Michael Bancroft Michael Bancroft, a gay man who as a Catholic Priest ministered to countless dying gay men and their families through the deadliest phases of the HIV epidemic, has been promoted within the Order of St John to the rank of Officer of St John. “It’s a special honour, one is chosen for membership of the order for what you are and who you are, going over and above the call of duty as a worker for St John," he says. After stepping back from being a practising priest Bancroft joined St John as a staffer and was a pivotal figure in the HIV/AIDS Quilt Project, curating the many embroidered panels constructed by bereaved partners, families and friends. Bancroft retired from full time work for St John in July 2014 and says, “The promotion recognises the fact that I continue to be involved and continue to give support to the Order.” He continues to volunteer as a Chaplain of the Order and looks after the headquarters in Ellerslie, Auckland and frequently officiates at religious and secular Auckland gay community events. On July 2, Bancroft will be invested at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland and on formal occasions will now wear a white enamel cross rather than a silver one.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 15th April 2016 - 2:27am