PASTORAL LETTER TO THE DIOCESE
From the Diocesan Bishop and Assistant Bishops
Dear friends in Christ,
As we seek to serve the Risen Jesus, we, as a Diocese, have been moved to affirm the ministry of women and men equally in every order of ministry in the Church.
We have long recognised that the ordination of women as deacons, priests, and bishops has made our Church safer and our expression of mission more generous. We know the blessing of women teaching the apostolic faith in the spirit of Mary Magdalene. We affirm the table hospitality of Mary and Martha as we gather to meet with Jesus.
In this Diocese, any member of the clergy exercising licensed ministry is expected to affirm the ministry of women. This is a foundation for public ministry here. It reflects our identity as a Diocese that does not compromise the dignity or authority of women who serve as leaders throughout the Diocese and who minister as priests and bishops.
It is in this light that we gladly welcomed the appointment of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. Her tested and balanced leadership in the Diocese of London, which we saw firsthand at the Lambeth Conference, gives us confidence in her capacity to serve the Communion faithfully. Her appointment affirms the teaching and sacramental leadership of women – a way of ministering recognised as integral by many in the Anglican Communion.
We are aware that her appointment has drawn strong criticism from some quarters, including GAFCON. We want to be clear: this Diocese does not share that reaction. Our identity is anchored in the Instruments of Communion and the discernment of the wider Church through those Instruments.
No single movement expresses Anglican identity. We are a complex multi-faceted movement of Christians who celebrate the breadth of humanity and know the call to negotiate differences with respect.
Recent statements from across the Communion affirm this shared understanding. The Church of Ireland Archbishops have reminded their Church – and the Communion – that Anglican unity is expressed through the Lambeth Conference, the Primates’ Meeting, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), and the See of Canterbury. Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Communion, has called Anglicans to remain at the table – patient, prayerful, and engaged.
The Primate and Metropolitans of the Anglican Church of Canada have likewise reaffirmed their historic commitment to the Anglican Communion. They have rightly posed the central question before us: “Can communion with the Risen Christ contain conflict, so that conflict and disagreement lose their power to divide?” Their answer – and ours – is a resounding yes.
Our own Synod has affirmed by Ordinance this Diocese’s commitment to the Instruments of Communion. We are proudly part of the Anglican Communion. We have been privileged as Bishops to participate in one Instrument – the Lambeth Conference. Archdeacon Arthur Copeman has been a member of the ACC. Our Diocese affirmed its intention, just a few years ago, to remain fully engaged in the life of the wider Communion.
The Communion is wrestling with complex questions. It has always done so. Most recently, the Nairobi–Cairo Proposals have offered one constructive pathway for reform and renewal within the Communion’s shared life – not apart from it.
We recognise that individuals may hold differing personal views, but our diocesan direction is forged in the Synod (and its Standing Committee- the Diocesan Council) where clergy and laity meet with the Diocesan Bishop to govern for the good order of this Diocese. We are shaped by our shared theological commitments, our canonical responsibilities, and our identity as part of the Anglican Communion.
As the Communion prepares for ACC 19 in Belfast in 2026, we prepare for our General Synod, and as Archbishop Sarah takes up her responsibilities, we ask that you hold her, the Communion, and our Church and Diocese in prayer. May we be a people who lead with clarity, celebrate the grace of Christ experienced in the ministry of women and men, and trust in Christ’s unifying presence in the Church.
Yours faithfully in Christ,
The Right Reverend Dr Peter Stuart
Bishop of Newcastle
The Right Reverend Sonia Roulston
Assistant Bishop – Inland Episcopate
The Right Reverend Charlie Murry
Assistant Bishop – Coastal Episcopate
Celebrating Grace: +Newcastle responds to GAFCON statement
“No single movement expresses Anglican identity. We are a complex multi-faceted movement of Christians who celebrate the breadth of humanity and know the call to negotiate differences with respect.”