Posted on: September 22, 2017 12:04 PM

The Most Revd Winston Halapua Bishop of Polynesia and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Birth year: 1945

Became priest: 1972

Became archbishop 2010 “The primates’ meeting is God’s gift for the Anglican Communion. The question is how we can make this beautiful gift relevant and meaningful. My hope is that we will have the space to consider how we can respond to the global issue of climate change and take our message to the world.”

The Most Revd Philip Richardson Bishop of of Taranaki and Senior Bishop of New Zealand Dioceses and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Birth year: 1958

Became priest: 1982

Became archbishop 2013 During 14 years as Bishop of Taranaki one of his many initiatives was “Action Appeal” to build up capacity among volunteer and community groups to tackle unmet local needs

The Most Revd Philip Leslie Freier Archbishop of Melbourne & Primate of Australia Birth year: 1955

Became priest: 1984

Became archbishop: 2006

Became Primate: 2014 Trained as teacher before ordination – and served as advisory teacher in education for indigenous peoples in Queensland. Hobbies include bush walking, reading and the visual arts.

The Most Revd Paul Shishir Sarker Moderator, Church of Bangladesh & Bishop of Dhaka Became moderator: 2007 Studied at University of Dhaka intending to teach Bengali literature before deciding to enter priesthood. Attended Bishops College in Kolkata and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in the US.

The Most Revd Francisco De Assis Da Silva Primate of Brazil & Bishop of South-Western Brazil Became priest: 1991

Became archbishop: 2013 “I am happy to have the opportunity to meet again with my fellow primates and discuss issues affecting our world. One that particularly concerns me is human trafficking. This is a serious issue in Brazil. It needs to be faced by government and by the Church.... because we are not things, we are humans, made in the image of God”

The Most Revd Martin Nyaboho Archbishop of Burundi & Bishop of Makamba Birth year: 1955

Became priest: 1989

Became archbishop: 2016 Served in a variety of roles, including as a teacher at Matana Bible School, and as a Christian literature and Bible translator for Scripture Union and the Bible Society. Participated in several local and international conferences on social transformation, leadership, peace-building and reconciliation, and on sustainability of the Anglican Church.

The Most Revd Frederick Hiltz Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada Birth year: 1953

Became priest: 1978

Became archbishop: 2007 An excerpt: ‘Pray that we have patience with one another in continuing conversations about same sex marriage.. Pray for our commitment to eradicating the crime of human trafficking. Pray for our Church’s response to the Communion Wide Call to a Season of Intentional Discipleship. Pray for the Primates that... we have a heart not only for the unity of the Church but for the peace of the world.’ See Blogs for Archbishop Fred’s full prayer.

The Most Revd Albert Chama Archbishop of Central Africa & Bishop of Northern Zambia Became archbishop: 2011 Prior to ordination to the priesthood, studied at University of Zimbabwe and worked in the ceramics industry. After studying at Bishop Gaul Theological College in Zimbabwe, he went on to becoming a parish priest, university chaplain, and was elected Bishop of Northern Zambia in 2003.

The Most Revd Sturdie Downs Primate of IARCA & Bishop of Nicaragua Became priest: 1978

Became archbishop: 2015 He was the first native-born Bishop of Nicaragua

The Most Revd Zacharie Masimango Katanda Archbishop of the Congo & Bishop of Kindu Became archbishop: 2016 As Bishop of Kindu, worked with Church Mission Society Ireland to create a primary school, a diocesan wide HIV/AIDS programme, and clinics. Also involved in peace keeping and reconciliation following the 1998-2003 civil war.

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury Birth year: 1956

Became priest: 1993

Became archbishop: 2013 I ask everyone in the Communion and everyone else of goodwill to join in praying for us that we are caught up by the spirit, that with our differences and disagreements, we find unity in Christ afresh, that we walk onwards together... that we know we will never walk alone because we walk with Christ and with one another. (Watch video on Primates 2017. )

The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu Archbishop of York Birth year: 1949

Became priest: 1979

Became archbishop: 2005 Born in Uganda, the former High Court judge was forced to flee the country during the reign of Idi Amin. He came to Britain where he studied for the priesthood. He served as Bishop of Woolwich, in the Diocese of Southwark, and then Birmingham before being translated to the Archiepiscopal See of York.

The Most Revd Paul Kwong Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Hong Kong Island Birth year: 1950

Became priest: 1983

Became archbishop: 2007 The best part of these Meetings is the time spent together in worship, prayers, reflections and the washing of each other’s feet. It demonstrates that we are one in Christ, committed in walking together, being for each other and for the whole Communion... I am looking forward to meeting the new primates and to renewing my friendship with existing ones. (For more see Paul’s blog.)

The Most Revd James Richard Wong Yin Song Archbishop, Province of Indian Ocean & Bishop of the Seychelles Became priest: 1983

Became archbishop: 2017 Before Episcopal election, was active in ecumenical affairs, serving as General Secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Churches of Mauritius and Chairman of Scripture Union Mauritius.

