The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has elected the next Bishop of Newcastle at the end of its first day of business.

The Right Revd Dr Brian Farran is currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Perth. He is 61 years of age and is married to Robin. They have three adult children.

He obtained an Honours degree in Theology at St John's College Morpeth, going on to serve in several dioceses across Australia including Riverina, Rockhampton and Perth.

In addition to parish ministry, Bishop Farran has served as Dean of Rockhampton (1983-1989), Regional Director of the Anglican Board of Missions (1989-1992), and Bishop of the Goldfields within the Diocese of Perth (1992-1998). He currently serves as a Bishop in the Northern Region of the Diocese of Perth.

His academic qualifications include: a Licentiate in Theology [Australian College of Theology 1965]; a Bachelor of Arts [Australian National University 1968]; and a Bachelor of Letters (HONS) [Deakin 1992].

Administrator Bishop Graeme Rutherford said: "I am pleasantly surprised that we have reached such a good result in the first day of our Bishop Election Synod. "Synod members demonstrated a prayerful focus throughout the Synod. I believe this is part of the reason why things flowed so smoothly and with a generosity of spirit towards all of the candidates. "When I spoke to Bishop Farran he was humbled and overwhelmed by the result.

"We look forward to welcoming Bishop Farran to the Diocese. Arrangements for his enthronement have yet to be confirmed." Bishop Farran's appointment has received the required consent of the Metropolitan of NSW and Bishops of the Province.