[Anglican Diocese of Newcastle] On the weekend September 12-15, Bishop Greg hosted 30 bishops and archbishops and their partners from East Asia, bringing together Anglican Bishops of the Anglican Communion from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar (Burma) and Australia.

As part of the gathering the Diocese welcomed for the first time the new Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, Archbishop Philip Freier.

The gathering of Bishops is for the Annual Meeting of the Council of Churches of East Asia (CCEA). It meets each year in a different country, and this year it was Australia's turn. The CCEA is a fellowship which allows for sharing, growth and the strengthening of relationships, while also tackling some of the more challenging issues the church is confronting today.

“We extremely pleased to host the visit of many Anglican leaders from East Asia to further our international relationships and shared concern for the wellbeing of our cities and communities,” Bishop Greg said.

The bishops and their partners participated in a number of activities throughout the weekend, including business sessions, tour of Samaritans service facilities and visits to parishes throughout the Hunter.

They also shared a special Aussie bush BBQ on Saturday night at the Railway Sheds in Foreshore Park, and will took in the sights and tastes of the Hunter Valley with a wine tour.