At the last General Convention in 2012, a total of 15 resolutions on Middle East peace were reduced to the final two by the General Convention's National and International Concerns committee. The convention ultimately adopted language affirming positive investment in the Palestinian Territories rather than divestment from companies doing business with Israel.

"I really do feel very worried about" what is happening to Christians in the Middle East at the hands of the Islamic State, Lord Carey said. "I think we're now living in a world more dangerous than ever."

Right Rev. and Right Hon. George Carey includes among his passions his wife, Eileen; the Barclays Premier League football club Arsenal; and "certain things such as a peaceful world."

Bishop Melter said while other Anglican dioceses and provinces decided to ordain women to the priesthood, South-East Asia had not taken the step yet.

"We are not ready for such a move.

"We are also not sure whether we will be open to the idea any time soon," he said.

Bishop Melter was appointed bishop of the diocese on Feb 20, replacing the late Bishop Albert Vun who passed away on July 15 last year.

Lord George Carey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, was once the nominal head of about 80 million Anglicans worldwide, the third-largest Christian group after the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Known for his conservative views, Lord Carey on Wednesday delivered the opening prayer to the state Senate in the Capitol and will speak this weekend at St. John's Episcopal Church in Detroit, the house of worship near Comerica Park that is hosting him.