1.    Licences issued to deacons and lay persons

Mrs Susan Hooke to ask –

The Annual Report to Synod states on page 105 at paragraph 73 that on 23 July 2007, the Standing Committee encouraged the Archbishop –

(a)      to include in the licenses (sic) of deacons their authorisation to assist the presbyter in administering the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (consistent with the terms of the Ordination Service for Deacons Canon 1985), and

(b)      to include in the licenses (sic) of suitable lay persons their authorisation to assist the presbyter in the ministration and distribution of the Lord’s Supper (consistent with the terms of the Lay Assistants at Holy Communion Canon 1973).

Has the Archbishop included in any licences issued to deacons or lay persons the authorisations as set out above?

To which the President replied –

No.

2.      Affiliated Churches

Mrs Susan Hooke to ask ––

The Annual Report to Synod states on page 17 at paragraph 5.3 that –

The Point Community Church at Port Macquarie,
Northern Lakes Evangelical Church on the Central Coast at Gorokan, and
Albury Bible Fellowship

were declared to be affiliated with the Diocese pursuant to clause 4(1) of the Affiliated Churches Ordinance 2005.

What are the terms and conditions of each of the agreements entered into with these churches?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

It is not practical to recite the terms and conditions of each of these agreements.  A copy of the standard affiliation agreement, the terms of which apply to each affiliated church, will be provided to the questioner and posted on the notice board in the foyer.

3.    Anglicare’s payments to CLAN

The Rev Chris Albany to ask –

In Anglicare’s response to the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care, as reported to Synod 2005 and printed in the 2006 Diocesan Year Book it is stated in response to Recommendation 20 that “Anglicare has provided financial assistance to CLAN in the sum of $5,000 per annum following an initial request in 2002”  (Year Book page 552).  I therefore ask –

(a)      How many annual payments have been made to CLAN?

(b)      In what years were such payments made?

(c)      What was the amount of each payment?

(d)      Is ongoing assistance to CLAN included in Anglicare’s budget for the current year?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      Over the past five years (since 2002), ANGLICARE has maintained its financial membership of CLAN. Anglicare donated $5,000 to CLAN in 2002 following a request to establish the organisation in the wider community and following a request in June 2007, ANGLICARE will donate a further $3,000 in the 2007-2008 financial year.

(b)      2002-2008

(c)      Annual membership fees

(d)      A donation of $3,000 for CLAN is included in the 2007-2008 Anglicare Community Care budget (administered through the Community Care Child, Youth and Family Services program).

4.      Overseas theological education

The Rev Peter Sholl to ask –

Could the Archbishop please provide the following information in relation to the partnership of the Sydney Diocese in overseas theological education –

(a)      How many students are currently enrolled in the Moore College PTC program, and of these, how many are in overseas countries?

(b)      How many languages has the PTC been translated into and what are the ongoing and future plans for further translation?

(c)      Since the beginning of 2006, in what overseas locations have Sydney-based Moore College graduates taught ‘intensives’ of PTC subjects?

(d)      What involvement does the Diocese have in the provision of Bachelor or above theological education for overseas students, particularly students from developing countries?

(e)      Is there a budget for such involvement?

(f)       What strategies or targets does the Diocese have for the provision of theological education beyond our border?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      The number of enrolments in Moore College Correspondence Courses (PTC & ThC) –

(i)    Total enrolments: approx 7,200

(ii)   Enrolments in Overseas countries (of which there are 50): approx 2,500

(b)     The full course has been translated into 2 languages (6 units of PTC Mandarin and all of ThC in Spanish).

Ongoing and future plans for translation include: Hausa – the language of Northern Nigeria (4 units underway), 8 Indian languages (with up to 4 units translated) with inquiries for Indonesian and Arabic under consideration and a plan to use simplified Chinese script.

(c)     Since 2006 Sydney-based Moore College graduates have taught ‘intensives’ in PTC subjects in Chile, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Republic of South Africa and Uganda and UK-based Moore College graduates have taught units in Kaduna in Northern Nigeria.

