The names of candidates for the position of Bishop of Newcastle, Australia, have been released ahead of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle's Bishop Election Synod on 10-12 March.
The six candidates represent a wide range of ministry experience and are all currently serving within the Anglican Church of Australia, including two from the Diocese of Newcastle. They range in age from 45 to 63.
Candidates named on the list that will go forward to Synod are: the Revd Canon Chris Bullock; the Reverend Canon Dr Ray Cleary; the Rt Revd Dr Brian Farran; the Very Revd Steven Ogden; the Ven Ian Palmer; and the Revd Stuart Robinson.
The Revd Canon Chris Bullock is a priest of the Diocese of Newcastle and Rector of Waratah.
The Revd Canon Dr Ray Cleary is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria.
The Right Revd Dr Brian Farran is an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Perth.
The Very Revd Steven Ogden is the Dean of Adelaide.
The Ven Ian Palmer is the Archdeacon of the Upper Hunter in the Diocese of Newcastle.
The Revd Stuart Robinson is the Acting CEO of Evangelism Ministries and Consultant in Mission and Strategic Planning in the North Sydney and South Sydney Region of the Diocese of Sydney.
Each candidate on the list has been nominated by one member of Synod and supported by five others. The Synod is made up of the Diocese's clergy, plus three lay representatives from each parish.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates had to be proved canonically fit, that is, that they have been baptised, have been ordained priest; and are at least 30 years of age.
The Bishop Election Synod will be held on March 10-12 in Newcastle. Synod will commence with a Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday 10 March at 730pm. Synod will convene on Friday 11 March for a closed session, which only elected Synod members can attend.
If the Synod elects a bishop, the President of Synod, Bishop Graeme Rutherford, will contact the candidate to seek his acceptance. He will then contact the Metropolitan of NSW, Archbishop Peter Jensen, to obtain his consent, along with the consent of other bishops of the Province of NSW. If the consent of each bishop is obtained, the name of the next Bishop of Newcastle will be announced to the public.
Phone Lauren Eyles, Communications Officer, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, on 0425 324 974 for more information.