Born in 1959 to unmarried musicians from Sydney's Kings Cross, Stuart Robinson was elected yesterday as the next Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn.
After being placed in an orphanage, he was adopted by the Robinsons enthusiastic Baptists.
Now the rector of St Paul's Chatswood, Dr Robinson says, ''I never knew a time when Jesus was not my Lord and Saviour.''
His election came after a meeting from Friday until yesterday in Goulburn of the Synod of Canberra and Goulburn.
His election means no woman has yet been elected to lead an Australian diocese. The rector of All Saints' Ainslie, Sarah Macneil, was among the four nominees considered as the next bishop of Canberra and Goulburn.
With a background in management, Dr Robinson trained for the priesthood at Sydney's Moore Theological College. Much of his subsequent work has involved establishing new churches, including several years in Belgium.
He has worked in wealthy suburbs, public housing communities and with university students.
Since returning to Australia in 2002, he has continued to work for and advise on the establishment of new churches.
He has run courses and programs in 15 of Australia's 23 Anglican dioceses. He has written on mission and establishing new churches.
''The fact is that across the country Anglicanism is in serious trouble hence leaders are willing to look at models that are very different from those with which they are familiar and comfortable,'' he says.
Contrary to the official position in the Diocese of Sydney, where he trained and was based, Dr Robinson has said, ''I have served with female priests and have actively encouraged women to be ordained.''
Sydney Archbishop Peter Jensen said Dr Robinson had worked hard for growth in the Australian Church.
''I'm sure this will continue.''