(d)     Experience shows that first degrees in theology are best taken in cultures as close as possible to that of the student, and for this reason Moore College does not encourage students from developing countries to come to Australia for this level of study.

Where students seeking higher degrees to equip them for teaching positions in their home countries are supported by local church leaders, funds for scholarships are made available on a case by case basis.

(e)      There is a diocesan budget for work outside the diocese including assistance in theological education and Moore College has a small trust fund for scholarships (with more funds needed for such purposes).

(f)      The strategy of the Diocese for provision of theological education beyond our borders is to build relationships, in response to invitations, with dioceses of the ‘global south’ and other parts of Australia where missionaries have served or are likely to serve through CMS and other voluntary agencies; and

(i)     To bring church leaders from these areas to Sydney to help them appreciate the kind of teaching that is available through our people and to build awareness among Sydney people of the needs and opportunities for service in their areas;

(ii)    To consider requests for funding for specific teaching programs such as offering 6 units of PTC to 40 evangelists (presently underway in Kaduna in Northern Nigeria) or offering MA(Theology) units to a group of postgraduate students in Alexandria School of Theology in Egypt (under consideration);

(iii)    To consider requests for scholarships for higher degrees of which two are in place at present,

(iv)    To encourage suitably qualified people from the diocese to undertake teaching posts through CMS or other voluntary missionary agencies and in the case of clergy to grant them leave while doing so.

In addition, Moore College External Studies is cooperating with voluntary missionary agencies in the training of pastors in a number of countries.

5.       Ministry at Villawood Detention Centre

Mrs Shirley Deeves to ask –

Does Sydney Diocese have any ministry to the refugees at Villawood Detention Centre?  If yes, what kind?  If not, why not?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

There is no specific diocesan ministry to refugees at Villawood Detention Centre.  However we are aware that there are particular Anglican churches and individuals that undertake ministry activities at the detention centre, such as Mr Stuart Binns, a parish worker at the parishes of Carlingford and Liverpool.  It is understood that Mr Binns runs Bible studies with detainees.  From time to time he also runs a correspondence course with Muslim detainees, currently one detainee is undertaking the course.

Anglicare also has a role in supporting refugees through its IHSS (Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy) program for rural NSW, including the provision of a program for the treatment and rehabilitation of trauma and torture clients through its partnership with STARTTS (Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors).

Anglicare is currently providing a counselling service for refugees in the community through its South West Community Care Centre at Cabramatta. In addition to this service, Anglicare also is currently providing support programs for refugees through its Small and Emerging Communities program and its Sudanese program, administered through its Community Care – Targeted Services division at Parramatta.

6.      Annual Financial Returns

Mr Graeme Marks to ask –

In the years 2006 and 2007, what percentage of parishes had not submitted audited accounts or annual financial returns by the deadline of April 15?  What were the percentages at the end of April, May, June, July, August and as at September 14?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

Annual Financial Returns data

	2006 (%)	2007 (%)
To 15 April	58	63
To 30 April	38	40
To 31 May	15	24
To 30 June	8	15
To 31 July	4	7
To 31 August	1	3
To 14 September	0	2

7.        Suspension of ministry licences

The Rev David Clarke to ask –

Over the past 12 months –

(a)      How many ordained people in the Diocese of Sydney have had their ministry licences suspended or cancelled (either voluntarily or involuntarily)?

(b)      How many of those people were aged under 40?

(c)      How many of those people have been defrocked?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

          (a)      Three (3).

          (b)      Three (3).

          (c)      None (0).

8.      Parish ministry and administration

Mr Jody Trouncer to ask –

Has the Mission Board –

(a)      taken note of issues raised in the feature article ‘Your Pastor wears too many hats’ (Southern Cross, September 2007), based on the published results of the 2006 National Church Life Survey, as well as related forum topics on the your.sydney.anglicans.net website (for example the ‘Every Member Ministry’ topic) and, if so

(b)      considered whether these issues point to a need for a review of the substantive rules by which churches and parishes are currently administered?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      The Mission Board has not met since the article was published.  However, prior to the Southern Cross article, a small subcommittee of the Mission Board had been meeting with rectors to explore this matter. 

