The Bishop of Singapore, Rt Rev Titus Chung Khiam Boon was elected as the new Primate of the Church of the Province of South East Asia this week. Bishop Titus will take on the additional responsibility as Archbishop of South East Asia when he succeeds the Bishop of Sabah, Archbishop Melter Tais, in February 2024.

The election took place this week in Singapore at an Extraordinary Provincial Synod involving representatives from the four dioceses in South East Asia: Kuching and Sabah, on the northern strip of Borneo, along with Singapore and West Malaysia.

The Church of the Province of South East Asia is thought to be the fastest growing of the 42 Anglican Communion member churches. It has missionary deaneries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, was in Singapore for the Extraordinary Provincial Synod and led the pre-election retreat, speaking on lessons about leadership from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah.

Making the announcement, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of the Province of South East Asia, the Revd Canon Kenneth Thien Su Yin, said: “The Synod has taken into consideration the needs of the Province and the long-term challenges the Province faces in her mission in the process.”

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, who was in Bishop Anthony Poggo, said: “I warmly welcome the election of Bishop Titus as the seventh Archbishop of the Church of the Province of South East Asia. His passion for the Gospel and heart for evangelism will hold him in good stead as he follows his new calling.” 

In a message to Anglicans around the world, Bishop Anthony said: “Please join me in giving thanks to God for the ministry of Bishop Titus and for calling him to his new mission as Archbishop of South East Asia and in the wider Anglican Communion.”

He also gave thanks for the work of the outgoing Primate.

“Archbishop Melter Tais has made a very significant contribution to the life of the Anglican Communion. It was good to catch up with him and to thank him for his ministry as Primate of the Church of the Province of South East Asia.”

Archbishop Melter will continue to serve as Bishop of Sabah once his term of office as Primate and Archbishop comes to an end in February 2024. Bishop Titus’ term of office as Primate and Archbishop runs from February 2024 to February 2028.