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New assistant bishop of Newcastle .. Archdeacon Peter Stuart New dean of Newcastle .. James Rigney

Newcastle's Bishop Brian Farran, has chosen a clergyman with a background in education and structural reform to be his new assistant bishop of Newcastle.

Archdeacon Peter Stuart, 45, is Archdeacon of Adelaide and the Principal of St Barnabas Theological College.

Archdeacon Stuart has served in the Dioceses of Tasmania and Adelaide holding senior positions such as Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology at Flinders University.

He is currently studying for a Doctorate of Education through Flinders University.

"I am excited by Archdeacon Peter Stuart's appointment," Bishop Farran said. "He has a track record of innovation, creativity and of wise pastoral administration."

Archdeacon Stuart said he was "deeply humbled" by the offer to become an assistant bishop and looked forward to helping to develop an inclusive church.

"I am passionate about inclusion and believe children and young people

are vital members of the church," Peter Stuart said. "Women make a profound contribution to the ordained ministry and we do not sufficiently welcome people living with disability".

The new bishop, succeeding Bishop Graeme Rutherford who retired recently, will be consecrated in Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle February 2.

Archdeacon Stuart is married to Nicki, a senior physiotherapist, and they have two children, Ben (12) and Rebekah (9).

New dean selected

It's the second key appointment in recent weeks for the NSW coastal diocese.

The new Dean Christ Church Cathedral will be an Australian who's currently the Chaplain and Director of Studies in Theology at Magdalene College at Cambridge University.

Dr James Rigney, 49, will take up the dean's position in mid March next year.

2009.

The appointment follows the retirement of Fr Graeme Lawrence who's served as dean for 25 years.

"Dr Rigney will bring new dimensions to the solid pastoral Cathedral ministries and will relate well to the growing young professional and student populations of inner Newcastle as he has acclaimed experience with students," Bishop Brian Farran said.

Born in Katoomba, James Rigney studied at the University of Sydney. He was ordained in the Diocese of Ely in England after theological studies at Cambridge.

He is married to Anna, an educational administrator and they have one daughter.