Times are shown in your local time zone GMT
Ad-blocker Detected - Your browser has an ad-blocker enabled, please disable it to ensure your attendance is not impacted, such as CPD tracking (if relevant). For technical help, contact Support.
The Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd AM
Dean Emeritus of Perth
Featured
Professional Bio
John has had a distinguished ministry in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
He was ordained at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne in 1966 having completed his degrees in Arts (History and Philosophy) and Theology from the University of Melbourne, where he studied at Trinity College. He also has a Master of Sacred Music from Union Seminary in New York and a PhD from St Catherine's College, Cambridge where he was the John Stewart of Rannoch Scholar — his doctorate focused on the changes in the doctrine of sacrifice in sacred music during the English Reformation.
He has lectured in modern composition and electronic composition at Hofstra University, New York and as Chaplain of Christ Church Oxford from 1980 until 1988 taught Reformation theology and Renaissance music history.
From 1988 to 1990, John was Chaplain at the University of Western Australia, where he also taught in the Faculty of Music.
John was appointed Dean of Perth in 1990 and during his 24 years as Dean, St George’s Cathedral became noted for its innovative and exploratory theological teaching and popular preaching, its commitment to inter-faith worship, high musical standards, an Education Centre unique to Australia supporting school visits, theological discussion groups and spiritual wellbeing, its involvement in the artistic, literary and sporting communities, and its engagement with the life of the City.
He raised over $20,000,000 to fund a complete restoration and development of the Cathedral, Burt Memorial Hall and Old Deanery alongside the building of the Cadogan Song School.
In January 2019, John was appointed Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See.
Also in 2019, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, conferred the title of Dean Emeritus on Dr Shepherd AM “In recognition of the significant ministry and contribution made to the life of St George’s Cathedral”.
John is married to Joy Shepherd, former Principal of St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls (1997-2014). They have three children and a number grandchildren.
He was ordained at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne in 1966 having completed his degrees in Arts (History and Philosophy) and Theology from the University of Melbourne, where he studied at Trinity College. He also has a Master of Sacred Music from Union Seminary in New York and a PhD from St Catherine's College, Cambridge where he was the John Stewart of Rannoch Scholar — his doctorate focused on the changes in the doctrine of sacrifice in sacred music during the English Reformation.
He has lectured in modern composition and electronic composition at Hofstra University, New York and as Chaplain of Christ Church Oxford from 1980 until 1988 taught Reformation theology and Renaissance music history.
From 1988 to 1990, John was Chaplain at the University of Western Australia, where he also taught in the Faculty of Music.
John was appointed Dean of Perth in 1990 and during his 24 years as Dean, St George’s Cathedral became noted for its innovative and exploratory theological teaching and popular preaching, its commitment to inter-faith worship, high musical standards, an Education Centre unique to Australia supporting school visits, theological discussion groups and spiritual wellbeing, its involvement in the artistic, literary and sporting communities, and its engagement with the life of the City.
He raised over $20,000,000 to fund a complete restoration and development of the Cathedral, Burt Memorial Hall and Old Deanery alongside the building of the Cadogan Song School.
In January 2019, John was appointed Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See.
Also in 2019, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, conferred the title of Dean Emeritus on Dr Shepherd AM “In recognition of the significant ministry and contribution made to the life of St George’s Cathedral”.
John is married to Joy Shepherd, former Principal of St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls (1997-2014). They have three children and a number grandchildren.