Beloved in Christ,

Advent Greetings!

Assistant Bishops

Following the resolutions of our most recent Synod and with the blessing of Bishop in Council, the Primate and the Bishops of the Province of NSW, I am writing to advise you that I am appointing from March, 31, 2012, Archdeacon Genieve Blackwell as Assistant Bishop – region of Wagga Wagga, North-West and South-West and Archdeacon Ian Lambert as Assistant Bishop – region of the Coast, Southern Monaro and the Snowy.

In addition, I am – following a rigorous and prayerful CAB process appointing (from the very early New Year), Genieve as rector, Turvey Park and Archdeacon of Wagga Wagga. Archdeacon Ian will continue as rector, Bateman’s Bay. Both Episcopal appointments are part-time and will allow for the new Assistant Bishops to serve within and be cared for by a local community of faith.

The consecrations for Bishops-designate Genieve and Ian will take place in St. Saviour’s Cathedral, Goulburn on Saturday March 31, 2012 at 11.00am. The chief Consecrator will be the Right Reverend Dr Brain Farran, Bishop of Newcastle. Bishop Brian is the most senior Bishop in the Province and he ‘stands in’ for the Archbishop when he is unable to be present at certain events.

Please do uphold Bishops-designate Genieve and Ian in your prayers. We anticipate they will be the focus of media attention (for a season) and they will need wisdom, patience and grace as they field a range of enquiries.

This news is cause for great celebration. Personal notes of affirmation and encouragement to Genieve and Ian are quite in order.

Warmly,

+Stuart