Series: Felix Arnott (1911-1988)

Archbishop Felix Raymond Arnott (8 March 1911-27 July 1988) was an influential Anglican leader whose ministry spanned England, Australia, and the international ecumenical scene. Born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, he earned a B.A. (1933) and M.A. (1941) in Classics and Theology from Keble College, Oxford, and a Th.D. from the Australian College of Theology in Sydney (1955).

After ordination in 1934–35 and early service in Yorkshire, he emigrated in 1939 to Australia to become Warden of St John’s College, Brisbane (1939–46), then Warden of St Paul’s College, Sydney (1946–63), where he also lectured in ecclesiastical history. Consecrated Coadjutor Bishop of Melbourne in 1963, he later served as Archbishop of Brisbane from 1970 to 1980.

Arnott was a noted educator—chairing the General Synod’s Theological Education Committee and helping lead the Australian College of Theology—and a media presence on ABC’s Any Questions? Between 1969 and 1981 he served on the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), contributing to ecumenical agreements on the Eucharist, ministry, and authority.

After retiring in 1980, he was appointed CMG (1981), served briefly in Venice as honorary Anglican chaplain, and ultimately returned to Queensland, where he passed away in Taigum on 27 July 1988. He is remembered for his scholarship, pastoral leadership, and dedication to Christian unity.