Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson says he will lodge an appeal against his conviction for concealing child sexual abuse and won't immediately resign.

Key points: Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson to appeal conviction for concealing child sex offences

Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson to appeal conviction for concealing child sex offences Prime Minister calls for him to resign after Tuesday's 12-month sentence

Prime Minister calls for him to resign after Tuesday's 12-month sentence Wilson refuses to resign unless appeal fails

In May, the 67-year-old was found guilty of concealing the sexual abuse of children between 2004 and 2006 at the hands of paedophile priest Jim Fletcher in the 1970s.

On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 12 months' detention.

In a statement Wilson said he would not be quitting his post, despite the growing calls.

"I intend to lodge an appeal against my conviction to the District Court of New South Wales," he said.

"I am conscious of calls for me to resign and have taken them very seriously.

"However, at this time, I am entitled to exercise my legal rights and to follow the due process of law.

"Since that process is not yet complete, I do not intend to resign at this time."

He said if it was unsuccessful, he would offer his resignation.

"In the meantime, I have stood aside from all duties," he said.

"The legal process must now be allowed to proceed in the normal way and therefore I do not intend to make any further comment at this time."

Magistrate Robert Stone adjourned the matter to August 14 for Wilson to be assessed for home detention.

In sentencing, Mr Stone said "there is no remorse or contrition showed by the offender".

"I am of the opinion the sentence should not be suspended. It does not support the terms of general deterrence," he said.

"On that basis, the only available remaining option is full-time imprisonment or home detention."

Prime Minister joins calls for resignation

Earlier on Wednesday during a visit to South Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called on Wilson to resign.

"I'm surprised that he has not resigned," Mr Turnbull said.

"Clearly given the outcome of the case, the law suit, the prosecution — he should resign."

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall — who was with the Prime Minister on a visit to Kangaroo Island — agreed.

"I think that now there is no choice," he said.

"He's been convicted, he's been sentenced. I think it's untenable to remain in that position."

Sorry, this video has expired PM joins growing calls for Archbishop Philip Wilson to step down

Wilson stood aside in May

He took leave from his duties as the Archbishop of Adelaide in May, following the guilty verdict, but has officially remained in the role.

At the time, he sent a letter to the "people of the Archdiocese of Adelaide" asking them to pray for him.

"I know that we are a united community of believers, a people of hope, and we will continue to be the disciples of Jesus in the world today," he wrote.

"While the legal process runs its course, I want to assure the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of my continued prayers and best wishes and assure everyone that the affairs of the Archdiocese will be appropriately managed in my absence.

"Please continue to pray for me."

Port Pirie Bishop Greg O'Kelly is filling in as apostolic administrator of the Adelaide Archdiocese until Wilson makes a decision.