritually.”

This personal breakthrough gave Ralph the confidence to embrace the renewal movement more fully. He went on to lead and organize renewal conferences, bringing together Anglicans and Christians from other denominations in vibrant worship and healing services. He described these times as “exciting,” with “Holy Spirit power in evidence and healings taking place.”

Proclaiming Jesus and Navigating Challenges

Ralph was aware that his enthusiasm was not universally welcomed. Some clergy regarded him as a “weirdo,” yet he remained steadfast in his mission. He emphasized that the core of his preaching was:

“The proclamation of Jesus and God's gifts of salvation by grace through faith.”

He also acknowledged the risks of excesses in spiritual movements but balanced this with a deep appreciation for Anglican tradition:

“I have been glad to have experienced the strong sacramental life of Anglicanism and the good order of liturgical worship. But liturgical worship need not be stiff. The warmth of the Spirit can melt the coldness of mere formalism.”

His ministry was a bridge between tradition and renewal, showing that faith could be both reverent and vibrant.

A Call to Openness and Inclusion

Ralph expressed concern about the Anglican leadership’s reluctance to acknowledge the vitality of Pentecostalism, which he saw as the fastest-growing Christian expression in Australia:

“What has always amazed me is that Anglican leaders, yes, bishops, have almost acted as though Pentecostalism does not exist... Either they are afraid to admit that Pentecostalism has 'something'; or worse, they think Pentecostals are in some way outside the pale and not to be regarded as part of the Christian family.”

He quoted Bishop Shevill to underscore the importance of embracing new truths:

“The untaught truths of yesterday become the heresies of today.”

This insight challenges the church to be open to the Spirit’s movement, even when it disrupts established norms.

Parish Missions and Lasting Impact

Ralph’s passion for renewal extended into parish missions across Australia and overseas, including Singapore. He witnessed remarkable transformations:

“It has been beautiful over the years to see wayward husbands come back to their wives and families, to see men and women freed from the burden of guilt which has plagued them for years, to see people with cancer have remission for a number of years, to know people so enthused that they form the nucleus of a new parish.”

He humbly acknowledged that not all missions were successful, but the lives changed and the faith renewed were a testament to God’s work through him.

How Ralph’s Story Relates to Me

Reflecting on Ralph’s life, I see parallels with my own spiritual journey. Like him, I have felt moments when faith communities seemed to lose their spark, when routine overshadowed passion. His willingness to explore new expressions of faith challenges me to remain open to the Spirit’s movement in unexpected ways.

Moreover, Ralph’s story of personal transformation—especially through the healing and reconciliation experienced by his wife—speaks to the power of grace to renew not just institutions but hearts and relationships. It encourages me to seek renewal not only in church structures but in my own life and connections.

A Prayer for Renewal and Compassion

Inspired by Ralph’s legacy, I hold onto a vision of a church that embraces radical inclusion, justice, and compassion—a church where all are welcomed and empowered to serve.

As I remember Ralph Wicks, I am reminded that renewal is a journey, often marked by challenges but always founded in hope. May his story inspire us all to seek the Spirit’s power anew, to build bridges where there are walls, and to live out a faith that transforms lives and communities.