Synod In Past Years
>> Ordinary Session 2003

Resolutions

1/03 Review of Church ordinances and abuse matters

Synod appoints a committee consisting of Mr Michael Orpwood QC, Mr Garth Blake SC, Mr Neil Cameron, Mr Philip Gerber and Mr ROBERT WICKS to -

(a) review the Tribunal Ordinance 1962, the Church Discipline Ordinance 2002 and the Relinquishment of Holy Orders Ordinance 1994 in light of recent experience and the basic principles contained in the proposed national model legislation for dealing with abuse matters, and consistent with biblical teaching, and

(b) prepare any draft amending ordinances for consideration by the Synod in 2004.

(Mr Philip Gerber - 13.10.03)

2/03 Congregations of other churches joining the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Sydney

Synod, in view of the alarming developments in other Protestant Churches and the possibility of some congregations wishing to associate with or join the Anglican Church in this Diocese, requests that the Standing Committee appoint a committee to consult with the Archbishop on any changes in ordinances, necessary or desirable, to facilitate such moves and to bring any necessary ordinances to affect such changes to the next ordinary session of the Synod.

(Mr Neil Cameron - 13.10.03)

3/03 Formation of the College of Church Planters

Synod approves the formation of a diocesan College of Church Planters to facilitate and stimulate the growth and development of new Anglican congregations and fellowships and to specifically work on the following -

(a) sponsoring and organising local, regional and national church planting conferences and 'schools' in concert with local leaders, parishes and dioceses, and

(b) assisting and stimulating local and regional church planting initiatives through 'roundtables', consultations and coaching, and

(c) researching, evaluating and reporting trends in church planting here and overseas,

and appoints the following persons under the presidency of the Archbishop -

The Rev Stuart Robinson (EM) - Chair
The Rev Stefan Bull - Secretary

and a committee comprising the following people -

Bishop Dudley Foord
Ms Rosie Pidgeon
Ms Kara Gilbert
The Rev Peter Sholl
Mr David Green
Bishop Ray Smith
Mr Greg Middleton
Mr Tony Willis
Dr George May

and the mover, with the power to co-opt.

(Dean Phillip Jensen - 13.10.03)

4/03 Church Planting Taskforce

Synod requests that the Archbishop establish a church planting taskforce funded from the policy 2A budget with representation from each of the regions, Evangelism ministries and other suitable people with the following functions -

(a) to encourage church planting across the regions, and

(b) to research and develop effective models of church planting, and

(c) to encourage and fund strategic pilot projects, and

(d) to train and encourage church planters, and

to monitor and report progress in church planting across the diocese through Southern Cross and the Anglican Media Web site.

(Mr Andrew Mitchell - 13.10.03)

5/03 New Anglican Schools

Synod -

(a) gives thanks to God for the establishment of two new Anglican schools in the Diocese of Sydney – Shellharbour Anglican College in the Illawarra and Wollondilly Anglican College in the Southern Highlands, and

(b) assures the respective foundation principals of the schools, Mr Stuart Quarmby and Mr Tony Cummings, and their school councils, of its prayers and encouragement as they prepare for their opening in January 2004."

(The Rev Ian Mears - 13.10.03)

6/03 Election of Canon David Mulready as the Bishop of North West Australia

Synod congratulates Canon David Mulready on his election to be the next Bishop of North West Australia, gives thanks to God for his ministry in the Diocese of Sydney and assures David and Maureen of its prayers and best wishes for their new ministry.

(Bishop Ivan Lee - 13.10.03)

7/03 Protocol regarding inheritances from parishioners

Synod requests that the regional archdeacons draft a protocol regarding the propriety of clergy, employees of parishes, Diocesan officials, and employees of Diocesan organisations, receiving inheritances from parishioners.

