Synod decision on Newcastle's new Bishop - ABC Online

Posted March 11, 2013 06:47:41

The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle could soon have its first female Bishop.

The Synod will vote in April on a replacement for retired Bishop Brian Farran and it is the first time both women and men have been able to nominate for the position.

Among the five candidates are the Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy from the Perth Diocese, and three locals, the Reverend Doctor Fergus King, Right Reverend Doctor Peter Stuart and the Reverend Canon Stephen Williams.

Archdeacon of Newcastle and Chairman of the Bishop Nomination Board Stephen Pullin says gender and where the candidates are from will not influence the voting.

"I think the more important thing is that we have the person who God might be calling and that Synod is able to prayerfully discern who that person is," he said.

"They all have great qualifications and they're very gifted and talented people."

Archdeacon Pullin says the next Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle will have a challenging time ahead.

With a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse now underway, Archdeacon Pullin says both the Anglican and Catholic churches are facing tough times.

"I think there are significant challenges certainly ahead," he said.

"There's also a lot of opportunities.

"The church today is involved in many areas of ministry, not only parish ministry, we're involved in chaplaincy, Samaritans, Anglicare and schools.

"It is a time of change and opportunity and challenge and growth, sure but it's a good time to be there."

Topics: religion-and-beliefs, religious-leaders, newcastle-2300