Synod In Past Years
>> Ordinary Session 1999

Resolutions Passed

1/99 Matters Arising from Reports

(1) In light of the importan issues raised in the report "The Doctrine of the Trinity", Synod resolves that the report be printed and made available for distribution to members of the public at a reasonable cost.

(Canon Peter Jensen - 11.10.99)

(2) Synod requests that the Standing Committee comply with paragraph (d) of resolution 23/98.
(Mrs Patricia Judge - 11.10.99)

2/99 Withdrawal of Church Administration Ordinance 1990 Amendment Ordinance 1999

Synod grants leave for the mover to withdraw the Church Administration Ordinance 1990 Amendment Ordinance 1999
.
(Mr MARK PAYNE - 11.10.99)

3/99 Withdrawal of Church Ministry Ordinances

Synod grants leave for the mover to withdraw the following bills -

Church Ministry (Baptism) Ordinance 1999
Church Ministry (Confirmation) Ordinance 1999
Church Ministry (Holy Communion or Lord's Supper) Ordinance 1999
Church Ministry (Robes) Ordinance 1999
Church Ministry (Services) Ordinance 1999.

(Mr Neil Cameron - 11.10.99)

4/99 Reclassification of Smithfield as a Provisional Parish

Synod confirms the reclassification of Smithfield as a provisional parish with effect from 1 January 1999.

(Archdeacon Geoff Huard - 11.10.99)

5/99 Provincial Synod Welfare Commission

Synod endorses, in principle, the establishment of the Provincial Synod Welfare Commission.

(Mr MARK PAYNE - 11.10.99)

6/99 Filling of Vacancies in Membership of Regional Councils

Synod provides, under clause 40 of the Elections Ordinance 1970, that the following vacancies, arising among the membership of regional councils because the number of nominations was less than the number of positions to be filled, be filled by the regional councils -

3 lay vacancies on the Georges River Regional Council, one person from the Canterbury Area Deanery, one person from the St George Area Deanery and one person from any area deanery

1 lay vacancy on the North Sydney Regional Council from any area deanery

1 lay vacancy on the Western Sydney Regional Council from any area deanery.

(Mr MARK PAYNE - 11.10.99)

7/99 Anglican Media's Evangelistic Website

Synod notes with interest the establishment of a new evangelistic website by Anglican Media (www.christianity.net.au) and commends it to parishes, organisations and individuals as an excellent gospelling aid.

(Dr Kim Hawtrey - 11.10.99)

8/99 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.

(Mr Rodney Dredge - 13.10.99)

9/99 Fresh Start 2000

Synod warmly commends the Department of Evangelism's special outreach mobilisation Fresh Start 2000, and encourages each parish council to include on its agenda prayer and planning towards this initiative between now and April/May 2000.

(Dr Kim Hawtrey/Mr Graeme Marks - 13.10.99)

10/99 Document for Reconciliation

Synod, noting that the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation has issued a draft 'Document for Reconciliation' comprising a declaration and four strategies, encourages parishes to -

(a) obtain a reconciliation pack from the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Locked Bag 14, Kingston ACT, 2604, telephone 02 6271 5120, fax 02 6271 5168, toll free 1800 807 071;

(b) study the proposed draft;

(c) participate in the consultative process; and

(d) make submissions to the Council by 5 November 1999 if possible, or at latest by 6 December the extended deadline that the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation has agreed for Anglican churches.

(The Rev Clive Harcourt Norton - 13.10.99)

11/99 Drug Policy

Synod promotes the concept of education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation regarding drug and alcohol strategy together with minimisation of supply and distribution; and requests that the Secretaries of Synod communicate this resolution to the Premier of New South Wales.

(Dr Robert Claxton - 13.10.99)

12/99 New Anglican Schools

Synod notes -

(a) with thankfulness to God, that 2 new Anglican schools will open for term 1 next year, namely - Nowra Anglican College in Bomaderry and Thomas Hassall Anglican College in Hoxton Park, bringing to 6 the number of new schools opened under the governance of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation within 4 years; and

(b) the Corporation asks the Diocese to pray for these schools that their foundation will be a strong one and that they will grow to be effective educational entities and faithful Christian witness.