(Dean Phillip Jensen - 14.10.03)

8/03 The Rev Howard Dillon

In view of the projected retirement of the Rev Howard Frederick Dillon in August 2004, Synod gives profound thanks to Almighty God for the public ministry of Howard Dillon in this Diocese and beyond over the past 40 years, and especially for his leadership of the Sydney Anglican Home Mission Society (Anglicare Diocese of Sydney) since his appointment as Executive Director from the beginning of 1996.

Synod expresses its appreciation of his service and ministry and prays for Howard and Aileen a satisfying and fruitful retirement.

(The Rev Martin Robinson - 14.10.03)

9/03 Reclassification of West Ryde as a parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of West Ryde as a parish with effect from 1 January 2004.

(The Rev Richard Mills - 14.10.03)

10/03 Reclassification of Oakhurst as a parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Oakhurst as a parish with effect from 1 January 2004.

(The Rev Trevor Ackman - 14.10.03)

11/03 Reclassification of Rooty Hill as a parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Rooty Hill as a parish with effect from 1 January 2004.

(The Rev Ray Galea - 14.10.03)

12/03 Reclassification of St John’s Park as a parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of St John’s Park as a parish with effect from 1 January 2004.

(Archdeacon Geoff Huard - 14.10.03)

13/03 Moore Theological College

Synod requests that the Standing Committee –

(a) appoint a committee to prepare in consultation with the College Council, recommendations concerning ways in which the Diocese as a whole and individual churches may support the work of Moore College in its training of lay and stipendiary ministers, and

(b) report to the next ordinary session of Synod

(Mr Rodney Dredge - 15.10.03)

14/03 Funding of the Mission

In light of this Synod's commitment to the Mission, and the need to increase funds available for the Mission, Synod hereby requests-

(a) every parish, provisional parish, Anglican School and Diocesan organisation within the Sydney Diocese to transfer their main cheque account facility and deposits to the Glebe Income Accounts, by 31 March 2004, and

(b) all Sydney Anglicans consider investing their own term deposits and other funds into Glebe Income Accounts.

(The Rev Ian Millican - 15.10.03)

15/03 Archbishop of Sydney’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund

Synod commends the ministry of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund especially under the leadership of Mrs Kim Vanden Hengel who has brought new impetus to the work as well as a new emphasis on partnership with CMS missionaries such as Mark and Annette Bennett in Cairo and Max and Hanna Collison in Nairobi and with churches planted by CMS missionaries such as at Katoke in Tanzania led by Canon Samuel Habimana.

We thank God for the renewed energy and growth this work has promoted in the churches and communities concerned, and we pray that the leaders in each place may have wisdom and grace to use this provision faithfully and well.

As a materially wealthy church in a wealthy society we affirm our commitment to stand with our brothers and sisters throughout the world especially those in churches begotten by Australian CMS missionaries located in areas of deep poverty and great physical need - need for improved education, health provision and food security.

We ask the Archbishop and his officers, as an expression of the Diocesan mission ‘in all the world’, to ensure there is a vigorous expansion of work such as that of ORAF which we note has attracted increasing numbers of donors in recent times and higher total donations.

(Assoc Professor Alan Watson - 15.10.03)

16/03 Reappointment of the Stipends and Allowances Committee

Synod hereby reappoints the Stipends and Allowances Committee, with power to co-opt and directs that it report its findings and recommendations to the Standing Committee for action. Synod further requests that the Standing Committee, in making any future appointments to fill vacancies arising on the Committee, should seek to ensure that there is always a significant majority of lay membership

(Mr Philip Gerber - 15.10.03)

17/03 Mission property strategic plan

Synod endorses in general terms the Mission Property Committee’s strategic plan and encourages parishes and organisations to consider how they can support the implementation of that plan.

(Mr Peter Kell - 15.10.03)

18/03 Archbishop Sir Marcus Loane

Synod notes that on Tuesday 14 October Archbishop Marcus Loane celebrated his 92nd birthday. Synod respectfully requests that the Archbishop write to Sir Marcus and convey to him the best wishes and warm Christian greetings of the Synod.