In addition, while not specifically initiatives of the Mission Board, the Ministry Training and Development program addresses the issues raised by the article and the issues were also helpfully addressed at the Arch Hart Conference, which was attended by several hundred clergy and lay persons.

(b)      It is noted that a draft of the Parish Administration Ordinance is due to be considered on Tuesday 25 September 2007.

9.      Complaints referred to Professional Standards Unit

The Rev Barry Lee to ask –

(a)      In the last 12 months how many official complaints of unacceptable behaviour have been made about clergy or church workers in the diocese and how many of those complaints have been referred to the Professional Standards Unit for investigation?

(b)      Of the complaints made how many have been determined to have no validity or have resulted in no disciplinary action against the clergy or church worker?

(c)      Of those cases that have been referred to the Professional Standards Unit, both those completed and those still in process, what is the duration of each investigation?

(d)      Is it the case that some area deaneries have determined that a person will be stood down from their position immediately on a complaint being made rather than leaving that decision for the deliberation of the Archbishop?

(e)      In the case of an investigation of a member of the clergy or a parish worker, what is the function of a parish recovery team and what is the criteria for the selection of people who serve on a parish recovery team?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      Seventeen (17). Four (4) have gone to investigation. The others have either been admitted in whole or part, are with the police, are pending a response from the respondent or have been resolved between the complainant and the respondent

(b)      None have been determined to have no validity.  Two (2) concluded matters have resulted in disciplinary action, the rest remain pending or have been dealt with in other ways as set out in the answer to part (a) of the question.

(c)      Case 1 –      three (3) months, now concluded.

Case 2 –      four (4) months, now concluded.

Case 3 –      three (3) months, jurisdiction challenged, investigation continuing.

Case 4 –      four (4) months, recently considered by Professional Standards Committee, recommendation pending.

(d)      No

(e)           Parish recovery teams consult with the Rector and parish leadership where allegations have been made against a member of the clergy or a church worker but only if invited to do so by the parish. Their function is to assist the parish to work through and recover from the effects of the allegations.

The volunteer consultants were selected by a panel after they responded to a September 2005 Southern Cross advertisement seeking expressions of interest. They were selected for their varied qualifications and experience in pastoral ministry, psychology, social work, counselling and allied disciplines. They receive on-going professional training from the Rev Les Scarborough and Mr Tim Dyer of John-Mark Ministries.

10.    Safe Ministry Training

The Rev Canon Sandy Grant to ask –

What, if any provisions have been made by the PSU or Youthworks for the delivery of Safe Ministry Training to people within our churches of non-English speaking backgrounds, and for advice to Ministers and Safe Ministry Representatives about administering safe ministry standards with people of such background?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

Following the Safe Ministry Ordinance 2005 Anglican Youthworks staff have trained approximately 12,000 people in Safe Ministry across the Diocese.

To enable a long-term approach to training in Safe Ministry, the interim CEO of Youthworks wrote to all incumbents on 23 July 2007 encouraging them to appoint a suitable person from the parish to be trained to deliver Safe Ministry training in the parish. It is hoped that this will enable parishes with non-English speakers to provide a suitable person to deliver training in a language other than English.

At this point the training materials are not available in languages other than English. Synod would need to consider providing funding for such materials to be provided for parishes.

11.    New ministry positions

The Rev Richard Blight to ask –

(a)      In the last twelve months, how many new full-time Assistant Minister, Lay Stipendiary and Youth or Children's ministry positions have been created in each region?  How many of these received significant financial assistance from the regional councils or Archbishop's special curacies?  How many such positions have been dis-established or no longer exist (as full-time positions)?

