13 leaders from the Anglican Church are to be welcomed to Tasmania today by the
Dean of Hobart, The Very Rev’d Richard Humphrey.

The Deans of Anglican Cathedrals across Australia are gathering for their annual
conference. The last time this took place in Hobart was in 1999.

“Those who hold the office of Dean play a unique role within the Australian Anglican
tradition” Dean Humphrey explained, “Not only do they lead the ministry of
cathedrals in both metropolitan and rural areas, but they also take a role within
public debate and are thought leaders within their communities.”

The gathering of Deans includes men and women from as far apart as Bunbury WA
and Rockhampton QLD. This will also be the final Conference for The Very Rev’d
John Sheppard who has been the Dean of St. George’s Cathedral, Perth since 1990.

The conference will include discussions on learning from history with local author
James Boyce, learning from experience at other Cathedrals, as well as discussing
current issues.

“The debate regarding asylum seeker policy is particularly relevant at the moment.

Some of the members of St. David’s Cathedral are refugees, and the closeness of
Pontville will mean that this issue is bound to be part of our discussions.” Dean
Humphrey said.

The conference will also have a lighter side with the visiting Deans enjoying local
hospitality as well visits to MONA and Larks Distillery.

The conference runs from Thursday July 25 to Tuesday July 30. The Deans will
attend the 10am service at St. David’s Cathedral on Sunday July 28 at which The Very
Rev’d Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne, will speak on Prayer. There will also be a
special Evensong service that evening.

Full list of attending Deans

The Very Rev’d Frank Nelson Dean of Adelaide
The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe Dean of Melbourne
The Very Rev’d Anne Wentzel Dean of Bathurst
The Very Rev’d Donald Kirk Dean of Grafton
The Very Rev’d Dr John Shepherd Dean of Perth
The Very Rev Rev’d Dr Peter Catt Dean of Brisbane
The Very Rev’d Dr Steve Williams Dean of Armidale
The Very Rev’d Dr Stewart MacPherson Dean of Bunbury
The Very Rev’d John Roundhill Dean of Bendigo
The Very Rev’d Lindsay Howie Dean of Rockhampton
The Very Rev’d Michael O’Brien Dean of Wangaratta
The Very Rev’d Phillip Saunders Dean of CanberraGoulburn
The Very Rev’d Richard Humphrey Dean of Hobart
The Very Rev’d Robert Harris Dean of Riverina
Dean of Hobart – The Very Reverend Richard Humphrey