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The Reverend
Simon Hansford
BA, BTh.
Moderator of the
Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT
In office
29 September 2017 (2017-09-29) – 14 September 2023 (2023-09-14)
Preceded byRev. Myung Hwa Park
Succeeded byRev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau
Personal details
Born (1963-06-03) 3 June 1963 (age 61)
Sydney, Australia
SpouseFiona Hansford
RelationsRichard Hansford (father)
Rupert Grove (grandfather)
Children2 daughters
EducationNewington College
United Theological College,
North Parramatta
OccupationMinister

Simon Richard Hansford (born 3 June 1963) is an Australian Uniting Church minister who served as Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales & ACT between 2017 and 2023.[1] He is known for his advocacy of changing drug laws in New South Wales[2][3] for his support of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum[4] and that there is there is no place for domestic and family violence in his church.[5]

Birth and family

Hansford was born in Sydney, the son of Barbara (née Grove) and Richard Hansford. His maternal grandfather was Rupert Grove (1906–1982), of whom the Australian Dictionary of Biography states: "in the progression towards the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Australia, Grove made a decisive impact."[6] Rupert Grove and his son-in-law, Richard Hansford, were partners in the Sydney legal firm McCoy, Grove & Atkinson.[7]

Education

Hansford attended Newington College (1970–1980) commencing in the Preparatory School at Lindfield.[8] He studied for the ministry at the United Theological College (1988-1990) at North Parramatta, which is now a part of Charles Sturt University.

Clerical life

His first ministry placement was in Dubbo, New South Wales, in 1991. After 12 years in Dubbo[9] he spent three years in Queanbeyan. He then served as Presbytery Minister in north-western NSW for seven years before his 2012 appointment as the Minister of Southside Uniting Church in Tamworth.

Marriage and children

Hansford is married to Fiona and they have two daughters, Rachel and Miriam.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford". Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW & ACT. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  2. ^ The Northern Daily Leader Simon Hansford leads case for drug law reform Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  3. ^ The Guardian We will save lives in regional Australia by treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  4. ^ SMH Tension over church stances on Voice Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  5. ^ NSW Communities and Justice Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  6. ^ Australian Dictionary of Biography – Rupert Howard Grove (1906–1982) Retrieved 24 January 2017,
  7. ^ History of McCoy, Grove and Atkinson 1887—2014 Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  8. ^ Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 82
  9. ^ Daily Liberal – Reverend Hansford to step down from St Andrew's pulpit Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  10. ^ Insights – Rev. Simon Hansford is Moderator Elect Retrieved 8 November 2016.
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