THE Reverend Colin Walters has been a familiar face at Batemans Bay Anglican Church for most of the last two decades, but on Monday, the congregation welcomed him with open arms.
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Reverend Walters was inducted as the rector of the church, at which he has been filling in as “locum” minister since the departure of Ian Lambert in May last year.
Mr Walters went through a selection process with other candidates and received the good news from Canberra-Goulburn Diocese Bishop Stuart Robinson via a phone call.
“I was a little surprised but also pleased to have the opportunity to build on the work Ian Lambert put in place over 17 years,” he said.
“It is a dream fulfilled for me to be able to shepherd the church, look after them, feed them and help them grow.”
Mr Walter’s love for Batemans Bay has made this an even bigger win for him and his parishioners.
“I had been offered opportunities in Canberra but had declined them to stay here, and that reflects my commitment to this place,” he said.
“I love the diversity in this community. We have all ends of the spectrum and the wealth of abilities of retired people.”
However, Mr Walters knows it won’t be easy and the church does face issues.
“Engaging with young people is an issue for us,” he said.
“We have to be able to do it in a way that shows God loves and cares about them and wants to be in a relationship with them.”
Other tasks will include the church’s continued support and participation of the Combined Churches of Batemans Bay, and Community Life Batemans Bay, which helps marginalised people with facilities such as Hope House and Hope Place.
Community Life was established by Mr Walters and Ian Lambert, who is now Bishop to the defence forces.
“Ian was a great mentor and we achieved a lot as a team,” he said.
“Most people don’t realise the extent of homelessness in Batemans Bay and I didn’t until I got involved.”
Mr Walters will also continue the Batemans Bay Church’s fostering of the All Saints church in Honiara in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Walters has lived in Batemans Bay since 1995, and worked for the Education Department before leaving at the end of 2005 to complete a theological degree. He was ordained a deacon in 2006 and a priest in 2007.
His family are happy about his appointment.
“There will be a lot of work to do but my wife and children are happy,” he said.
Mr Walters was officially welcomed to the job at the Anglican Church in Herarde Street on April 14.
