Synod Resolution 45/09

Synod receives the report on the consumption of alcohol in the parish context and, recognising that drinks containing alcohol are a gift from God to be enjoyed in moderation but also recognising that alcohol abuse has caused significant damage in our community, requests that the minister and parish council of each parish – 

(a)   study the information in the report, and

(b)   determine the parish’s own policy on the consumption of alcohol having regard to the Synod’s recommendation –

• “Except for –

  • services of public worship where wine is provided as part of the Lord’s Supper,

  • private activities in ministry residences, and

  • activities undertaken pursuant to a commercial or residential lease of church trust property,

• no alcohol should be consumed or made available in the context of any public ministry activity of the parish on church trust property or any private activity held on church trust property, without the approval of the parish council.”

Synod Resolution 2/23

Synod, noting the... updated report on ‘Consumption of Alcohol in the Context of Parishes, Churches, Congregations and Fellowships in the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney’ –

(a)   requests that a copy of the updated Report be sent to all parish ministers and wardens,

(b)   requests that all parish ministers and wardens be reminded of the ‘Policy on Consumption of Alcohol in the Parish Context’ adopted by Synod in 2009 (see above in italics),

(c)   encourages all wardens to implement a parish policy on alcohol, or review their existing policy, in the light of the updated Report and existing Synod policy, and

(d)   requests the General Synod to consider the impact of social media on parishioners, especially the vulnerable, and educate clergy on faithful usage of these media. This may include instruction on any potential harm of posting photographs of leaders consuming alcohol.