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New rules for administering your parish [Schedule 1]

The Parish Administration Ordinance 2008 was passed by the Synod in October and sets out the new rules for administering your parish.

The new rules come into effect on 1 January 2009 and will replace the rules under the following ordinances (which will be repealed from that date) –

• Church Administration Ordinance 1990
• Church Grounds and Buildings Ordinance 1990
• Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004, and
• Use of Church Property Ordinance 1995.

In order to ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new rules, special transitional arrangements provide that anything done under one of these repealed ordinances will, in most cases, be treated as if it had been done under the corresponding provisions of the Parish Administration Ordinance.  For example, a person who was elected as a parish councillor under the Church Administration Ordinance 1990 will be treated as if they had been elected as a parish councillor under the Parish Administration Ordinance.

Two models of administration

The Parish Administration Ordinance offers two alternative models for administering a parish.  This continues the approach taken under the Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004.

The first model enables a parish to be administered on the basis of its church or churches.  The rules for this model are set out in Schedule 1 of the Ordinance.  This is the default model for most parishes.

The second model enables a parish to be administered as a whole.  The rules for this model are set out in Schedule 2 of the Ordinance.  Unless a decision has already been made to opt into this model under the Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004, it is necessary for a parish to “opt into” this model under the process set out in the opening provisions of the Parish Administration Ordinance.

Separately printed booklets for each model

Because only one model of administration applies to a parish, the rules for each model have been printed separately in a “Red booklet” (for the first model) and a “Green booklet” (for the second model).  Copies of the relevant booklet have been sent to each parish.

Our records indicate that your parish continues to be administered on the basis of its church or churches.  Accordingly I enclose a number of copies of the “Red booklet”.

I trust that you will find the booklet useful.

In view of the limited number of booklets that have been printed, it may not be possible to provide your parish with further copies if, for example, a booklet is lost or not returned by a retiring office holder.  I therefore suggest you retain at least one copy in your office.

There may be instances when you want to look at the Parish Administration Ordinance in its entirety, for example if you are considering whether to change your model of administration and would like to know how this is done.  A complete version of the Parish Administration Ordinance, including both Schedules, can be found on our website at www.sds.asn.au.

Changes made by the new rules

The new rules made by the Parish Administration Ordinance introduce a considerable number of changes.  Many of these changes are intended to improve the structure and language of the rules or clarify areas which were previously uncertain.  However a number of substantive changes have been made in the following areas –

• General meetings of parishioners (previously vestry meetings),
• Parish councils,
• Wardens (previously churchwardens),
• Ministers,
• Services of public worship (previously divine service),
• Permitted use of churches, and
• Safe ministry.

These changes are outlined in the attached note.

If you want a more detailed explanation of the changes made by the new rules, you should refer to the comparative table of provisions attached to the report to the Synod about the Parish Administration Ordinance.  This can be found on our website at www.sds.asn.au under the section on the Synod and Standing Committee.

Use of notes in the rules

The new rules include notes in various places which explain the practical effect of the rules or which cross reference to other provisions in the rules and to other ordinances.  Although the notes do not strictly form part of the rules, it is hoped they will provide useful guidance.

Any questions or comments

Any general questions or comments about the Parish Administration Ordinance should be directed to the Manager, Diocesan and Policy Services, Martin Thearle, by phone on 9265 1682 or at mrt@sydney.anglican.asn.au.  Questions of a legal nature should be directed to the Manager Legal Services, Steve Lucas, by phone on 9265 1647 or at szl@sydney.anglican.asn.au.

 

ROBERT WICKS
Diocesan Secretary

17 December 2008