Introducing the new General Secretary of CUAC
Revd Richard A. Burnett (photo taken by Julanne Clarke-Morris)
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Letter to Membership Dated 20th March 2023
Dear CUAC Member,
Last year the Rev’d Canon Jamie Callaway DD told us he would be standing down from his
role at the Triennial this year in Melbourne so he and Mary Chilton can attend to some
long desired travel. In his twelve years in post, he focused on CUAC becoming a learning
organization defined by our Identity and Character Declaration, drafted by Distinguished
Fellow Dean Jeremy Law. It has been a huge privilege and pleasure to work with Jamie
and CUAC owes him a major debt of gratitude for leading CUAC in these years.
After Jamie’s announcement, the Board of Trustees established a Selection Committee to
begin the search for the next General Secretary of CUAC. I chaired that Committee and it
composed of Bishop Martin Wharton, retired Bishop of Newcastle, Professor Joel
Cunningham, Vice Chancellor Emeritus, University of the South, Sewanee, USA and Dr
Lilian Jasper, President of Women’s Christian College, Chennai, India. We were very ably
supported and guided by our Executive Search consultant, Christy Porter. The search
was conducted both within the US and internationally and following a rigorous process of
applications and interviews, a worthy candidate emerged. I am very pleased to be able to
introduce to you the Revd Richard (Dick) Burnett, who for the past 24 years has been
Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio. Before seminary, Dick’s passion for
international ministry took him to the Philippines, where he connected with Trinity
University of Asia and the other Episcopal colleges there.
On accepting this call he noted:
“The world - God's beloved creation - is not an easy or relaxed place today, and people of
faith and goodwill are urgently needed to bring new light and hope into it. I imagine the
future of CUAC will bring such needed gifts.”
The Board was very impressed by Dick’s enthusiasm, his background in Anglicanism, his
extensive leadership in public ministry and his success in fund-raising over the years.
Dick exudes commitment to the faith, he is an excellent communicator and has a love of
people. There will be an opportunity for colleagues to meet our General Secretary
designate, as Dick and his wife, Katherine, plan to attend the Triennial in Melbourne. The
Board is delighted that Dick has accepted this challenge and we look forward to working
with him. Jamie promised, “In handing over this role I have treasured, I look forward to
working with Dick and our gifted Administrator Julia DeLashmutt in supporting CUACs
building a faithful future for Anglican higher education.”
We look forward to continuity, but also to the creativity and innovation which Dick will
bring to the role.
With best wishes,
THE REVEREND CANON PROFESSOR PETER NEIL
Board Chair
Vice-Chancellor, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
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