(b)      Do any of the regional councils have specific policies or goals regarding increasing the numbers of full-time workers in their regions or increasing the number of team ministries?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      There is no central record kept of new positions.  The Registry produces licences, but does not differentiate between new positions and existing positions.  The regions have some records, but as parishes make their own appointments, these are not always known outside the parish.  This is particularly so if the parish does not request licensing of the person concerned.

The question asks for full time assistant ministers and lay stipendiary workers.  Very few positions are created for full time, but there are a number of part time positions.

The past year is presumably October 2006 to September 2007, whereas our figures are for 2006 or 2007.

However, from information available to four of the regions, the numbers are –

Lay stipendiary worker             6

Assistant minister                  16

Youth minister                         2

Children’s worker                     4

Some financial assistance in the form of seed funding has been available from the regional councils.

It is not known how many such positions no longer exist.

(b)      The regional councils seek to encourage parishes to increase their number of full time workers and welcome applications for funding as part of the annual allocations.

12.     Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004

The Rev Paul Dew to ask –

In regard to the report on the Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004 in the supplementary report of Standing Committee, why does the parish of South Sydney not appear in the list of parishes on page 40 that have adopted special administration when the parish requested it in writing on 30 May 2007?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

The list of parishes on page 40 of the supplementary report of Standing Committee is a list of parishes which have adopted the Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004 and have notified us of the names of the congregations represented.  On page 41 is a list of those parishes which have notified the names of the particular congregations which are covered by that ordinance.

The notification from the parish of South Sydney on 2 April 2007 was in connection with an associated congregation under a different ordinance, namely the Church Administration Ordinance.  It should be noted that a list of such notified associated congregations will appear in the 2007 Year Book.

13.     Anglican Schools and Creation Science

Ms Caroline Bowyer to ask –

Are there any schools associated with the Anglican Church in this Diocese, which teach Creation Science and/or Intelligent Design –

(a)      as well as the contemporary understanding of the theory of evolution, as taught in secular universities, or

(b)     to the exclusion of the contemporary understanding of the theory of evolution, as taught in secular universities?

If there are such schools, would the Archbishop please advise the Synod of the names of the schools in each category?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answers are as follows –

It is not clear what is intended by the reference to “schools associated with the Anglican Church in this Diocese” in the question.  Under the business rules a question may only relate to the business of “a committee, board or commission of the Synod or established by or under an ordinance or resolution of the Synod or Standing Committee”.  It is assumed that the question relates to these schools.

It is not possible to provide an answer to the question for all schools established by or under ordinance although we are not aware of any such school teaching creation science or intelligent design as part of its science curriculum.  The CEO of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation has been specifically consulted and has indicated that there is no SASC school that teaches creation science or intelligent design.

14.    Naremburn Asian Australian Church

Ms Caroline Bowyer to ask –

In the list of parishes in accordance with clause 4(4) of the Parishes (Special Administration) Ordinance 2004 (as at 13 August 2007), under the heading of the Parish of Naremburn/Cammeray, the Naremburn Asian Anglican Church is shown to have changed its congregational name to the Naremburn Asian Australian Church.

Could the Archbishop please advise the Synod –

(a)      whether the Naremburn Asian Australian Church is an Anglican Church, and

(b)      the reason for the change in name?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      It is an Anglican church being part of the Naremburn/Cammeray Anglican Church.  The Rev David Lim ministers at both congregations of the Naremburn Asian Australian Church.

(b)      Since its commencement the church has been called Naremburn Asian Australian Church.  The name did not change.  Erroneous records have merely been corrected.

15.     Copies of Bibles

Deaconess Margaret Rodgers to ask –

Is it true that phone calls have already been received at St Andrew’s House from people who are seeking a copy of the Bible for themselves?

If this is the case, have arrangements been made for those people to receive a Bible immediately, so they will not have to wait until 2009?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

So far enquiries have been made in person and by phone call, including one person from Victoria.

