Senior Chaplain, Rev’d Hans Christiansen, will leave Melbourne Grammar at the end of 2023. Our community has been extraordinarily fortunate to have had Hans as its spiritual leader for the past 11 years.
Loved by staff and students, Hans is a living embodiment of servant leadership. A man who has always prioritised the greater good, he has been a leader in the areas of social justice, reconciliation, interfaith work and community service.
Blending tradition with contemporary issues
Hans came to the school in 2013 with a desire to bring to the fore what he describes as the “contemplative spirit of the Anglican tradition”.
“I wanted to connect with students, to involve them in the life of the Chapel, and to make sure the Chapel life would continue to thrive. And I think I did that to the best of my ability. I also came with a purpose to look after the staff and to bring the three campuses closer together spiritually speaking,” Hans says.
But perhaps his greatest achievement has been his deft ability to walk between – and in many cases unite – traditional and contemporary worlds.
“I have fought to hold fast to and honour the traditions of the School and the Church, while at the same time being open to the various movements in society that have asked us to open doors for them.
“I hope I have made people, for example, who identify as LGBTIQ+ feel comfortable in places where some have historically felt a sense of judgement or fear.”
Among many important initiatives he introduced during his time at the School were the student Chapel Committee, Chapel Colours, and art exhibitions in the Chapel. He played a significant role in establishing the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Global International Week. Hans was also involved and led Melbourne Grammar’s engagement with the Building Bridges Programme which promotes interfaith dialogue among students in Jewish, Christian and Muslim schools.
The honour is ours
Hans is taking up the position of Assistant Bishop of Perth and will be responsible for schools and education, and professional development in the Perth Diocese.
“It’s a great privilege. It really is an incredible honour. To the best of my knowledge, I’m the first chaplain – for many, many decades, at least – who has gone straight from chaplaincy to become a Bishop and I have been told that I might be the youngest Anglican Bishop in Australia when I commence in the role.”
Hans says that it has also been a “great honour” to serve the Melbourne Grammar School community. The honour, though, has been all ours. Hans’ kindness, dedication to service and love of the natural world will be sorely missed. We, as a community, are privileged that he has shared his gentle compassion, wisdom and love with us for more than a decade.
