Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney St Andrew’s House PO Box Q190 Sydney Square 2000 QVB Post Office NSW 1230 New South Wales Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9265 1555 Facsimile: +61 2 9261 4485
22 November 2011
Circular to Ministers, Wardens, Parish Councils and Synod Representatives
2011 Synod Summary
This circular conveys information about the matters decided by the Synod when it met on 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 October 2011.
A full summary of the proceedings of the Synod can be found on the website of the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat at www.sds.asn.au.
Please contact me if you have any questions about the matters referred to in this circular.
Kind regards
ROBERT WICKS Diocesan Secretary
Table of Contents Page Presidential Address ...... 2 Key Items of Business ...... 2-3 The Missionary Hour ...... 3 Elections ...... 4 Resolutions passed ...... 4 Ordinances passed and to which assent has been given ...... 5-6 Ordinances to which assent has not been given ...... 7 Appendix: Text of Resolutions ...... 8-17
Presidential Address
The full Presidential Address can be obtained from the Anglican Media website. It is available in several formats – Text: http://sydneyanglicans.net/images/uploads/Pres_Address_2011.pdf Audio: http://sydneyanglicans.net/media/audio/presidential_address_2011 Video: http://sydneyanglicans.net/media/video/presidential_address_2011_pt_1/
A report on the Presidential Address prepared by Anglican Media is also available at – http://sydneyanglicans.net/news/stories/take_heart_sydney/
Key Items of Business
Report of the Archbishop’s Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance
The Synod welcomed the final report of the Archbishop’s Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance about ensuring the sustainability of the Endowment of the See and recommending changes to the operation and inter-dependence of diocesan bodies. The Synod also welcomed responses to the report from the Glebe Administration Board (GAB) – Sydney Diocesan Secretariat (SDS), the Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney (ACPT) and the St Andrew’s Cathedral School (SACS).
The Synod requested the Standing Committee to consider the possible ways in which the concerns raised in the responses may be addressed and then how the recommendations of the Commission may be implemented. In light of this the Synod also requested the Standing Committee to pass such legislation as may be desirable or practical, excluding any sale ordinance, and report to the next session of the Synod on any future proposals.
The report of the Commission can be accessed at – http://www.sds.asn.au/Site/104364.asp?a=a&ph=sy.
The responses from GAB – SDS, ACPT and SACS can be accessed at – http://www.sds.asn.au/assets/Documents/synod/Synod2011/SupReport2011/6.WorkOfASC. EOS%20etc.combined.pdf
Funding Principles and Priorities and amendments to Parochial Cost Recoveries
Synod noted a draft Statement of Funding Principles and Priorities and requested Synod members to provide comments by 1 March 2012 with a view to the statement being finalised for the 2012 session of Synod and circulated to Synod members with bills for Synod Appropriations and Allocations and Parochial Cost Recoveries by 1 August 2012.
The draft statement aims to find the best way forward with reduced resources to fund and support our mission. The draft statement is based on the following main principles – • The adoption of 6 spending categories: Anglican essentials, Archbishop’s responsibilities, network essentials, Diocesan training college(s), high priority Mission drivers and high priority Mission support. • All parishes should share directly in meeting the essentials of what it means to be “Anglican” – e.g. our Archbishop, the Synod, and our membership of the Anglican Church of Australia. • The Endowment of the See (EOS) should carry the costs of maintaining the team which directly supports the Archbishop. • All parishes should pay for the basic network costs – e.g. the SDS, parish insurance program and Professional Standards Unit (PSU). • The Synod should pay for essential Mission spending – e.g. training college, mission drivers and mission support.
- 2 - The Synod also requested that a procedure be included in the statement whereby any organisation seeking funds must give a detailed proposal for the purpose, outline the likely timing of the expenditure and any reserves held by the organisation.
General Synod assessments and consultation with the General Synod Standing Committee
The Synod noted that the General Synod generates business surpluses from activities such as the Long Service Leave Fund and from commissions under the Telstra Anglican Plan. It also noted that churches, clergy and parishioners of the Sydney Diocese make significant contributions to these business activities. In the light of this, Synod requested the General Synod Standing Committee to grant proportional relief to our 2011 general assessment and to set future budgets for the general assessment aware of our contribution to business surpluses of the General Synod.
Synod also – (a) supported the adoption of certain principles in respect of the finances of General Synod, and (b) recorded its view that certain legislative changes are critical to the maintenance of harmonious relationships within the Anglican Church of Australia.
The full terms of the resolution are set out in the appendix.
Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gathering
Synod received a development version of the publication, “Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel Shaped Gatherings” that had been produced by the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Panel. The Synod commended its use and study by parishes and requested that comments and suggestions be made to the Panel, if possible by 31 March 2012, and at the latest 30 June 2012 in order that a revised version of the publication can be brought to the next session of the Synod. The services can be downloaded and feedback given at www.commonprayer.org.au.
The full terms of the resolution are set out in the appendix.