If such enquiries are made, I would certainly want to arrange for a copy of the Scriptures to be made available now rather than in 2009.

16.     Compliance with National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill

Dr Karin Sowada to ask –

Will the Sydney Diocese and its consolidated organisations have to comply with the reporting framework for carbon and energy consumption under the new National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill when it commences from 1 July 2008?

To which the President replied –

This question is out of order under business rule 6.3(4)(f) as it seeks a legal opinion.  Nonetheless I thank Dr Sowada for raising this important matter.

17.    Provisional Recognised Churches

Mr Peter Denham to ask –

(a)    How many church groups are currently meeting within the Diocese who fit the proposed criteria for becoming a Provisional Recognised Church?

(b)    How many of those church groups are meeting in consecrated Anglican buildings of other parishes?

(c)   How many of those church groups are meeting in buildings that are owned by the group, but not consecrated Anglican buildings?

(d)   How many of those church groups are meeting in rented or hired buildings?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

It is expected that those church groups that might seek recognition of their provisional status will primarily come from independent church groups within our Diocese who wish to become Anglican.  Since information about such groups is not available it is not possible to answer the question.

18.     Connect 09 (Funding) Ordinance 2007

Mr Peter Denham to ask –

(a)      Does the Connect 09 (Funding) Ordinance 2007 fully fund the administrative costs and production costs of the Connect 09 initiative? 

(b)      Why does the Archbishop’s Mission Partnership Fund have listed, as its initial focus, the furthering of the already funded Connect 09 initiative?

(c)      Will funds from the Archbishop’s Mission Partnership Fund be used to reduce any of the following –

·     Interest payments incurred on the production of Bibles and other materials,

·     Parish contributions to the costs of Connect 09, or

·     Synod’s contribution to the costs of Connect 09?

(d)      Does the Archbishop also intend to use the Archbishop’s Mission Partnership Fund to assist with funding major capital projects including the redevelopment of Moore Theological College or the purchase and redevelopment of land for church use?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      The Connect 09 (Funding) Ordinance provides the mechanism by which the costs of Connect 09 are to be funded.  The ordinance contemplates that funding for the administration costs for Connect 09 will primarily be from funds under the control of the Synod.  Similarly the ordinance contemplates that funding for the resource costs will primarily be from parishes.  However the ordinance also contemplates that other sources of funding will be made available for these purposes (eg, the “OA” component in the resource cost formula).

(b)       As indicated in (a) it is likely that Connect 09 will be funded from a variety of sources.  One such source will be the Archbishop’s Mission Partnership Fund.  The Fund will be used to take advantage of extra opportunities that arise as Connect 09 unfolds and provide help at the local level, offered at my initiative.  Of course, funding from the Mission Partnership Fund includes but is not limited to Connect 09.

(c)      All of these are possibilities.  However it is anticipated that funding for the Archbishop’s Mission Partnership Fund will be mainly directed to helping the work of Connect 09 at the local level.

(d)      That is not the present intention.  However a great deal depends on the amount of money received. 

19.     New ventures of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation

Ms Jan Liddiard to ask –

Regarding the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, what procedures are in place for community consultation when new ventures are planned?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

The objects of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, as decreed in its governing Ordinance are –

“to establish and operate efficiently, strategically placed Anglican schools offering quality education, which are financially accessible to local communities and communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students, staff, parents and the wider community.”

To fulfil the ‘establishment’ object the Corporation is implementing its strategic plan to establish new schools in both developing and more established areas of the Diocese.  As part of this plan the Corporation has, at present, secured seven possible future school sites in and around the Diocese, a total land holding of approximately 53 hectares (or 132 acres).  Two further possible future school sites are currently under negotiation.

There is no formal requirement for the Corporation to consult with other interested parties before it either secures land or resolves to commence a school.  However, it is the practice of the Corporation to consult initially with the Regional Bishop and/or Archdeacon and local Anglican parishes.  Discussions are also sought with nearby Anglican schools, although typically new sites are some distance from established schools.

