Deans of the Anglican Church of Australia were in Armidale for their annual conference last weekend.
Delegates from some 12 dioceses throughout Australia attended, including such locations as Geraldton WA, Gippsland, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Hobart, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Bathurst, Newcastle and Canberra Goulburn.
Keynote speaker was Dr Gerald Bray, an old friend of St Peter’s Cathedral.
From Armidale cathedral, the Very Reverend Stephen Williams said the conference provided an opportunity for deans to get together to think and talk about their unique ministry.
“They were able to speak freely with trusted colleagues about joys and challenges confronting them,” he said.
“Deans value each other’s fellowship and encouragement, particularly as responsibility of pressures varies from diocese to diocese.”
The dean of a cathedral is the senior priest of the diocese who has charge of the cathedral and its property. A dean may also have other diocesan duties in areas of leadership, management and administration, according to the practice of a particular diocese.
At noon on Saturday, the deans, with a packed lunch, enjoyed a country tour, which included the iconic Gostwyck Chapel and heritage highlights of Uralla.