The Most Revd Richard Lionel Clarke Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan Birth year: 1949

Became priest: 1976

Became archbishop: 2012 Studied at Wesley College and Trinity Colleges in Dublin and King’s College in London. Has written four books: And Is It True? (2000), The Unharmonious Blacksmith (2002) , A Whisper of God (2006) and Shouldering the Lamb (2017) .

The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu Primate of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai & Bishop of Hokkaido Birth year: 1952

Became priest: 1984

Became archbishop: 2006 Pray for the NSKK that we could be the Instrument of peace in Japan, Asia, and the World and that we could walk with the people marginalized in the society and community.

The Most Revd Suheil Dawani Archbishop, Jerusalem & the Middle East & Archbishop in Jerusalem Birth year: 1951

Became priest: 1977

Became archbishop: 2017 A strong advocate for peace and reconciliation in a province that is multi-lingual, multi-faith, and multi-ethnic. A significant member of many ecumenical and interfaith organisations; also works closely with the Archbishop of Canterbury on Anglican and interfaith issues. One of the 13 recognized Heads of Churches in Israel, Archbishop Dawani encourages leaders of the Churches to make every effort to strengthen the Christian presence as a moderate and mediating body in a region torn by anxiety and unrest.

The Most Revd Jackson Ole Sapit Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya Birth Year: 1964

Became Priest: 1992

Became Archbishop: 2016 First worked as an evangelist and community organizer in Narok prior to ordination. Following ordination, spent several years as the vicar of a handful of parishes as well as served as Diocesan Mission and Development Coordinator for the Diocese of Nakuru.

The Most Revd Onesimus Dongsin Park Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea & Bishop of Busan Birth Year: 1963

Became Priest: 1997

Became Primate: 2017

The Most Revd George Takeli Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Bishop of Central Melanesia Birth Year: 1959

Became Priest: 1975

Became Archbishop: 2016 “The issue of climate change is really a priority for my people. The effects need to be understood by the church. Whole communities are having to be relocated, islands are being swamped by seawater. We need climate justice”

The Most Revd Francisco Moreno Presiding Bishop of La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico & Bishop of Northern Mexico Birth Year: 1950

Became Priest: 1975

Became Archbishop: 2013 Studied at the San Andres Seminary in Mexico City in preparation for ordination. Prior to consecration as Bishop of Northern Mexico in 2010, also served as a youth minister, parish vicar, and a non-stipendiary priest.

The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon Birth year: 1958

Became Archbishop: 2008 Studied at Trinity Theological College in Singapore before returning to Myanmar to serve as a priest. Prior to his election as Bishop of Hpa-An, he worked as a parish priest and a lecturer before going to become Dean of Holy Cross Theological College in Yangon in 1993.

The Most Revd Nicholas Okoh Metropolitan & Primate of all Nigeria & Bishop of Abuja Birth year: 1952

Became priest: 1980

Elected Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel: 2005

Became primate 2010 Also served in the Nigerian Army, first commissioned as a lieutenant in 1982 and eventually becoming a lieutenant colonel in 1996.

The Most Revd Pradeep Samantaroy Moderator of CNI & Bishop of Amritsar Became bishop: 1999

Became Moderator: 2014 Prior to his election as Bishop, he was a librarian at the theological faculty at Serampore College where he later became a lecturer. He also served as superintendant of the Balliguda Pastorate Union in the Diocese of Phulbani and as secretary, treasurer, and vice president of the diocesan council in the Diocese of Cuttack.

The Most Revd Humphrey Peters Bishop of Peshawar & Moderator of the Church of Pakistan Became Bishop: 2011 (Peshawar)

Became primate: 2017 Has worked tirelessly to promote peace between faiths in a region which has repeatedly been the target of violent extremism. Before entering the ministry, had experience working in health, education, and other social sectors.

The Most Revd Allan Migi Archbishop of Papua New Guinea Birth Year: 1960

Became Priest: 1990

Became: Primate: 2017 Originally from the province of West New Britain. On his election as Archbishop, he said that his main focus would be ‘to ensure unity on all levels of the Church, from local parishes up to dioceses’.

The Rt Revd Joel Atiwag Pachao Prime Bishop-Elect & Bishop of North Central Philippines Birth year: 1956

Became priest: 1982

Became primate: 2017 “We need to take the Five Mark of Mission seriously to heart and let them guide our life, our mission, and our ministry as a Church. What we need to do is to build on what has been accomplished. This we can do even as we seek additional ways of living out the Five Marks of Mission in the light of new challenges that come our way.”

The Most Revd Onesphore Rwaje Archbishop of L'Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda and Bishop of Gasabo Birth year: 1953

Became priest: 1986

Became archbishop: 2011 The Most Rev’d Onesephore Rwaje has degrees in theology from University of Edinburgh in Scotland and Fuller Theological Seminary in the US. After his consecration as Bishop of Byumba in 1991, he was the only Anglican bishop to remain in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.