Cognisance is also taken of the proximity of other non-Anglican Christian schools to any proposed new school, but most new schools established by the Corporation have been in greenfield areas where it is the future demographic, rather than the current demographic, that is the significant factor in the establishment of the new school.

Once the Corporation has determined that it may be viable, in the next 12 months or so, to start a new school then public meetings are held to both advertise the proposed school and ascertain more definitely the likely level of both initial and future enrolments.

On many occasions the local Anglican parish or parishes have initiated the proposal for a new school in their area.  On some occasions it has been a combined group of local Christian Churches that has initiated the proposal.

20.     Timing at Synod

The Rev Richard Humphrey to ask –

(a)      Over the past 5 years of Synod (2002-2006) what percentage of total time has been available for decision making, removing all presentations including the Presidential Address, Mission Report, Missionary Hour, Devotions, Reclassification of Parishes, and the Synod Service since moving into Synod time, as well as reports from Anglicare, Moore College, New Capital Project, etc?

(b)      In the same period how many (substantive) debates have been prematurely ended due to lack of time?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)     This question seems to be based on a false distinction between presentations and decisions, in that a number of presentations are given to inform the decision-making of the Synod, and the reclassification of parishes are part of the Synod decision-making.  Furthermore, the Synod is master of its own business and agrees to the nature and timing of business on the first day.  It has not been possible, given the nature of the question and the time available to research the matter over five years.  However the question articulates a concern, and I am happy to provide the following information.

         In this session of Synod, excluding meal breaks, 24 hours and 30 minutes is available for business.  Of this, approximately 16 hours 45 minutes (approximately 68%) is set aside for what may be called ‘decision-making’.  The various presentations, devotions, Synod service, presidential address and missionary hour have been allotted 7 hours 45 minutes.

(b)     It is impossible to answer this question as it stands as it is a matter of opinion as to whether any substantive debates have been truncated.  On the other hand, we can ask whether the Synod has completed its business.  To this end we have done some research which indicates that from 2000 to 2006 the Synod has an improved record of completing its business in the time allowed.

21.    Connect 09 and non-English speaking Anglican congregations

The Rev David Zhang to ask –

(a)      Regarding Connect 09, are there strategies and provisions to help the non-English-speaking Anglican congregations reach out to the hundreds of thousands non-English-speaking people living in our diocese who still prefer to read, to hear and to understand the Good News about the Lord Jesus in their own languages?

(b)      Have any steps been taken to ensue that all the promotional and resource materials of Connect 09 are available in languages other than English, so that Connect 09 is truly to connect everyone living in our diocese to Jesus, and not Connect 09 only if you can read and understand English?

(c)      Will the Archbishop be able to give an undertaking that, in future, when launching important initiatives, or making important statements and press releases, the non-English-speaking Anglican congregations and indeed the wider non-English-speaking communities are automatically included in the communication process, so that similar questions as those above will no longer be necessary?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      Evangelism Ministries anticipates developing strategies and provisions for non-English speaking people as part of the Connect 09 initiative.  See the report on page 8 of the Supplementary Report of the Standing Committee at paragraph 21, dot point number 2.

(b)      Connect 09 materials will be available in languages other than English.

(c)           Thank you for this question.  While an undertaking is not possible I will be mindful of the need for such a development and seek to meet the need so far as possible.  For example, my ‘Archbishop’s Writes’ column is translated into Chinese as are some advertisements in Southern Cross each month.  However it may not always be feasible for items such as press releases to be translated at short notice.

22.   Links with Christian church in China

The Rev David Zhang to ask –

(a)      On 8 August 2008, the eyes of the world will be focused on the Beijing Olympics, and on China, a vast, populous and fast developing country with more than 100 million Christians and with ever closer ties with Australia, may I ask, does our Diocese have any formal links with the Christian church in China?  And if not, why not?

(b)      Does our Diocese which had, in the past, an active and fruitful relationship with the Chinese Church, still have a China policy for the future?