The Missionary Hour
The “Missionary Hour” on the evening of the fourth day of the session featured Bishop Ivan Lee interviewing – • The Rev Malcolm Richards and Mrs Elizabeth Richards – Berea Bible School, Diocese of Kindu, Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo. Malcolm is the former principal of the School. He took up the position of General-Secretary of the Church Missionary Society NSW earlier this year. Malcolm and Elizabeth returned to DR Congo in July to run the annual pastors conference. They spoke about the success of the School in training pastors and evangelists for ministry in DR Congo but also about the opposition graduates have faced. They also spoke of the difficulties travelling through DR Congo, principally due to the extremely poor state of the roads following years of civil war. Yet despite these challenges the gospel is being preached in the far reaches of the Diocese.
• Bishop Ng Moon Hing of the Diocese of West Malaysia. Bishop Moon Hing spoke about his vision for discipleship training within his Diocese that created not just disciples but “disciplers”. He spoke about church planting initiatives that are underway. He also spoke about various challenges to ministry in Malaysia, including a multi-religious community where Islam is the dominant religious belief.
Prayer followed each interview.
- 3 - Elections
The following table indicates the number of elections of persons to boards and committees which were conducted and comparisons with past years.
Uncontested Contested Total Year Elections Positions Elections Positions Elections Positions 45th Synod 1999 69 263 12 87 81 350 2000 32 83 3 7 35 90 2001 35 92 6 11 41 103 46th Synod 2002 76 265 18 120 94 385 2003 27 99 0 0 27 99 2004 25 75 1 3 26 78 47th Synod 2005 44 322 7 52 51 374 2006 21 90 1 1 22 91 2007 16 57 1 3 17 60 48th Synod 2008 76 315 7 50 83 365 2009 34 70 7 16 41 86 2010 22 70 2 13 24 83 49th Synod 2011 83 277 4 68 87 345
Resolutions passed
The appendix sets out all the resolutions passed by the Synod. The following resolutions are of particular interest to ministers, wardens and parish councils. Please refer to them in the appendix. 3/11 Towards 2050 4/11 Disability Sunday 5/11 Threatened execution of Yousef Nadarkhani 7/11 English Bible Translation Options 8/11 Restorative Justice 10/11 Anglican Communion Covenant 18/10 Archbishop’s Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance 11/11 Priscilla and Aquila Centre 13/11 Supply of Christian Teachers 16/11 REAP Journals 17/11 Funding Principles and Priorities 18/11 Gambling in Australia 22/11 Parish contribution to the Work Outside the Diocese Fund 30/11 International Chinese Christian School 36/11 Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings 37/11 Legal definition of marriage
- 4 - Ordinances passed and to which assent has been given
The Synod passed 12 ordinances, although the Archbishop has declined to assent to two of those ordinances. Here are brief notes on those ordinances to which the Archbishop has given his assent.
Parochial Cost Recoveries Ordinance 2009 Amendment Ordinance 2011
Under the Parochial Cost Recoveries Ordinance 2009 certain costs are recovered from parishes, these comprise fixed “ministry costs” (superannuation, long service leave, stipend continuance insurance and the sickness and accident fund) and also variable “parochial network costs”.
The Synod has determined that the “parochial network costs” to be recovered from parishes in 2012 be extended.
For 2012, the variable parochial network costs recovered from parishes will be extended as follows – (a) increasing the proportion of recovered costs of the Professional Standards Unit from two-thirds to five-sixths, (b) adding the costs of membership of the Anglican Church of Australia, the Province of New South Wales and the NSW Council of Churches, (c) adding a one-third contribution toward the cost of the Diocesan Archives, and (d) adding the cost of supporting a standard accounting system for parishes (the Sydney Anglican Parish Account System (SAPAS).
The Ordinance was also amended in the course of debate to include a provision for voluntary contributions from parishes towards the financial recovery of the Diocese.
Solemn Promises Ordinance 2011
In this Diocese, clergy have to date been required at various times to make an oath of canonical obedience, provide a declaration and assent to the doctrine and formularies of the Anglican Church of Australia and give certain undertakings concerning vestments and the administration of Holy Communion.
The Ordinance replaces the current forms of oath, declaration, assent and undertakings with corresponding forms of solemn promise to be given before ordination to the diaconate or presbyterate, before licensing by the Archbishop and before consecration as a bishop following appointment as an Assistant Bishop. It also updates the language used in the current forms to reflect more contemporary language.
Archbishop of Sydney (Solemn Promises) Amendment Ordinance 2011
The Ordinance provides that before a person can become Archbishop, the person must give similar promises to those now required to be given by clergy under the Solemn Promises Ordinance 2011.
General Synod - Constitution Amendment (Chapter V) Canon 2010 Assenting Ordinance 2011
The Constitution Amendment (Chapter V) Canon 2010 inserts a new section 28A in the Constitution to allow canons to be made other than at a General Synod session if at least ¾ of all diocesan synods including all Metropolitan Sees assent to it by ordinance and all assents be in force at the same time. In the case of bills for canons that will impose a financial liability on a diocese, all diocesan synods must assent with all assents being in force at the same time.
The mechanism cannot be used for canons to amend the Constitution or which deal with or concern ritual ceremonial or discipline of the Church.
