newsletter !o $% !o&emer +,-$ HIGHLIGHTS FROM SYDNEY SYNOD 2015 Synod commenced with a Holy this may cause (yoga has It was argued that an Communion Service in the traditionally involved Archbishop (Jensen first and Cathedral - a beautiful worshipping other gods); and now Davies) had the right and traditional Anglican service, advises schools, and other authority to prevent public assisted by the choir from St Anglican institutions not to debate on an option that was Andrew’s School. engage in yoga and other such unacceptable and contrary to practices, but to seek alternative Anglican doctrine, and contrary The preacher, and Bible study means of promoting health and to promises made by presbyters leader throughout Synod, was well-being. This was passed at ordination. (It became Canon Stephen Gibson, without anyone calling for a obvious, while not overtly stated, preaching from Revelations. debate. that the missing opinion related to There was one novelty – the the possibility of fellowship Gloria (after Communion) was Doctrine Commission meals completely replacing Holy replaced by a rousing choir and Report on Fellowship Meals Communion.) orchestral instruments’ rendition for the Proclamation of the of “O when the Saints go Lord’s Death Bishop Forsyth apologised Marching In”. The young that the matter had been handled choir/musicians had such fun - it This Report sparked a very badly. was truly joyous. emotional debate. The final report provides for The Doctrine Commission’s full churches in the diocese of Sydney RESOLUTIONS original draft of the Report had Following is a selection of the “to have a fellowship meal for the been sent to the Standing proclamation of the Lord’s death, Resolutions passed in the order in Committee in 2011. However the which they were addressed. (see in addition to and distinct from final Report being debated in their sharing in the Lord’s Supper Synod Book, starting page 34 for all). Synod this year had been edited or Holy Communion, as set forth to remove one of the ‘options’ in our authorised liturgies.” (opinions) included in the original Report, by The Synod accepted as final one member of the the Report from Standing Doctrine Commission. Committee as presented to Synod. Some Synod members Church Planting and were upset that Synod Brownfields had not received a Synod was presented with two copy of the full draft reports that had examined the report. experience of church plants, and Speakers such as also the effectiveness of grants made in 2007 (just before the Yoga and other such Bishop Robert Diocese lost its many millions) to activities Forsyth and Dr Mark Thompson stated that the Standing 10 existing parishes to expand This resolution, resulted from a Committee had not agreed to the their building capacities. Both report called for by Synod last full draft coming to Synod (for reports showed variable results in year. In summary, it advises public debate), as one of the terms of church life expansion. churches not to rent out their options (from one member only Synod called for a report to come premises to yoga classes on of the Doctrine Commission) was to it next year recommending account of the spiritual confusion contrary to Anglican formularies. how the Diocese might fund 1 brown field developments recognition of this abbreviation, airing of grievances been helpful (existing parishes which need being the terminology preferred to any organisation, but especially help to expand). by this community. to the Church? Safe Ministry Synod then also resolved to It was noticeable that most of the A resolution re-affirming the accept Bishop Forsyth’s motion “stole” clergy and their lay Diocese’s commitment to safety concerning the Marriage Act, representatives. absented for all in its ministries, especially should the Act be changed to themselves from the chamber for children and vulnerable allow for unions of same sex before the vote, which was a people, was passed. All parishes couples. In summary, the strong, quiet statement. were encouraged to make use of resolution provides for Anglican Nomination Process for the resources at clergy to stay in the official/legal Electing the Archbishop safeministry.org.au and to adopt marriage arrangements, but only formally the Diocesan Safe in respect of male and female It was resolved that “Standing Ministry policy. marriage and while it would be Committee consider bringing to “open for individual clergy, for Synod amendments to the Ministry in Socially example by reason of conscience, Archbishop of Sydney Election Disadvantaged Areas to withdraw as an authorised Ordinance 1982 to give effect to a A number of reports have celebrant in consultation with provision that, once the minimum indicated that disadvantage in their parish”, the resolution number of 20 nominations for a some suburbs remains affirmed that “it would be nominee is reached, no more entrenched over long periods of unnecessary and pastorally nominators