University of Newcastle Conjoint Senior Lecturer, The Reverend Dr Fergus King, is one of five candidates nominated for the position of Bishop of Newcastle's Anglican Diocese. Bishop Brian Farran retired in December last year, and a synod of more than 300 Newcastle Anglicans will vote in April on his replacement.

Rev. King is currently Rector of the Parish of the Good Shepherd, at Kotara South. 

Rev. King holds a Bachelor of Divinity from the University of Edinburgh as well as a Doctor of Theology from the University of South Africa. He spent time as a student teacher and priest in Scotland, Tanzania, England as well as Australia.

This year is the first time that both women and men have been able to nominate for the position of Bishop of Newcastle, and the candidates include the first woman candidate.

In addition to the Reverend Dr King, the candidates are the Right Reverend Kay Goldsworth (Assistant Bishop Diocese of Perth), The Right Reverend Dr Stephen Pickard (Assistant Bishop Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn), The Right Reverend Dr Peter Stuart (Assistant Bishop Diocese of Newcastle) and the Reverend Canon Stephen Williams (Parish Priest Saint Augustine's Merewether).