From time to time there is a need for the General Synod Standing Committee to initiate consideration of “house-keeping” canons, for example to satisfy a change in government regulatory requirements in company law, taxation law or superannuation. Currently only the General Synod can make or amend canons.
The amendment made by the Canon will not come into effect until at least ¾ of all diocesan synods, including all Metropolitan Sees, assent to the Canon.
- 5 - General Synod – Special Tribunal Canon 2007 Amendment (No 2) Canon 2010 Adopting Ordinance 2011
The Special Tribunal Canon 2007, among other things, establishes the Episcopal Standards Commission (the “ESC”), purports to confer certain powers on the ESC, and authorises the ESC to prosecute diocesan bishops in the Special Tribunal.
The Special Tribunal Canon 2007 also allows the Synod of a diocese to exclude the power of the ESC to prosecute the bishop of the diocese. In 2009 the Synod of this Diocese passed an ordinance to exclude this power of the ESC should the Special Tribunal Canon 2007 ever have force and effect in this Diocese. However, there has been an open question as to whether it is possible for the ESC to exercise other powers (such as conducting an investigation) even when it cannot use the information resulting from the exercise of those powers to prosecute a diocesan bishop.
The adoption of this canon makes it clear that the ESC cannot use any of its powers in dioceses, such as our own, which have excluded the ESC’s power to prosecute its bishop.
Provincial Synod Constitution Amendment Ordinance 2011 Assenting Ordinance 2011
This Ordinance reduces the size of the Provincial Synod to about the size of the existing Provincial Standing Committee which has 22 members. The Ordinance also provide for regular provincial conferences by inserting a new clause in the Provincial Constitution.
Each diocesan synod of the Province of NSW must assent by ordinance to any change to the Provincial Constitution before it will come into effect. Additionally any alteration will not take effect until ratified by canon of General Synod.
Relinquishment of Holy Orders (Exclusion and Reinstatement) Ordinance 2011
The Relinquishment of Holy Orders (Exclusion and Reinstatement) Ordinance 2011 repeals the General Synod – Holy Orders, Relinquishment and Deposition Canon 2004 adopting Ordinance 2005 which, as it name suggests, governed the relinquishment and deposition of holy orders by clergy in our Diocese. Prior to the Canon being adopted the matter was regulated in our Diocese under the Relinquishment of Holy Orders Ordinance 1994. This ordinance has now been reinstated with some amendments. The Ordinance provides greater flexibility concerning the relinquishment and deposition of orders. However in respect to a person against whom a complaint has been made under the Discipline Ordinance 2006, the Archbishop may not accede to a request for relinquishment of orders unless the Director of the Professional Standards Unit certifies that no further action is to be taken in relation to the complaint.
St John's (Regional Cathedral and Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2011 St Michael's (Regional Cathedral and Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2011
In the mid 1990’s the Diocese was divided into 5 regions (Northern, South Sydney, Western Sydney, Wollongong and George’s River) and each assigned a bishop and a regional council. At this time a provision was put in place for the St John’s Provisional Cathedral Parramatta Ordinance 1969 and the St Michael’s Provisional Cathedral Wollongong Ordinance 1969 to be repealed at the end of a transitional period. If the ordinances are repealed St John’s Parramatta and St Michael’s Wollongong will cease to be Provisional Cathedrals. The date of repeal has been extended by the Synod on several occasions.
The Synod has determined that the Ordinances ought not to be repealed and has changed the status of the two Provisional Cathedrals to that of Regional Cathedrals.
Solemnisation of Marriage Ordinance 2011
The ordinance excludes the Holy Matrimony Canon 1981 (the “Canon”) and provides alternative regulations in the form of an ordinance of our Synod to govern the solemnization of holy matrimony in our Diocese. The Canon requires at least one of the parties to a proposed marriage to be baptised. This restriction has been removed with the exclusion of the Canon and the passing of the Ordinance.
Attempts were made to have the General Synod amend the Canon but the proposal narrowly failed to gain the required two-thirds majority in each house of the General Synod.
- 6 - Ordinances to which assent has not been given
The Archbishop has declined to give his assent to two ordinances that had been passed by the Synod - the Authorised Services Ordinance 2011 and the Parish Relationships Amendment Ordinance 2011. This means these ordinances will not come into effect.
Authorised Services Ordinance 2011
The purpose of the Authorised Services Ordinance 2011 was to authorise the services referred to in the Schedule to the ordinance for use in the Diocese. A copy of the ordinance as passed by the Synod and the explanatory statement which accompanied the ordinance at Synod are attached.
The Archbishop, having received advice from the Chancellor, has decided not to assent to this ordinance. The ordinance will therefore not come into effect.
In reaching this decision, the Archbishop considers that it is not appropriate for the Synod to deem that a minister who uses the services specified in the Schedule to the ordinance is taken to be exercising the discretion allowed by section 5 of the Canon Concerning Services 1992.
The Archbishop is also concerned that the effect of the ordinance may, inadvertently, be to limit the freedom that is given to ministers in the services used in their churches since, over time, the freedom may in practice be qualified by reference to the services authorised in the Schedule.
