Marist Brothers Australia provincial Br Peter Carroll fms has been elected as the new president of Catholic Religious Australia.

His election took place at the 43 National Assembly of Catholic Religious Australia on June 18 when theme of ‘Communio: Stewarding a life that belongs to the Church and the World’ was explored.

CRA is one of the few conferences of religious leaders in the world which represents both female and male religious. The vice president will be elected at the first Council meeting and will be a female religious leader.

“I thank my peers for giving me the opportunity to serve them and the Church at this time. There is no doubt in my mind that the voice of the Gospel is an absolute imperative in our society today. CRA’s role is to help amplify that voice within our Church and broader community,” said Br Peter.

Outgoing president Sr Monica Cavanagh rsj serving as president for the past year had been both a “gift and challenge”.

“I know the Council will continue the important work of being a prophetic voice at this moment in history,” she said.