The Anglican Centre in Rome (ACR) has expressed its sadness and condolences following the death of its former Director, the Very Revd David Richardson, on Wednesday, 6 May.

Bishop Michael Burrows, Chair of the Governors of the Anglican Centre, recalled: “I first met David when we were both Anglican Consultative Council members at the 1999 meeting of the Council in Scotland.  I was instantly impressed by his warmth, kindness, clear grasp of issues and wise choice of words. Such qualities served him well during his directorship of the ACR where his contribution and the warm atmosphere created by him and Margie are most gratefully remembered.”

The Centre’s current Director, Bishop Anthony Ball, observed:  “David and Margie Richardson were renowned for the hospitality and welcome they offered at the Anglican Centre in Rome during his time as Director which, along with his commitment to the education and prayer ministries, made a huge contribution to the flourishing of the Centre.  His commitment and enthusiasm were inspirational and we continue to benefit from their fruits.   On behalf of the ACR community, I offer our condolences to Margie and their family and give thanks for David’s ministry.”

Prior to becoming the Director of the ACR and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See, Dean Richardson served as Dean of Melbourne from 1999 to 2008 and Dean of Adelaide from 1989 to 1999 as well as in parish ministry in Australia and England.

‍

His time as Director was marked by several significant events, including his welcoming then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Anglican Centre in 2009; Prime Minister Rudd became the first head of government to visit the Centre.  He played an important role in the planning of Pope Benedict XVI’s State Visit to the UK in 2010 (another first) and two visits of Archbishop Rowan Williams to the Vatican (in 2009 and 2012).

Just before his retirement, he was one of the Anglican delegates at the inauguration of the ministry of Pope Francis in 2013.  Dean Richardson received several church and state honours in recognition of his contribution to ecumenism, amongst them being appointed as an officer of both the Order of the British Empire and the Order of Australia. 

His funeral will be held on Thursday, 21 May, in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne.

‍