WHO WE ARE

  • Nigel Zimmermann

    Nigel Zimmermann

    CO-CONVENOR
    Nigel Zimmermann was received into the Catholic Church in Scotland after serving as an ordained Anglican minister in Australia and the United Kingdom. Having been brought up in the Baptist Church, he has experience of evangelical and Anglican contexts. Nigel has worked in academic, policy and church roles and is based in Melbourne. He is married with five children.

  • Peter Holmes

    CO-CONVENOR
    Peter Holmes was trained and served as a Lutheran Minister before being received into the Catholic Church. He has worked in counseling, consulting and teaching roles, and as the Manager of Studies for Catholic Adult Education Sydney, before taking up his current role lecturing in Scripture, Theology and biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek). His PhD focused on the theology of masculinity. Peter is married with eight children.

SUPPORTERS OF THE
ST ANDREW’S NETWORK

  • The decision to commit to a new path of faith is an experience filled with discovery but also a variety of challenges, each particular to our spiritual biography. Coming to the Catholic faith as an adult from a non-Christian family, I am glad to support the St Andrew’s Network in a desire that enquirers find here welcome and support, opportunity to talk through their own experiences and questions, and begin to find a home in the Catholic tradition by the bond of faith.

  • “Leaving the security and comfort of a life of fruitful ministry within a protestant tradition in order to come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church can be one of the most challenging, stressful and courageous things a Pastor (and his family) can do. It’s a literal jumping out of the boat with eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. Having the support of others who have walked this same journey can be really important through this season of dislocation, and often loneliness. I’m excited to be a part of this St Andrews Network in order to be able to walk with others along this road.”

  • “Different communities, including religious communities, have their own cultures, and included in this are certain sensibilities and group histories and even modes of relating. This can be daunting for people who are converting from one tradition to another. My own background is quite multi-cultural in a religious sense and so I am sympathetic to those dealing with these kinds of issues. If I can make the transition easier for someone by just being able to listen and share my own experiences and knowledge of the Catholic faith, I am happy to be of some help.”

  • “When I was seeking a way into the Church, a good friend (a priest convert) introduced me to local Catholic clergy in Melbourne who could guide and lead me in my journey. One of them (now a bishop) eventually received me into the Church in the parish of the other where I found temporary employment. These two priests became life-long friends. In the years since, I have had the privilege of assisting others, from backgrounds as various as Lutheranism and Islam, into the Church. I would regard it as great honour if I can be of any assistance to others walking this journey, just as these men supported me on my journey.”