(Deaconess Margaret Rodgers - 20.10.03)

19/03 Ministry of Mrs Lois Rabey

Synod thanks God for the effective ministry of Mrs Lois Rabey of the USA to the women of our Diocese and urges all Synod members to encourage the women in their parish to attend the remaining meetings this week. Synod also wishes to commend the initiative of MU Australia, the Wollongong Regional Council and the Archbishop for providing this evangelistic opportunity in our Diocese.

(The Rev John Livingstone - 20.10.03)

20/03 Proclamation of the word of God

Enthusiastically accepting the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, acknowledging the Diocesan Mission to be one expression of that mission and noting the Archbishop’s reference in his Presidential Address to each church being a "context of the unbeliever to hear God’s word and be saved", this Synod recognises that from the earliest times, as recorded in Scripture, and throughout history, the word of God, by the will of God, is often proclaimed to the unbeliever outside of the context of church and urges Christian people to proclaim this message from God and about God in many different contexts, including the "market places" of our world.

(Dr Barry Newman - 20.10.03)

21/03 Act to amend the Anglican Clergy Provident Fund Act

Synod requests that the board of the Anglican Provident Fund (Sydney) consider seeking from the New South Wales Parliament an appropriate amendment or amendments to the Anglican Clergy Provident Fund Act 1908 and the Anglican Clergy Provident Fund (Sydney) (Amendment) Act 1941 to enable the Standing Committee to exercise delegated powers of the Sydney Synod in passing any ordinance in respect of the Fund.
(Mr Richard Lambert - 20.10.03)

22/03 Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy

Noting the Diocesan Mission of seeing at least 10% of the population of the Diocese in Bible-based churches in the next ten years and particularly noting policy 2, ‘…to take further initiatives to create fellowships by penetrating structures of society beyond the reach of the parish church …’, Synod –

(a) gives thanks to God for the continued progress of the Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy (ARCC) in seeking to establish a gospel ministry to people working in the thoroughbred horse-racing industry, and

(b) urges members to pray for harmonious relationships with racing clubs, administrators and individuals, so that the gospel may not be hindered in any way, and

urges members to pray that a suitable candidate with a licence to officiate will be found for the position of chaplain.

(The Rev Jeremy Tonks - 20.10.03)

23/03 Listing of children’s workers in the Diocesan year book

Synod requests that, in the 2004 and subsequent Diocesan Year Books, provision be made for a separate listing of children’s workers, in addition to, but separate from the youth workers’ listing.

(Miss Jennifer Flower - 20.10.03)

24/03 Prohibited persons

Synod requests that the Standing Committee have the Professional Standards Board review clauses 22(6) and 32(2) of the Church Administration Ordinance 1990 which state respectively -

‘A person who is a prohibited person within the meaning of the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1988 may not be appointed or elected as a churchwarden of a church.’

and

‘A person who is a prohibited person within the meaning of the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1988 may not be elected or appointed as a member of a parish council or a committee established under clause 29A of a parish.’

and report to the 2004 session of the Synod on –

(a) the operation of those clauses and their effect on parish councils and the administration of parishes, and

(b) the inclusion of an appropriate diocesan review and decision process to allow a church member with prohibited person status to apply for conditional or full exemption from the exclusions to be elected or appointed as a churchwarden or parish councillor.

(Ms Aliki Darlow - 20.10.03)

25/03 Freemasonry

Synod, noting the 1988 Report to Synod entitled "Freemasonry Examined" and subsequent resolution 9/88 of that Synod -

(a) affirms that Freemasonry and Christianity are fundamentally and irreconcilably incompatible, and

(b) affirms that Freemasonry teaches and upholds a system of false religious and spiritual beliefs that are contrary to biblical Christianity.

Synod encourages ministers and other Christians to take every opportunity to reach out in love to all Freemasons and share with them the gospel of Christ.

Synod encourages all Christians who are members of a Masonic Lodge to demonstrate their commitment to Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God and as the sole way of salvation, by withdrawing from the Lodge.