are required, and time. A presentation was made unhelpful for the Anglican only the first 20 nominations for a by a few parishes on some social Church of Australia to withdraw nominee received by the programs offering vocational as a recognised denomination Returning Officer will be made training and welfare support. under the Marriage Act…” An known to members of Synod.” These were very heart-warming; amendment that sought to This was passed with a at one point a presenter felt it strengthen a preference for reasonable majority after a necessary to make it clear that Anglican ministers to opt out was robust debate. The mover wants this social justice activity was well defeated. to restore dignity to the process: by removing the grotesque public well complemented with gospel Thirdly, a resolution passed display of how many nominees outreach. regretting the actions/words of can be named for a candidate; by Synod resolved that Standing Bishops of Gippsland ending the strong and Committee should produce a (Goldsworthy) and Wangaratta inappropriate pressure being put report on - “how the Diocese (Parkes). After a gentler evening on clergy and laity to be may best support ministry in than expected, this issue was identified as a nominee for a places of disadvantage in the souring for some of us. candidate; and hence retaining the most deliberate, effective and co- Goldsworthy has made an value of the secret ballot. ordinated manner, including the appointment of an openly gay best way to recruit, train and priest (as McIntyre had done DEBATES ON support leadership in these before her – same man) and (SELECTED) POLICIES areas.” Parkes has spoken out to say that marrying same sex couples is Diocesan Policy for dealing Same Sex Marriage - consistent with scripture. The with Allegations of three related resolutions resolution refers to “...faithful Unacceptable Behaviour A resolution (text at page 43 of Anglicans [in those Dioceses] Synod Book) was passed (huge who are disenfranchised by such This new policy was worked majority), after lengthy debate on actions...” and viewing the two through with amendments and words, affirming marriage as Bishops’ actions “…as a breach then Synod resolved it would being between man and woman, of collegiality and fellowship at a commence on 1 January 2016, at reflecting the views of the profound level… which deeply which point the existing President in his speech. It was a grieves us…” The view of some Grievance Policy and Procedure. respectful, and remarkably of us is that the resolution was This allows time for parishes to gentler, atmosphere than I have unfortunate, unloving and get familiar with the new policy. experienced before in the wider unhelpful. The two Bishops were This quick mention of the item Diocese on this topic; any tone of not there to speak for themselves; must not be misread – Synod condemnation of LGBTIs was and such matters are better left to placed great importance on this absent - indeed it was the the House of Bishops to deal with policy, with its guidance on how opposite, even down to the internally. When has public all clergy and church workers in 2 all our various roles, behave Synod. Synod agreed that the Anglican Schools Ministry towards each other. drafters should work further on an Ordinance 2015 idea for a new levy proposal, with To replace the School Chapels Parochial Cost Recoveries options, but one option being and Chaplains Ordinance 1975, wide enough to affect all parishes, and Church Land this new Ordinance aims to being a levy on any income Acquisitions Levy regulate relationships between all except offertories, eg including Ordinance 2015 Anglican Schools with the local bank interest. In passing this ordinance, all parish community whether extra- parishes are committed to This will come to Synod by parochial or not; provide for continue (probably for some years 2020 along with further appointments and dismissals of to come) to pay levies to help consideration of an alternative, chaplains; define chaplains’ with the purchase of new land for but revised Large Property duties and responsibilities, etc. churches in Sydney fringe. The Receipts policy, which might There were many drafting issues usual parochial cost recovery sweep into its net more parishes and some fundamental questions charges were confirmed. than now. The levy proposal in in some of these matters particular could represent a concerning the authority of the Proposal for a Property seismic shift in raising funds Heads versus the School Council. Receipts Levy Policy from parishes. This may be After incorporating amendments necessary but parishes must be made at Synod and identifying This issue has the potential to alert to, and get engaged in, any some unresolved issues, Synod have a significant impact on all consultations that will occur. agreed to the draft going for parishes’ finances. Sydney consultation to Chairs, Heads and You have been warned.