(The Rev Ian Mears - 13.10.99)

13/99 Cross Cultural Ministry

Synod, recognising the great importance of engaging in cross-cultural ministry and acknowledging that cross-cultural ministry can be costly and slow to develop, and may take years to become self-supporting, requests Standing Committee -

(a) to examine the details of funding of cross-cultural ministry though the present system of grants to Regional Councils;

(b) to investigate means of funding which would allow Regions to engage seriously in these ministries and still maintain adequate support for other parish ministry;

(c) to use its findings in determining the method for future allocation of grants to Regional Councils; and

(d) to report its findings to the 2000 session of Synod.

(Mr Clive Ellis - 13.10.99)

14/99 Prayer Books

Synod -

(a) notes that this year, the 450th anniversary of the first English Prayer Book is being celebrated and gives thanks for the English liturgy and for its chief author, Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr; and

(b) notes also with appreciation -

(i) the publishing this year of the first Everyman edition of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and

(ii) the republishing this year, by the Prayer Book Society, of the Everyman edition of the 1549 and 1552 Prayer Books.

(The Rev Dr John Bunyan - 13.10.99)

15/99 New College

Synod -

(a) notes that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the official opening of the 12th October 1969 of New College within the University of New South Wales, and gives thanks to God for the vision and faithfulness of the founding members of the New University Colleges Council, for the dedicated service of successive members of the Council and of the College Board, and for the sound Christian witness and care exercised among students under the leadership of the Masters - the late Rev Noel Pollard, Canon Dr Stuart Barton Babbage, the Rev Dr Bruce Kaye, and Dr Allan Beavis; and

(b) records the death on the 21st January this year in Cambridge, England, of the Foundation Master of New College, the Rev Noel Stuart Pollard, formerly also a lecturer and librarian at Moore Theological College and Vice-Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and extends its condolences to his wife, Margaret, his son and three daughters and their families.

(Mr Ian Walker - 13.10.99)

16/99 Provisional Parish of Bondi Beach

Synod commends the Archbishop and Anglicare for the arrangements put in place for the provisional parish of Bondi Beach, as reported in June 1999 Southern Cross newspaper, together with the subsequent appointment of the Rev Tom Henderson-Brooks as curate-in-charge.

(Mr Brian Gaetjens - 13.10.99)

17/99 Sharing of Resources between Parishes in Regions

Synod suggests that the regional councils explore ways of encouraging parishes in their regions to increase their sharing of resources with each other for the purpose of strengthening ministries.

(Mr Brian Gaetjens - 13.10.99)

18/99 Appreciation and Thanks18/99 Appreciation and Thanks

Synod expresses its warm appreciation to Rodney Dredge, Peter Watson, Peter Tasker, Graeme Marks, Mark Francis, Jim Halcrow and Dr Tom Romberg for their dedicated and detailed work in the preparation and presentation of the Parish Cost Recoveries Ordinance 1999 and amendments and the Synod Estimates Ordinance 1999.

Synod furthermore wishes Mark Francis God's blessing in his new role as the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Australia and Rodney Dredge every success in his new position at the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat.

(Dr Laurie Scandrett - 13.10.99)

19/99 Creation of the Provisional Parish of Glenmore Park

Synod assents to the creation of the provisional parish of Glenmore Park with effect from 1 January 2000.

(Archdeacon Alan Donohoo - 18.10.99)

20/99 Reclassification of Rozelle/Lilyfield as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Rozelle/Lilyfield as a parish with effect from 1 January 2000.

(Archdeacon Trevor Edwards - 18.10.99)

21/99 Priesthood and Congregational Oversight

Synod requests that the Standing Committee consider how the practice of ordination to the presbyterate (priesthood) might more clearly and consistently linked with the "cure and charge of souls" or congregational oversight.

(Mr Andrew Mitchell - 18.10.99)

22/99 Clergy for the Georges River and Western Sydney Regions

Synod -

(a) notes that the Archbishop in his Presidential Address spoke of the difficulty in finding and training clergy for the Georges River and Western Sydney Regions, as well as for the more "traditional Anglican" parishes in the Diocese; and

(b) requests that Bishops Smith and King, and the Principal of Moore College or his appointee and Archdeacon Edwards work on a set of recommendations to address these needs for consideration at the next session of Synod.

