History was made on Thursday evening 10 May 2018 when Sonia Roulston and Charlie Murry were made bishops in the Anglican Church at Christ Church Cathedral.
The special service steeped in church tradition saw bishops from across Australia ordain Sonia and Charlie for their new work alongside Bishop Peter. The Cathedral saw a full congregation as clergy, family and guests from across the country came together for this historic occasion.
The service was a significant occasion for the diocese, it is the only time the diocese has had more than one assistant bishop, and it is the most senior role a woman has ever held in the 171 years of the diocese.
Sonia Roulston will be the first woman bishop to serve in the Diocese of Newcastle. It will be the first time that the Diocese has been served by three bishops.
Bishop Peter Stuart said, “The appointment of Sonia and Charlie has been well received across the Diocese and I am looking forward to working closely with them. They join me at a time when the Diocese continues to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and restructuring for its future mission.”
From Thursday evening Bishop Sonia Roulston, 52, will be Assistant Bishop to the Inland Region of the diocese, exercising ministry in the Upper Hunter, Maitland and Paterson area. Bishop Charlie Murry, 48, will be Assistant Bishop to the Coastal Region, exercising ministry in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Manning area. Bishop Peter Stuart, as the Diocesan Bishop will continue to lead across the whole of the Diocese.
View the full gallery below. Photos by Louise Mackay and Grant Killen.
