Mark Short, the newish lead bishop or Primate of Australia’s Anglicans, has been given a painting to mark his new role by the Lausanne Movement, which seeks to equip leaders and influencers to fulfil the great commission. A service of thanksgiving for Short as primate will be held this week, on February 14 at St Saviours Cathedral, Goulburn, where The Other Cheek understands the painting will be on display.
Short, who serves as bishop for the Anglicans of Canberra-Goulburn, is an evangelical, and Lausanne’s gift was to honour “ministry shaped by careful listening, pastoral depth, and a clear desire to point people to Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Church.”
The painting, a print of a work by artist Brynne Gillett, commissioned for Lausanne, is inspired by Pillar Three of the Lausanne Movement: Christlike leaders for every church and every sphere.
The painting is highly symbolic, and Sarah, a member of Lausanne, has given an explanation of its meaning to The Other Cheek.
At the heart of the painting is the faithful declaration of God’s Word. The visual emphasis on Scripture being spoken, taught, and embodied reflects the Church’s calling to proclaim the gospel clearly and confidently, pointing all people to the saving work and kingship of Jesus Christ.
Teaching, Baptising, and Nurturing New Believers.
The imagery of baptism speaks to welcome, new life, and discipleship within the community of God’s people. It portrays the Church not merely as a gathering, but as a place where people are formed, nurtured, sustained and sent in their lifelong journey of following Christ.
Responding to Human Need by Loving Service:
Scenes of shared life—the Chinese pastor breaking bread, gathering together, and caring for one another—express Christ’s compassion lived out in community. The act of sharing communion reflects a Church attentive to human need, where grace is received and extended in practical, relational ways in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ death and resurrection until he returns.
Seeking to Transform Unjust Structures of Society:The shepherding imagery, particularly the presence of wolves among the flock, acknowledges the realities of threat, injustice, and harm. The shepherd’s vigilant care reflects the Church’s calling to protect the vulnerable, speak truth in difficult places, and exercise courageous leadership shaped by Christlike integrity.
Safeguarding the Integrity of Creation and Sustaining the Life of the Earth
The posture of prayerful dependence—echoed in the depiction inspired by the women of the African continent—situates humanity rightly within God’s creation. It reflects a humble call to God as Creator and Sustainer, reminding the Church that mission is lived in reverence and worship as well as stewardship for the earth for all to flourish.
Reflecting on the complexities of leadership today, Sarah noted that leadership marked by humility, simplicity, and integrity can only be sustained when it is truly Christlike. “I pray this painting inspires and encourages all those who come to the Primate’s office to reflect on what is Christlike in the situations and decisions being made in their visit,” she said.
Shepherding in a Complex Time
Commenting on Short coming to lead the Australian Anglicans, Sarah added: Bishop Short assumes the role of Primate at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for the Anglican Church in Australia. The Church continues to navigate questions of faithfulness, mission, unity, and witness in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Within this context, the Primate’s role is not one of executive power, but of spiritual leadership—encouraging, convening, and pointing the Church again and again to Jesus Christ.
The Anglican Church of Australia is a diverse community, shaped by different theological traditions and expressions of church life. From an evangelical perspective—one voice within that wider family—there remains a strong emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and the call to make disciples. Bishop Short’s leadership has been consistently characterised by a desire to hold these convictions in a way that is generous, pastorally attentive, and committed to the shared life of the whole Church.
The Lausanne Movement was founded in 1974 following the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation, convened by Billy Graham and John Stott, and has an emphasis on is the formation of Christlike leaders –leaders whose lives, character, and service reflect Jesus himself, whether in churches, workplaces, communities, or positions of public responsibility. The gifting of this painting to the Primate is an expression of that commitment and a sign of prayerful solidarity.
Michael Oh, Global Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement, sent Short a message, “May the Lord grant the mercy and grace to be Christ-like in our leadership—and life!
Hope we’ll be able to greet each other face to face one day soon.”
Bishop Short receives his painting