(Bishop Ray Smith - 18.10.99)

23/99 Georges River Region to be declared a "Missionary Region"

Synod requests that Standing Committee -

(a) give consideration to the Archbishop's suggestion in his Presidential Address that the Georges River Region be declared a "Missionary Region" which is supported commensurately; and

(b) advises the next session of Synod on the feasibility and ramifications of implementing such a course of action.

(Bishop Ray Smith - 18.10.99)

24/99 The Church is Bigger Than You Think: Structures and Strategies for the Church in the 21st Century

Synod -

(a) notes the Archbishop's reference in his Presidential Address to Patrick Johnstone's latest book, The Church is Bigger Than You Think: Structures and Strategies for the Church in the 21st Century, its assessment of two thousand years of world evangelisation, and the challenge to think and plan for future ministry by examining the relationship between local churches, theological training institutions and apostolic sending agencies; and

(b) encourages parish councils to study the book.

(Archdeacon Geoff Huard - 18.10.99)

25/99 Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation

Synod -

(a) commends the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation for its initiatives which have resulted in the establishing of 6 new affordable schools in the Diocese; and

(b) noting the Archbishop's comments in his Presidential Address, requests that the Standing Committee -

(i) consider in conjunction with the SASC the longer term financing needs associated with the further development of new affordable Anglican Schools across the Diocese; and

(ii) report back to the next session of Synod.

(Mr Geoff Kyngdon - 18.10.99)

26/99 Training of Clergy

Synod, noting the reference in the Archbishop's Presidential Address to the training of clergy post-ordination, requests that the Standing Committee -

(a) appoint a committee to review the training and equipping of clergy from ordination to retirement; and

(b) report to the next session of the Synod.

(The Rev Narelle Jarrett - 18.10.99)

27/99 Global March for Jesus

Synod -

(a) notes that the next Global March for Jesus takes place in Sydney, on Saturday 10 June 2000, and will converge on the Olympic Stadium for a spectacular Christian witness; and

(b) commends this event, run by Awakening 2000 and Quest, as an important pre-Olympic witness and encourages parishes to prayerfully consider getting involved.

(The Rev Ross Poulton - 18.10.99)

28/99 Olympic Torch Relay

Synod notes -

(a) the Torch Relay, just prior to next year's Olympic Games, is a great opportunity for the Gospel and accordingly, encourages parishes which are situated along the Torch Relay route, to prayerfully consider teaming up with other local churches, to stage a Combined Churches Fun Festival, as an outreach to local crowds who have gathered to see the torch pass by; and

(b) notes that Awakening 2000, in co-operation with Quest, is available to lend support through advice and resources.

(The Rev Ross Poulton - 18.10.99)

29/99 The Sudan

In support of the Archbishop's remarks about the Sudan in his Presidential Address, this Synod -

(a) requests that the Commonwealth Government continue and increase its efforts to bring pressure on the Government of Sudan to desist from its persecution of Christians and other minority groups; and

(b) expresses its appreciation for the Commonwealth Government's efforts to date; and

(c) records its concern at the threatened illegal confiscation of the headquarters of the Episcopal Church of Sudan in Omdurman last month, and the property of other churches, as well as the destruction of churches and schools in Hajj Yusef and other resettlement areas.

(The Rev Peter Robinson - 18.10.99)

30/99 Nature of Ministry

Synod -

(a) notes the Archbishop's observations about the changing nature of ministry training; and

(b) commends Moore Theological College for its establishment of a Department of Missions and a Certificate in Youth Ministry; and

(c) encourages Standing Committee to liaise with Moore College and Mary Andrews College to refine and develop courses relevant to the needs of ministry and mission in the 21st Century in such areas as evangelism, missiology, children's and youth ministry in partnership with the Anglican Youthworks programs, tertiary student ministry, school and other chaplaincies and pastoral work.