In the circumstances, the Archbishop considers that it would be wise to clarify what purpose the ordinance is seeking to achieve and, if it is desirable to pursue this purpose, whether there is a more appropriate means to do so.
Parish Relationships Amendment Ordinance 2011
The Parish Relationships Ordinance 2001 enables a regional council to direct a parish to participate in a licensing review if it considers that a serious breakdown may have occurred in the pastoral relationships between the minister and a substantial number of parishioners of a parish in its region. Certain requirements must be met before a regional council can make a direction.
The key amendment is a reduction from 4 years to 2 years in the period during which a regional council may not direct a licensing review for a parish with a newly appointed minster. The Ordinance also makes other amendments concerning the processes to be followed to initiate and conduct a licensing review.
The Archbishop has indicated that his hesitation in assenting to the ordinance is over the question of whether the moratorium on initiating a licensing review under the Parish Relationships Ordinance 2001 should be 2 or 4 years from the minister commencing in the parish. The Archbishop senses that the matter was insufficiently debated at Synod given its importance.
In making his decision not to assent to this ordinance, the Archbishop has invited the Standing Committee to promote the ordinance to the Synod next year and, if passed by the Synod again, he has indicated he will assent to the ordinance.
- 7 - Appendix: Resolutions of the 1st Session of the 49th Synod
1/11 Federal Government support of Anglican Aid
Synod welcomes the decision by the Federal Government and Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd to match dollar for dollar the gifts of Australian people to famine relief in the most severe crisis to hit the Horn of Africa in 60 years.
And further that Synod expresses its thanks to the Federal Government through AusAID for including The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid in the NGO’s who are able to participate in the dollar matching programme for October and November.
(Dr Karin Sowada 10/10/11)
2/11 General Synod 2010 Legislation
Synod receives the report on General Synod 2010 Legislation and adopts the recommendations made in that report.
(Mr Neil Cameron 10/10/11)
3/11 Towards 2050
Synod, noting the interim report in response to resolution 2/10 Towards 2050 – (a) encourages Synod members to consider the report and its recommendations and to provide comments on the report to the Diocesan Secretary by 31 March 2012, and (b) requests the Standing Committee to bring to the 2012 session of the Synod a motion to enable the Synod to consider the recommendations in the report.
(The Rev Andrew Katay 10/10/11)
4/11 Disability Sunday
Synod, mindful of Christ’s clear call in Luke 14 that those who follow Him will be socially inclusive of the vulnerable and people with a disability, and in line with Synod Resolution 34/09 which commits the Diocese to advocate to Government on behalf of people with a disability, strongly supports the establishment of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and calls on parishes to participate in Disability Sunday on October 30, 2011 as a way of encouraging social inclusion in church life of people with a disability and their carers.
Therefore Synod – (a) affirms Christ’s teaching in Luke 14 that all believers should make every effort to care for and be socially inclusive of those who are vulnerable and have a disability; (b) supports the establishment of a NDIS as a key way to improve the wellbeing of people with a disability and their carers; (c) encourages churches to participate in Disability Sunday – to pray for people with a disability, their carers and government reforms that will improve their wellbeing, and to send letters of support for a NDIS to Government; (d) urges churches to ensure they are fostering an attitude of inclusion and care for people who have a disability and carers; and (e) calls parishes to proactively reach out to their communities in loving service to people with disabilities, noting that ANGLICARE can assist parishes to do this.
(Mr Grant Millard 10/10/11)
- 8 - 5/11 Threatened execution of Yousef Nadarkhani
This Synod – (i) requests that the Diocesan Secretary ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs to express publicly and privately to the Iranian Government, our nation’s opposition to the imprisonment and threatened execution of the evangelical pastor: Yousef Nadarkhani; (ii) asks that clergy make this a matter of public prayer, especially praying for pastor Nadarkhani, his wife Fatemah, their sons Daniel and Joel, and their church as well as praying for all Christians in Iran, and (iii) calls upon the representatives of the media to bring the plight of this man who refuses to recant his conversion to Christ to the attention of our nation.
(Dean Phillip Jensen 10/10/11)
6/11 Eagle Vale: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Eagle Vale as a parish with effect from 1 January 2012.
(The Rev Craig Hooper 10/10/11)
7/11 English Bible Translation Options
This Synod notes – (i) that the 1984 edition of the NIV Bible translation has been the preferred 'pew Bible' in a majority of our churches, and (ii) the publisher's stated intention to withdraw from publication the 1984 edition of the NIV.
Synod therefore thanks God for several more recently published English versions (both revised and fresh translations) of the Bible and encourages their careful study by those Ministers and other church leaders who will need to make a decision about which option to select as their preferred Bible translation for the public reading and preaching of Scripture.
(Canon Sandy Grant 11/10/11)
8/11 Restorative justice
Synod requests that Standing Committee prepare a report for consideration at the Second Session of Synod – (i) identifying and commenting upon by reference to the workings of the Diocesan Tribunal the biblical and practical principles of restorative justice with an emphasis on restitution and reconciliation, (ii) promoting recommendations for change if any, by bringing to Synod for consideration suggested amendments to existing ordinances.
