Frank Rees is a Baptist pastor in Melbourne, Australia, and an associate professor at the University of Divinity.
1. Where did you grow up?
The rural town of Moe, a poor industrial workers’ town in Victoria, Australia.
2. What is your favorite verse, book or story in the Bible? Why?
The story of Jesus’ meeting with the woman accused of adultery (John 8).
Jesus challenges the religious leaders’ hypocrisy and lifts her up to a new life of personal dignity and responsibility.
3. What is your favorite movie? Why?
One recent favorite is “Lion.”
This story of an Indian boy adopted by an Australian family, but who then spent much of his life finding his home, is a wonderful parable of the human quest for belonging, within and beyond cultures.
4. Who are three people you admire?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jürgen Moltmann and Merilyn Rees (my wife).
5. What is one little-known fact about yourself?
I am the descendant of no less than three convicts sent to Australia by the British – for which I am very grateful!