Series: John Bathersby (1936-2020)

Most Rev. John Alexius Bathersby AO DD (26 July 1936-9 March 2020) served as the sixth Archbishop of Brisbane from 3 December 1991 until his retirement on 14 November 2011. Born in Stanthorpe, Queensland, he was ordained a priest on 30 June 1961 after completing studies at Pius XII Seminary in Banyo. In 1969 he traveled to Rome to earn a Licentiate in Theology from the Gregorian University and a diploma in Spirituality at the Teresianum, later completing his doctorate in theology and spirituality in 1982.

Consecrated Bishop of Cairns on 20 March 1986, Bathersby was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane in late 1991 and installed in January 1992. Known for his contemplative spirituality and pastoral sensitivity, he remained deeply committed to ecumenism—serving on the International Catholic–Methodist Dialogue (1989–1995), the Australian Catholic–Uniting Church Dialogue, and as co-chair of the International Anglican–Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) from 2001 onward. He also served as President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (1997–2000).

Following retirement, he held the title of Archbishop Emeritus. He passed away after suffering a stroke at Wesley Hospital in Brisbane on 9 March 2020, aged 83.