(Mr Andrew Frank 11/10/11)
9/11 Anglican Communion Covenant
Synod, noting the report on the Anglican Communion Covenant provided in response to resolution 19/10 – (a) opposes the adoption of the Anglican Communion Covenant by the Anglican Church of Australia, and (b) adopts the report and requests that a suitable form of the report be sent to the Standing Committee of the General Synod.
(The Rev Dr Mark Thompson 11/10/11)
10/11 Archbishop’s Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance
Synod welcomes the report of the Archbishop's Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance together with the responses thereto of the GAB/SDS, the ACPT and SACS, and requests the Standing Committee to – (a) undertake consideration of the possible ways in which –
- 9 - (i) the concerns raised in the responses from the GAB/SDS, the ACPT and SACS may be addressed, and then (ii) the recommendations may be implemented, and (b) in the light of (a), pass such legislation as may be desirable or practicable, excluding any sale ordinance, or otherwise report to the next session of the Synod on any future proposals.
(Mr Peter Kell 11/10/11)
11/11 Priscilla and Aquila Centre
Synod – (a) welcomes the establishment of the Priscilla and Aquila Centre, an initiative of Moore College promoting the ministry of men and women in partnership, (b) encourages Ms Jane Tooher, Centre Director, to continue publishing resources and arranging conferences to help the Diocese explore and understand such ministry, (c) assures those involved of its continued prayerful support, and (d) gives thanks to God for the godly vision, stewardship and ministry of the deaconesses which saw the purchase and establishment of Deaconess House at 28 Carillon Avenue in 1916, for how their ministry and foresight secured facilities thus enabling the training of women in gospel work, and have now provided the foundation for the creation and development of the Pricilla and Aquila Centre and the continued ministry to women at Moore Theological College.
(The Rev Nigel Fortescue 12/10/11)
12/11 New Perspectives on Anglican Education
Synod – (a) thanks the Archbishop for establishing an Education Think Tank subsequent to his Presidential Address to Synod in 2009 (b) acknowledges with gratitude the deliberations of the Think Tank over the past eighteen months (c) welcomes the imminent publication of the first instalment of its work: ‘New Perspectives on Anglican Education’ and (d) expresses its hope that this and subsequent publications will contribute to robust discussion and increased awareness of the distinctives of Anglican education which we pray will continue to shape and strengthen Anglican schools within and beyond the Diocese.
(Dr Bryan Cowling 12/10/11)
13/11 Supply of Christian Teachers
Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of Ian Keast (Director of the Christians in Teaching Project) and the Anglican Education Commission for its valiant efforts in recruiting committed Christians into teaching and acknowledges the challenge to find 4,000 Christians to replace those expected to retire over the next few years and urges all Anglican schools and parishes to pray for and support by taking concrete action the achievement of this goal.
(Mr Hans Norved 12/10/11)
14/11 Humanity and rights of unborn children
In light of the San Jose Articles, launched on 6 October 2011 at the United Nations, which defend the humanity and rights of unborn children and clarify that access to abortion is not a right under international instruments, this Synod – (a) affirms that all human life is a gift from God, and, irrespective of race, gender, ability, and socio- economic circumstances, is created in his image, with inherent dignity and value, and accordingly, that ending the life of an unborn child is to be avoided unless the mother’s own life is genuinely at risk; and (b) declares that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness, healing and hope to all those who have knowingly ended the life of an unborn child; and (c) thanks God for the efforts of those responsible for the San Jose Articles, in their attempts to defend the rights of unborn children; and
- 10 - (d) asks the Diocesan Secretary to write to all federal and state members of Parliament informing them of this motion, and commending the San Jose Articles.
(Dr Claire Smith 12/10/11)
15/11 Harbour Church
Synod acknowledges the far reaching significance of Policy 2 of the Diocesan Mission and therefore welcomes to our fellowship the new Recognised Church of Harbour Church, Shellharbour with its first rector the Rev Rob Sharp and Synod representatives.
In welcoming this new parish without property, Synod gives thanks to God – (a) for the missionary outreach initiative of the parish of Shellharbour City Centre to plant a new congregation in 2007 into Shellharbour Anglican College, along with their sacrificial concern to nurture and grow that congregational plant until it would stand alone as a separate church within our Diocese; (b) for the courage and conviction of the lay planting team originally led by the Rev Mal York who stepped up to the mark, counted the cost and moved their families to plant a new congregation, in a new place, for the sake of the lost; (c) for the provision in 2010 of the Rev Rob Sharp and his family to take charge of the congregational plant and skilfully grow it into an evangelistic force in the Shellharbour Anglican College and in the local community along with the growth of the Harbour Church community and their strong partnership in the gospel; (d) for the external financial partners who generously contributed resources in partnership with Shellharbour City Centre and for the generosity of the Anglican Schools Corporation, through Shellharbour Anglican College with its head Tony Cummings and School Council, for their mission mindedness in placing the resources of the College at the ongoing disposal of Harbour Church; (e) for the global financial crisis which resulted in the government stimulus plan, whereby a new multi purpose hall was built at the college in 2010. This has given an enormous boost to Harbour Church which is now free to grow and fill that hall with more than 500 believers and their children to the glory and praise of God.
