12 Facts About Philip Freier

Philip Leslie Freier was born on 9 February 1955 and is an Australian Anglican bishop.

Philip Freier was the 13th Archbishop of Melbourne from 2006 until his retirement in 2025.

Philip Freier served as Primate of Australia from 28 June 2014 until 31 March 2020.

Philip Freier was elected a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 1995.

Philip Freier worked as a science teacher for six years prior to being ordained.

Philip Freier has criticised large corporate banks in Australia, arguing that wealth creation should not be "separated from moral and social responsibility" and criticised the Abbott government for "privileging the financial interest of corporations".

Philip Freier has served as a chaplain to the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve since 2001.

Philip Freier was elected as Anglican Primate of Australia on 28 June 2014, defeating Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies.

Philip Freier was installed as Primate by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne on 13 August 2014.

Philip Freier resigned as Primate effective 31 March 2020 and was replaced by Geoffrey Smith as Primate on 7 April 2020 after the Committee of the Anglican Church's General Synod elected him as Philip Freier's successor.

Philip Freier retired as archbishop on 9 February 2025, his 70th birthday.

Philip Freier includes bush-walking, reading and the visual arts among his recreational pursuits.