July 30, 2018

A MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP PHILIP WILSON

To the Priests, Deacons, Religious Communities, Parish Communities, School Communities and to all people in the Archdiocese of Adelaide,

I write to inform you that on July 20, I submitted to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, my resignation from the position of Archbishop of Adelaide. I have now been informed that His Holiness has accepted my resignation.   

Though my resignation was not requested, I made this decision because I have become increasingly worried at the growing level of hurt that my recent conviction has caused within the community. I had hoped to defer this decision until after the appeal process had been completed. However, there is just too much pain and distress being caused by my maintaining the office of Archbishop of Adelaide, especially to the victims of Fr Fletcher. I must end this and therefore have decided that my resignation is the only appropriate step to take in the circumstances.  

I hope and pray that this decision will be a catalyst to heal pain and distress, and that it will allow everyone in the Archdiocese of Adelaide, and the victims of Fr Fletcher, to move beyond this very difficult time.

I want to thank the priests, deacons and religious in the Archdiocese of Adelaide for your generosity and selflessness in your care for people, particularly the most vulnerable in the community. I wish you every blessing and I know that my successor will ensure that your good work will remain central to the life of our Diocese.
To the many men and women in our Diocesan offices in the Archdiocese of Adelaide, I sincerely thank you. You have been central to our work and I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve over the years. I again want to thank you and to let you know that I admire you greatly.

And to all who serve daily in our agencies, parishes, and in our school communities, both as employed staff and as volunteers, I want you to know that I have always been moved by your kindness of spirit and your willingness to live out your love of Jesus in the service of the Church and of the people in your care. I thank you.

Please accept my assurance that all of you will be in my daily thoughts and prayers for the rest of my life.

Yours sincerely,
Philip Wilson