(The Rev Greg Olliffe - 18.10.99)

31/99 Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Synod congratulates the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Capetown, on his being awarded the Sydney Peace Prize 1999, sends to his Grace best wishes and the assurance of prayers, and looks forward to his visit to this city in November when he will speak at St James' Church, King Street on Sunday 28 at 3.30 pm.

(The Rev Dr John Bunyan - 18.10.99)

32/99 Matters arising from the Presidential Address: Lay and Diaconal Administration of Holy Communion

Synod, noting the Presidential Address, requests that the Standing Committee -

(a) appoint a committee to assess the potential impact of the introduction of Lay and Diaconal Administration of the Holy Communion in the Diocese upon our relationship with and standing within the Anglican Communion at large; and

(b) report back to the next session of Synod.

(Bishop Paul Barnett - 18.10.99)

33/99 Jubilee 2000

Synod notes with appreciation the active steps taken by Standing Committee to implement resolution 11/98 Jubilee 2000, particularly via the Synod Estimates Ordinance 1999.

(The Rev Frank Gee - 18.10.99)

34/99 Establishment of Congregations as Parishes

Synod notes the report concerning 33/98 Establishment of Congregations as Parishes and requests a copy of the report, and the proposed ordinance for the Recognised Churches Ordinance 1999, be sent to -

(a) the Indigenous Peoples' Ministry Committee;

(b) the leadership of each multi-cultural congregation;

(c) each parish council;

(d) each regional council; and

(e) the Archbishop,

inviting comment, and requests that such comments, and comments by Synod members, be sent to the Diocesan Secretary by 31 March 2000 with a view to the Standing Committee providing a report and bill for debate at the 2nd session of the 45th Synod. Furthermore, Synod requests that the Standing Committee ensure that this matter be given high priority in the business agenda of the next session of the Synod.

(The Rev Phillip Jensen - 18.10.99)

35/99 Directory of Lay Synod Members

Synod requests, in order to facilitate communication amongst lay members of the Synod, that the Standing Committee investigate the production of a directory of lay members for distribution to all members.

(Mr Andrew Mitchell - 19.10.99)

36/99 Church Growth

Synod -

(a) notes the observation of the Rev Dr Eddie Gibbs, Professor of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary, that "Churches which adopt a market-driven approach to ministry also jeopardise their own integrity. This is because it is not the customer who determines the agenda of the church, but the Lord whom the church is called to worship and obey. We are not to become all things to all men in order to satisfy many, but to save some.";

(b) affirms Anglican Youthworks in its work in assisting parishes to think biblically about church growth, especially in ministering to children, young people and adults in a post-Christian society;

(c) commends Anglican Youthworks for holding a Conference on 1 March 2000 with Dr Gibbs as the keynote speaker; and

(d) encourages all parish clergy and lay people in positions of leadership to attend.

(The Rev Dr Lindsay Stoddart - 19.10.99)

37/99 Amendment of Ordinances

Synod gives leave to the mover of any ordinance for which leave to introduce has been given, but the second reading debate has not commenced, to introduce the bill in an amended form if the mover so wishes including accepting any proposed amendment of which notice has been given provided that the amended text is furnished to the Diocesan Secretary not later than 30 June 2000.

(Mr Justice PETER YOUNG - 19.10.99)

38/99 Clerical Tenure

Synod -

(a) requests that the Sydney Diocesan Superannuation Fund examine the proposal in the report of the Synod Committee on Clerical Tenure that clergy take optional retirement at age 60 and advise the Synod and the clergy of the financial steps needed to effect such a proposal;

(b) requests that members of the Synod send comments on the bill for the Parish Relationships Ordinance 1999 to the Diocesan Secretary by 30 April 2000 and grants leave to the committee to meet again to reconsider the bill in light of those comments; and

(c) requests that the Standing Committee appoint a committee with financial expertise to investigate the issues raised in the report about the need for an appropriate system of redundancy for clergy, and report back to the Synod in 2000 with proposals.

(Archdeacon Trevor Edwards - 19.10.99)

39/99 ARCIC: The Gift of Authority

Synod -

(a) notes the recent Statement issued by the Second Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) entitled The Gift of Authority (found at www.anglicancommunion.org) and appreciates the many hours of work that went into preparing the Statement and welcomes the opportunity to respond to the issues raised.

