Eleven years after his passing, Bishop John McIntyre’s legacy continues to inspire community action and faithful presence.
As rector of St Saviour’s (South Sydney Anglican) parish in the Diocese of Sydney for 15 years, the Rev. McIntyre, or as locals called him “Johnny Mac” or “Rev”, dedicated himself to a ministry that extended far beyond Sunday services.
John believed that faith was not confined to the walls of a church. His ministry took him to hospital rooms, billiards tables, Angels gigs, food distribution centres, public demonstrations and youth group meetings, anywhere people needed comfort or companionship.
“He had a concept of ministry that wasn’t about putting bums on seats. It was about getting out there and making real connections”, said Barbara Kerle, John’s sister.
Growing up in Surry Hills in the 1950s, John witnessed at an early age the struggles faced by those in his community. This exposure to hardship fuelled an unwavering commitment to supporting marginalised groups, a dedication he maintained until his passing.
“Johnny didn’t just see things, he noticed things,” Barbara said.
“It made a deep impression on our lives, living amongst the people who were really struggling, people who were homeless, all of that. So that was part of the person he became.”
After moving to Sydney in 1990 and assuming ministry as rector of St Saviour’s, a role that few were willing to take on, John immersed himself in Redfern’s diverse and often disadvantaged community.
As a passionate supporter of Indigenous rights, he participated in demonstrations supporting residents of The Block, engaged in land rights debates and was a foundation member of the Sydney Anglican Indigenous People’s Ministry Committee, which was constituted in 1997.
Despite backlash from public figures and diocesan authorities, John was also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights within the church, as well as for the ordination of women.
“His approach was always pretty radical; it continued through his life and got him into trouble at times”, said the Rev. Phil Muston, fellow minister in the Diocese of Gippsland and long-time friend.
“For him, it was more important to be out, instead of running a church and trying to get people in, which is what a lot of Christians are trying to do. It was a matter of us going out into the world and representing Christ in the workplace or in schools, wherever we were,” Mr Muston said.
Despite moving to Victoria in 2006, where he was appointed Bishop of Gippsland, John’s memory lives on in the hearts of the Redfern-Waterloo community.
“He was a very community-oriented person. If he was walking down the street, he’d always stop and talk to people or go for a coffee”, said Dianne Rodgers, caretaker at The Factory community centre (Counterpoint Community Services) in Waterloo.
“When we heard he’d passed, it was a massive shock to the community,” she said.
“One thing I always remembered about John was that he always had the church doors open. There’d be no one in the church, no one there protecting it, but he always believed that if anyone wanted to walk in, they should be able to.”
In a time where the political landscape is marked by division and polarisation, it is important to remember those who dedicated their lives to fostering connection and understanding. The Rev. John McIntyre’s legacy acts as a reminder that compassion and kindness fortify community and belonging.