The Most Revd Mark Strange Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness Birth year: 1961

Became priest: 1990

Became Primus: 2017 "Please pray for the many 'new Scots' from across the world living with anxiety as the debate on our place in Europe continues. Please pray for the people of Scotland as they continue to consider the constitutional place of the country within the UK and we pray for the refugee community seeking a place to call home."

The Most Revd Ng Moon Hing Archbishop of South East Asia & Bishop of West Malaysia Birth year: 1955

Became priest: 1986

Became archbishop: 2016 The Most Rev’d Ng Moon Hing was born into a family of Buddists Taoists, and, at the age of 20, was the first of his family to convert to Christianity. He also worked as a civil engineer prior to ordination to the priesthood.

The Most Revd Thomas Kanjirappally Oommen Moderator of CSI & Bishop of Madhya Kerala Birth year: 1953

Became priest: 1983

Became archbishop: 2017 The Most Rev’d Thomas Oommen first studied divinity at Leonard Theological College, and later earn a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He also served as Deputy Moderator from 2014 until his election at Moderator in 2017.

The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba Archbishop of Capetown and Primate of Southern Africa Birth year: 1960

Became priest: 1990

Became archbishop: 2007 “As with any family, we cohere best as family when we commit to walking together in God. So let’s all commit to working out how we live out the messiness of the Incarnation together. God has a purpose for us and he keeps on inviting us again and again to try to emulate his family through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.” See Thabo’s blog on Primates’ meeting.

The Most Revd Gregory James Venables Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church of South America & Bishop of Argentina Birth year: 1949

Became priest: 1984

Became primate: 2017 (But had also served as Primate 2001-2010) Born in the UK, he first went to Latin America in 1978 with the South American Missionary Society (SAMS), and has remained ever since. He says: “It [South American Anglicanism] isn’t imposed from the outside. It is an Anglicanism that came and has developed within the local cultures. Today, most of the Anglicans in the province are indigenous Christians. And the Church celebrates its unity amongst the diversity.”

The Most Revd Daniel Deng Bul Yak Archbishop of the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan & Bishop of Juba Birth year: 1950

Became priest: 1978

Became archbishop: 2008 Vocal on a number of social issues, particularly peace and reconciliation, he is well known for his advocacy during the referendum which led South Sudan to secede from Sudan in 2011. Since then, the President of the Republic of South Sudan has appointed him to head a number of committees on the peace process.

The Most Revd Ezekiel Kumir Kondo Archbishop of the Province of Sudan & Bishop of Khartoum Birth year: 1957

Became priest: 1988

Became primate: 2017 Studied at Trinity College in England and served as Provost of the Khartoum Cathedral prior to his consecration as bishop. First elected as Archbishop of the Internal Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan in 2014. Became primate of the 39th, and newest province, Sudan, in July.

The Most Revd Jacob Erasto Chimeledya Archbishop of Tanzania & Bishop of Mpwapwa Birth year: 1957

Became priest: 1997

Became archbishop: 2013 Worked as a principal of St. Philip’s Theological College in Kongwa, Tanzania. Also served as a priest in various locations in the Diocese of Mpwapwa prior to his election as bishop. On his election as Archbishop, various bishops in the Anglican Church of Tanzania described him as a “humble servant and leader.”

The Most Revd Stanley Ntagali Archbishop of Uganda & and Bishop of Kampala Birth year: 1955

Became priest: 1981

Became archbishop: 2012 After ordination to the priesthood, he worked as a missionary and as a parish priest. Later became Archdeacon of Masindi, Diocesan Secretary of Bunyoro-Kitara, and Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda both installation as Archbishop.

The Most Revd Michael Curry Presiding Bishop of TEC Birth year: 1953

Became priest: 1978

Became archbishop: 2015 Active in issues of social justice throughout his ministry. Most recently has worked with the Jesus Movement, a programme of the Episcopal Church that focuses primarily on evangelism, reconciliation, and creation care.

The Most Revd John Davies Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Swansea & Brecon Birth year: 1953

Became priest: 1984

Became archbishop: 2017 Studied law and was a solicitor specialising in criminal law before ordination. Has spoken out on a number issues, including homelessness, rural problems, organ donation, and poverty. Since entering ministry, has retained a strong interest in issues regarding crime and punishment, with particular concern for treatment and rehabilitation of offeneders.

The Most Revd Daniel Sarfo Primate & Metropolitan, CPWA; Archbishop of the Internal province of Ghana and Bishop of Kumasi Became priest: 1980

Became archbishop: 2014 Prior to installation, he was a parish priest, an archdeacon, and the Canon of the Kumasi Cathedral. He also was a chaplain in the Ghanaian Army with the rank of major.