(b) respectfully requests that the Archbishop convey in writing to ARCIC a preliminary response of this Synod as follows -

(i) records that ARCIC does not speak for this Diocese on the matter of authority;

(ii) dissents from the proposition that 'the Bishop of Rome offers a specific ministry concerning the discernment of truth' (paragraph 47);

(iii) dissents from the proposition that Scripture has a 'dynamic interdependence' with Tradition (paragraphs 19-23);

(iv) reaffirms that the Bible alone is sufficient as the final authority in all matters of Christian faith and conduct, and believes any dilution of this principle is contrary to the reformed basis on which the Anglican church is founded.

(c) asks the Diocesan Doctrine Commission to critically study ARCIC III and related documents and report to the next session of this Synod.

(Dr Kim Hawtrey - 19.10.99)

40/99 Weekend meetings of the Synod: 3rd Session of the 45th Synod

Synod requests that the following format be trialed for the Synod meetings of the 3rd ordinary session of the 45th Synod in 2001 -

(a) meeting on a Friday afternoon and evening, and all day on the next day (Saturday);

(b) repeating this a week later;

(c) total meeting time, exclusive of meal breaks, to be 25 hours.

(Mr Justice Ken Handley AO - 19.10.99)

41/99 Anglican Counselling Centre

Synod -

(a) values the extensive good work of the Anglican Counselling Centre ("ACC") since its inception;

(b) commends the Archbishop's initiative in exploring important aspects of an Anglicare absorption of the ACC;

(c) also commends the Standing Committee's ongoing process of consultation with the ACC;

(d) notes the ACC's deep concerns over the ramifications of Standing Committee's resolutions about the ACC; and

(e) notes the reported view of the committee of enquiry that these concerns are not necessarily justified;

(f) requests the Standing Committee to reconsider thoroughly the four disputed resolutions in the light of these concerns; and

(g) requests that the Council of the ACC then reconsider thoroughly their response to the revised resolutions of the Standing Committee.

(The Rev David Crain - 19.10.99)

42/99 Archdeacons Alan Donohoo and Reg Platt

Synod expresses thanks to God and appreciation for the service and ministry of Archdeacon Alan Donohoo and Archdeacon Reg Platt.

(Bishop Brian King - 19.10.99)

43/99 Retirement of Archbishop Keith Rayner AO

Synod, noting the retirement as Primate of Archbishop Keith Rayner, sends our Christian greetings to Dr Keith and Mrs Audrey Rayner and our prayers for a happy and fruitful retirement.

(Bishop Paul Barnett - 19.10.99)

44/99 The Rev Clive Harcourt Norton

Synod gives thanks to God for the contribution that the Rev Clive Harcourt Norton has made to the debates and prays for God's blessing on Clive and his wife as they prepare to conclude their ministry at Hunters Hill.

(The Rev Phillip Bradford - 19.10.99)

45/99 Procedural Motions

(1) Synod records its appreciation of the leadership of Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon through the Bible readings, prayers and missionary hour of this session of Synod, prays for the blessing of God on the diocese of Kaduna, the bishop and his wife, and asks the Bishop to convey our greetings to his Synod when it next meets, and express to them our appreciation of his ministry to us and the presence of Mrs Idowu-Fearon among us.

(The President - 19.10.99)

(2) Synod records its appreciation of -

(a) the President for his chairmanship;

(b) the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Committees for their work in the committee stages of the bills for ordinances;

(c) the members who helped during the session by giving advice and serving on committees; and

(d) the services of the Secretaries, the Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officer, the Secretariat staff, the staff of Anglican Media, the pianists and all those who have helped with the arrangements for sittings.

(Bishop Peter Watson - 19.10.99)

(3) Synod refers to the next session of this Synod the bills for ordinances remaining on the business paper.

(Archdeacon Peter Smart - 19.10.99)

(4) Synod authorises the President to sign the minutes of 19 October upon the production to the Standing Committee of the certificate of any 2 members of the Minute Reading Committee.

(Archdeacon Geoff Huard - 19.10.99)

(5) Synod hereby adjourns.

(The Rev Chris Moroney - 19.10.99)

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