(The Rev Michael Williamson 12/10/11)
16/11 REAP Journals
Synod – (a) congratulates the Rev John Gray and Youthworks upon the development of the REAP journals, (b) commends their use by all Anglicans, and (c) agrees with the Archbishop’s endorsement – ‘Let’s get back to basics! Daily, disciplined study of God’s word personally, and in families, is indispensable for Christian knowledge and obedience. With the REAP journals, Youthworks has given us a great tool to help achieve this.’
(The Rev Rick Lewers 12/10/11)
17/11 Funding Principles and Priorities
Synod – (a) notes the draft Statement of Funding Principles and Priorities, and (b) requests Standing Committee to insert in its Principles a procedure to be adopted by any organisation seeking funds, including a detailed proposal for the purpose, likely timing of the expenditure and a review of the reserves currently held by that body, and (c) requests that Synod members provide comments about the draft Statement to the Diocesan Secretary by 1 March 2012 with a view to the Statement being finalised by the Mission Board and the Standing Committee for the 2012 Synod session and circulated to Synod members by 1 August 2012 together with bills for Synod Appropriations and Allocations and Parochial Cost Recoveries.
(Bishop Peter Hayward 12/10/11)
- 11 - 18/11 Gambling in Australia
This Synod again notes the Productivity Commission's report into gambling which reports that – (i) there are between 80,000 – 160,000 problem gamblers in Australia, with another 230,000 – 350,000 vulnerable to problem gambling; (ii) poker machine users are disproportionately represented among the ranks of Australia's problem gamblers; (iii) 41% of the $11.9 billion that Australians lose annually on poker machines comes from problem gamblers.
Therefore Synod again endorses efforts being proposed in Australia's Federal Parliament to reduce the impact and incidence of problem gambling, for example, by the introduction of a compulsory pre-commitment system for poker machine use.
In addition, Synod calls on the NSW Government to reduce its reliance on taxation on gambling.
Synod encourages ministers, synod representatives and other church members to continue to write to their parliamentary representatives in support of such harm minimisation measures and commends to Synod members and ministers the Social Issues Executive Briefings 33 and 91 (available on-line) for sound biblical arguments for why gambling is both wrong for Christian believers and damaging to our community.
(Canon Sandy Grant 17/10/11)
19/11 Indefinite term of membership on diocesan bodies
Synod asks Standing Committee to review the membership of diocesan organisations to determine any bodies which have members appointed for an indefinite term and to consider whether this is appropriate.
(Mr Doug Marr 17/10/11)
20/11 Publication of Synod proceedings in electronic form
Synod asks Standing Committee to consider, and if feasible, to publish this year’s Synod proceedings in electronic form.
(Mr Robert Tong 17/10/11)
21/11 Prayers and support for St John’s Vancouver and others
Synod requests that the following message be sent to the following four churches in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada: St. John's Vancouver (comprising the congregations formerly known as St John’s Shaughnessy); Good Shepherd, Vancouver; St. Matthias & St. Luke's Vancouver; and St. Matthews, Abbotsford – “The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney wish to extend our prayers and support to you in this time of transition and change. We praise God for your commitment to upholding Scripture and your willingness to contend and suffer for the faith. You have been a great example in grace, wisdom and humility to Bible-believing Christians, both here in Australia, and around the world. We pray the Lord’s richest blessings on your fellowship as you continue to proclaim, rejoice and grow in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the grace of God will ring out from you in the great city of Vancouver, to the glory of God.”
(The Rev Nigel Parker 17/10/11)
22/11 Parish contribution to the Work Outside the Diocese fund
In an effort to maintain using 5% of the allocations for the Work Outside the Diocese fund, Synod requests Standing Committee to consider asking each parish to pay $172 voluntary contribution toward the Work Outside the Diocese fund when they pay their first PCR instalment for 2012.
(The Rev Gavin Poole 17/10/11)
- 12 - 23/11 Dr Patricia Brennan
Synod gives thanks to God for the life and work of Dr Patricia Brennan AM; medical missionary, advocate for women’s ordination, commentator, breast cancer and forensic physician, sexual assault councillor and member of this Synod.
(Professor Bernard Stewart 17/10/11)
24/11 The Venerable Narelle Jarrett
Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of the Venerable Narelle Jarrett, who retires from the Synod at the end of this year, and in particular – (a) her encouragement and support of women in ministry in the Diocese for over forty years; (b) her faithful ministry as Archdeacon of Women's Ministry from 2002; and (c) her outstanding leadership as Principal of Mary Andrews College from 1985-2007 (previously known as Deaconess House until 1997); (d) her initiatives in providing training for laywomen in Bible knowledge and ministry skills throughout the Diocese; and (e) her inspiration to both men and women as a godly and humble servant of Christ.
Synod expresses its gratitude to Narelle and wishes her God's blessing upon her future life and ministry.
