Newcastle Anglican Bishop Brian Farran has been called to give evidence in the NSW Supreme Court after controversial church disciplinary hearings in December against four clergy, including retired Newcastle Dean Graeme Lawrence.
Solicitors for Father Lawrence and Cardiff priest Graeme Sturt have advised the bishop to be available for cross-examination at a Supreme Court hearing set to start on Thursday, after the court granted the priests an injunction in December following professional standards board determinations against them.
Solicitors for the diocese are expected to seek an adjournment in the court today and Bishop Farran, who is overseas, is not expected to return to Newcastle until later this month.