Synod encourages ministers not to participate in, nor allow in their church buildings, any religious services or activities that uphold, condone, promote or encourage adherence to Freemasonry.

Synod requests the Councils of all Anglican Schools to consider any association that their school may have with any Masonic Lodge, and to withdraw from any such association. Synod further requests that Anglican Schools neither participate in any activity that may uphold, condone, promote or encourage adherence to Freemasonry, nor give publicity to any such activity, nor allow the name of the school to be used in association with any such activity.

Synod requests Standing Committee to undertake the preparation, production and distribution of a clear and unambiguous booklet suitable for wide distribution, examining the key rites, teachings and beliefs of Freemasonry and explaining why they differ from Biblical Christianity, and explaining why it is wrong for a Christian to belong to the Lodge.

(The Rev Bill Winthrop - 20.10.03)

26/03 Lay and diaconal administration of Holy Communion

Synod requests that the Standing Committee –

(a) bring to the next session a bill which incorporates the recommendations of its sub-committee for consideration by the Synod at that session, and

(b) arrange for a formal debate on the bill at that session, and

report to that session as to the possible consequences of the passing of an ordinance which authorises diaconal and lay administration and as to how any adverse consequences can be avoided.

(Bishop Glenn Davies - 20.01.03)

27/03 Creation of a mission partnership fund

Synod requests that the Standing Committee, in calculating the cost recoveries charges payable by parochial units in 2005, consider providing for the creation in that year of a mission partnership fund to be funded by such charges and applied between the regional councils in such manner as the Standing Committee may determine.

(The Rev Andrew Monk - 21.10.03)

28/03 Church of England on Norfolk Island

Synod sends its greetings to the Church of England on Norfolk Island, and assures the Church of our prayers and best wishes.

(Bishop ROBERT FORSYTH - 21.10.03)

29/03 Future shape of ministry

Synod encourages the Standing Committee and its Mission Taskforce to continue to consider proposals for the future shape of ministry in the Diocese and, in relation thereto, encourages consideration of the following specific matters –

(a) the funding of proposals,

(b) what will happen to lay stipendiary workers,

(c) the permanence of ministry (including whether ‘ordination’ as a minister is temporary or permanent),

(d) the ministry of deacons, in reality and in theory,

(e) de-centralisation of the delivery of training,

(f) ecumenical movements with other bible based churches,

(g) recognition of previous study and a wider range of study and experience, and

(h) and other items.

(Dean Phillip Jensen - 21.10.03)

30/03 Anglican Communion

Synod reaffirms its commitment to the authority of Scripture and recognises that the Anglican Communion has traditionally maintained its adherence to that authority and that of the 39 articles of religion.

It notes the departure from biblical authority in the actions of -

(a) the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster by agreeing to bless same-sex unions, and

(b) the Diocese of New Hampshire, endorsed by the Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America, in electing as bishop a person engaged in homosexual activity.

Synod therefore dissociates itself from these actions which are contrary to biblical teaching, and as an expression of Christian fellowship and love calls on those involved to repent, and to reverse their decisions.

Synod also commends our Archbishop for his public comments on these issues and for standing with other leaders of like mind in their desire to maintain the truths of Scripture.

(Bishop Glenn Davies - 21.10.03)

31/03 Support for churches adhering to biblical teaching on human sexuality

Synod sends Christian greetings to the Rev David Short, to the congregation of St John’s Shaughnessy, and to the other clergy and laity of the Diocese of New Westminister who have stood firm on the teaching of scripture concerning human sexuality.

We commit ourselves to pray for your witness to the truth, for the deepening of your fellowship in the proclamation of the gospel and for your continued confidence in our Father’s sovereign purposes.

Synod also supports the proposal that members of the Diocese of New Westminster who cannot in conscience accept the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Ingham should have access to alternative Episcopal ministry.

Synod also expresses its support for those sections of ECUSA who are struggling to preserve biblical standards in their denomination and encourages them to stand firm in the face of pressure to conform to policies that are contrary to biblical teaching.

(Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones - 21.10.03)

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