(Bishop Glenn Davies 17/10/11)
25/11 Mr Steve McKerihan
Synod learns with sadness of the death of Steve McKerihan, former CEO of the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat and the Glebe Administration Board. It places on record its deep appreciation of the dedicated and expert contribution he made to the work of the SDS, the GAB and the Diocese as a whole, especially in the events surrounding the recent financial crisis.
We recall with gratitude his deep commitment to Jesus Christ, demonstrated by a life of humble and dedicated service to his family and friends, his local church and in recent years, to our churches.
Synod extends its deep sympathy to his wife, Margaret and their family at their loss and prays that they will be comforted by the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Christ, the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead and the joyful reunion in his presence of all who believe.
(Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones 17/10/11)
26/11 Poverty reduction and promoting a global vision in education
This Synod commends the work of Anglican Aid, particularly ORAF (the Archbishop’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund) in seeking to reduce extreme poverty by supporting development projects particularly in and through Anglican congregations in third world countries.
The Synod requests that Diocesan Education Policy recognises that a Christian approach to education will foster teaching and learning that promotes a global vision of Christian care and compassion (including an understanding of the plight of those living in extreme poverty) which spans curriculum subjects and moves from classroom instruction to practical action.
(Associate Professor Alan Watson 17/10/11)
27/11 Kirribilli: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Kirribilli as a parish with effect from 1 January 2012.
(The Rev Paul Dale 17/10/11)
- 13 - 28/11 General Synod assessments and consultation
Synod, noting the report on 12/10 General Synod Assessments and Consultation with the General Synod Standing Committee – (a) in light of – (i) page 4-084 of Book 4 – General Synod Standing Committee Financial Report, The Fifteenth General Synod, 2010, that records – • the General Synod forecast surplus from its business activities in 2012 is $143,360, • the General Synod forecast revenue that leads to that surplus is $522,000, being $294,000 from the Long Service Leave Fund and $228,000 from Telstra Commissions, and (ii) the contribution that will be made to that surplus by – • Sydney diocesan clergy, who make up approximately 33% of the active membership of the Long Service Leave Fund, and • the hundreds of Sydney parishes and parishioners and the dozens of Sydney diocesan schools, organisations and associated individuals who are contracted to Telstra via the Telstra Anglican Plan, requests that the General Synod Standing Committee – • grants relief to Sydney's 2011 general assessment charge proportionate to Sydney's contribution to the surplus from the General Synod's business activities, and • sets future budgets for the general assessment aware of Sydney's contribution to the surplus from the General Synod's business activities, and (b) supports the adoption of the following principles in respect of the finances of the General Synod – (i) existing surpluses in the Special Fund should be used to reduce the amount of special assessment payable by those dioceses who choose to pay the special assessment, (ii) no surpluses should be accumulated in the Special Fund in the future, (iii) income from the General Synod reserve should be used to fund the General Secretary’s office, (iv) royalties should be paid from the sale of liturgical resources back to the General Synod reserve, and (c) notes that 3 bills for canons promoted by representatives of this Diocese at the last session of the General Synod with the support of the Standing Committee, namely – (i) the bill to amend section 30 of the Constitution so as to make a declaration by the synod of a diocese that a canon affects the order and good government of the church within a diocese or the church trust property of the diocese conclusive, and (ii) the bill to amend section 32(2) of the Constitution so as to ensure a financial liability imposed on a diocese is limited to the costs, charges and expenses necessary to maintain the Constitution, and (iii) the bill to amend section 63 of the Constitution so as to bring to an end the advisory opinion jurisdiction of the Appellate Tribunal, were not debated or considered by the General Synod, and (iv) records its view that these amendments are critical to the maintenance of harmonious relationships within the Anglican Church of Australia, and (v) requests the Diocesan Secretary to pass these views on to the Standing Committee of the General Synod and to the National Unity Task Force established by that body, and (vi) further requests that these amendments, in the same or modified form be promoted to the next session of the General Synod by its representatives on that body.
(Mr Neil Cameron 17/10/11)
29/11 Efficiency and transparency of Synod election process
Synod asks the Standing Committee to consider possible improvements to the efficiency and transparency of the Synod election processes without changing the qualifications and composition of the various committees, councils and boards.
(Mr Doug Marr 18/10/11)
- 14 - 30/11 International Chinese Christian School
Synod – (a) notes the proposed commencement of the International Chinese Christian School (ICCS) in January 2012, (b) gives thanks to God for this gospel initiative, (c) prays that God will use ICCS for the evangelisation of Sydney and equipping of Christians for ministry to the Chinese in Sydney and around the world, and (d) encourages parishes and Diocesan organisations to pray for and otherwise support ICCS.
(The Rev Brian Tung 18/10/11)
31/11 Sir Marcus Loane
On the 100th anniversary of his birth, Synod thanks God for the life and ministry of Sir Marcus Loane; Moore College Principal (1953-1966), Australian Army Chaplain (Kokoda Track, 1942-1945) the first Australian born Archbishop of Sydney (1966-1982) and Primate of Australia (1978).
