Fr Richard Treloar
 

Born in Sydney (1965), Richard studied medicine at the University of NSW (1984-86) before testing a vocation to ordained ministry, which brought him to Trinity College, the University of Melbourne (1988-90).  After serving curacies in Ballarat and Warrnambool, Richard was appointed Rector of the four-centred rural parish of Skipton (1993-97), during which time he completed a Masters degree (by research) in theology.  Returning to Melbourne as Associate Priest of All Saints, East St Kilda (1997-98), he began part-time doctoral studies at Monash University (1997-2003).  Since 1998 Richard has enjoyed a range of pastoral, liturgical, administrative, and educational responsibilities at Trinity College in his roles there as Associate Chaplain (1998-2001), Chaplain (2003-07); and Stewart Lecturer in Theology (1998-2007).  He is delighted to be returning to parish ministry at Christ Church, South Yarra, with its fine tradition for worship and strong sense of mission, and he brings a passion for theological inquiry and life-long learning into this setting.

Richard has published in the areas of Hebrew biblical narrative and biblical interpretation, and is a regular columnist for the print and online journal for theology, the arts and public affairs, Eureka Street.  His PhD thesis on the book of Esther has been accepted for publication by the Australian Theological Forum Press later in 2007 – an editing task Richard hopes to finish ‘between jobs’!  Having taught and studied theology in an ecumenical faculty, the opportunity to represent the Australian Uniting and Anglican Church communions on the Faith and Order Standing Commission of the World Council of Churches has been a formative experience for Richard since 2002.  He is keen to foster ecumenical cooperation locally as he continues to participate annually in this multi-lateral forum (travelling to Geneva, briefly, for this purpose in June).

Dr Leanne Habeeb and Richard were married in 2005.  Leanne’s professional background is in educational administration and philosophy.  As well as studying psychology part-time at Monash, Leanne works full-time at Trinity as Director of Student Welfare, with a primary focus in the residential College.  A convert to AFL, Richard is a member of the Carlton Football Club (Leanne, inexplicably, follows Fremantle), and of the Growling Frog Golf Club – one of several courses where he and Leanne have been known to spoil a good walk.  Other interests they share include film, food and wine, live music, running, and gardening – all of which they look forward to exploring in a new location and within a community that has already been so generous in its welcome.

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Christ Church South Yarra, Cnr Punt & Toorak Rds, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia.  Phone +61-3-9866-4434
Sunday Services: 8am Eucharist (BCP), 10am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Evening Worship