We thank God for Sir Marcus’ contribution to the evangelical identity of our Diocese. He served us by providing a model of godly leadership and leaving a legacy of published works. In particular those biographical books bringing to life heroes of the faith will ensure that our evangelical heritage is not easily lost.
With fondness we remember the clarity of his preaching, the strength of his convictions, the warmth of his pastoral care and his faithfulness in prayer.
In passing this motion, Synod thanks God for Lady Loane and her partnership in Sir Marcus’ ministry. We send her greetings, love and God’s comfort.
(Canon Rick Smith 18/10/11)
32/11 Deaconess Margaret Rodgers
Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of Deaconess Margaret Rodgers, who retired from Synod last year, and in particular – (a) her distinguished presence on the floor of Synod for over thirty years; (b) her longstanding membership of Standing Committee (since 1982); (c) her service to the General Synod as a diocesan representative since 1979, serving on both its Standing Committee and international committees, including her time as General Synod Research Officer (1985-1993); (d) her commitment to the training of women in ministry through Deaconess House, as Tutor, Vice- Principal and finally Principal from 1976-1985; (e) her professional expertise in media relations, becoming the first CEO of Anglican Media (1994-2003) and then the Archbishop's Media Officer (2004-07); and (f) her unwavering commitment to Christ in the service of others for over forty years as a Deaconess.
Synod expresses its gratitude to Margaret and wishes her God's blessing upon her future life and ministry.
(Dr Karin Sowada 18/10/11)
33/11 Unfilled vacancies on regional councils
Synod, pursuant to clause 7.2(4)(b) of the Schedule to the Synod Elections Ordinance 2000, determines that any vacancy in the office of member of a regional council which is not filled at or during the first ordinary session of Synod may be filled by resolution of the regional council as if the vacancy were a casual vacancy occurring under clause 5(1) of the Regions Ordinance 1995.
(Mr Robert Wicks 18/10/11)
- 15 - 34/11 Wollondilly: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Wollondilly as a parish with effect from 1 January 2012.
(The Rev Kevin Flanagan 18/10/11)
35/11 Malabar: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Malabar as a parish with effect from 1 January 2012.
(Mr Greg Bergan 18/10/11)
36/11 Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings
Synod – (a) receives Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings development version, and (b) commends its use and study by the parishes of the Diocese during the next year, and (c) requests that comments and suggestions be made to the Archbishop's Liturgical Panel, if possible by 31 March, and at the latest by 30 June 2012, and (d) notes that services can be downloaded and feedback given at www.commonprayer.org.au, and (e) requests the Archbishop's Liturgical Panel to bring a revised form of the book to the next session of Synod with a view to considering adding its contents to the appendix of services recognised under the Authorised Services Ordinance.
(Bishop Robert Forsyth 18/10/11)
37/11 Legal definition of marriage
In light of recent continued debate, this Synod again urges the Federal Parliament to retain the current definition of marriage at law, namely as ‘the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’, in the Marriage Act. This definition not only reflects biblical teaching, but widespread and longstanding practice which has served the good of human societies independent of religious affiliation.
And Synod encourages ministers, Synod representatives, and other church members to write to their parliamentary representatives affirming the current legislative definition for marriage.
(Canon Sandy Grant/Mr Lachlan Bryant)
38/11 Review of the Department of Evangelism and New Churches
Synod – (a) thanks God for the work of the Department of Evangelism and New Churches (ENC) and rejoices in the potential of New Fellowships to reach many in the Diocese; (b) requests Standing Committee, in their review of the Department of Evangelism and New Churches (ENC) Reconstituting Ordinance 2010 which is due for report to the Synod in 2012, to include specific analysis of the following – (i) how much ENC’s operations reflect the priorities and modes of operation expressed in the Department of Evangelism (New Churches) Reconstitution Ordinance 2010 Explanatory Report, particularly in regard to church planting in new geographic areas where the local parishes have already created plans and have the resources to begin a new work, (ii) what efforts are made to speak to local parishes and mission areas prior to developing plans for planting New Fellowships, (iii) whether the priority in the ordinance of “resourcing churches and parishes to evangelise, including through the planting of new congregations in the Diocese” over “identifying, training, supporting and appointing suitably gifted persons to evangelise, including through the planting and leading of new fellowships in the Diocese” has been maintained (4.2.a and 4.2.b in the ordinance),
- 16 - (iv) what the effect of ENC church in new geographic areas has on the impetus of local churches and Mission Areas considering their own plans for church planting, (v) what theological institutions ENC considers candidates from and what level of theological training is required in their New Fellowship planters, (vi) what effect it would have on a New Fellowship in the case that a church planter is unwilling or unable to be ordained to the ministry of the word in the Sydney Diocese, (vii) what effect it would have on the integration of a New Fellowship into the life of the Diocese in the case that a church planter is unwilling or unable to be ordained to the ministry of the word in the Sydney Diocese, (viii) the relationship between ENC and the Mission Property Committee, and the process by which the use of Mission Property is decided, and, if necessary, to bring an amended ordinance reflecting any recommended changes to the next session of Synod.
(The Rev Joseph Wiltshire 18/10/11)
- 17 -