(c)      Will the Archbishop go to visit China if he is invited by the leaders of the Chinese Church be it at the national or provincial level?

To which the President replied –

This question is out of order under business rule 6.3(4) as it contains assertions and expresses an opinion.

23.    Discipleship training

Mr Ian Mottram to ask –

(a)      In view of our Lord’s instructions to make disciples and the increased number of ‘new Christians’ as a result of the Mission, is there any reason why a graduated ongoing program of discipleship training should not be offered and promoted consistently to all members of congregations as complementary to or integrated in Confirmation and as a permanent part of the local Church program coming under the heading of Equipping and Nurture as in the outline of Connect 09 and implemented by qualified Church members and Pastors?

(b)      If such a program is considered to be beneficial for all Churches and the Mission, can this be presented (later) as a motion?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      No.  In fact I am aware that many such discipleship training programs are already in use in our churches.

(b)      Yes.

24.     Membership of the Doctrine Commission

Mr Robert Tong to ask –

Who are the members of the Doctrine Commission?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows -

The Rev Dr Peter Bolt
Bishop Robert Forsyth
The Rev Dr Ivan Head
The Rev Dr Peter O’Brien
Bishop Donald Robinson
The Rev Rob Smith
The Rev Dr Mark Thompson
The Rev Canon Dr John Woodhouse

25.    Funding for cross cultural or multi-ethnic ministries

The Rev Bruce Stanley to ask –

Considering especially policies two and four of the Diocesan mission, can the Archbishop advise as to what funding has been set aside and what planning has been undertaken or considered for a Diocesan strategy for cross cultural or multi-ethnic ministries in the Sydney Diocese –

(a)           for the past 5 years of the mission, and

(b)           for the next 5 years of the mission.

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)       Planning and strategy falls into a number of areas–

(i)       Bishops Peter Tasker and Ivan Lee have overall responsibility for this matter.

(ii)      There is a Chinese Advisory Committee consisting of the pastors and others from our Chinese churches.

(iii)     Bishop Yong Chen Fah has recently been appointed to assist Bishop Tasker and Bishop Lee in ministry to the Chinese community.

(iv)      Each region conducts its own strategic planning.

(v)      Many parishes have their own strategies.

Concerning funding for the past five years, it is difficult to obtain a precise figure, but the following figures give an indication –

Georges River Regional Council                        $ 1,250,000
Northern Regional Council                                $    549,500
Western Sydney Regional Council                     $    580,000
South Sydney Regional Council                        $    215,000
Wollongong Regional Council                            $    125,000Total                                                           $ 2,689,000

In addition, a large number of parishes fund their own cross cultural or multi ethnic ministries.  For example, in that category, there are eight parishes in the Northern Region and fifteen parishes in the Georges River Region. 

Georges River Regional,                                   $ 2,500,000
Western Sydney Regional, churches                  $ 1,250,000Total                                                           $ 3,750,000

(b)      Planning for funding for the next triennium has generally not been undertaken in the Regions or the Parishes at this stage.

26.    Diocesan Policy Statement on Education

Dr Fletcher Cole to ask –

Regarding the Diocesan Policy Statement on Education – given that the Statement is seen as a “living document”, what will be the procedure in future for making submissions about revisions to the Statement?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

Submissions about revisions to the Diocesan Policy Statement on Education should be made to the Anglican Education Commission.  My expectation is that the Commission will assess such submissions and if thought necessary or desirable bring to the Synod proposals to change the Policy Statement.  However if the Policy Statement is truly to be a “living document”, it would in my view be helpful for Synod to authorise the Standing Committee to amend the Policy Statement when the Synod is not in session.  I believe there is a proposal before us today that would enable this to occur on the basis that such amendments are reported to the Synod.

27.    Connect 09 website

Dr Greg Clarke to ask –

If Diocesan Mission policy four encourages organisations to work together in order to maximise opportunities for the gospel –

(a)    What efforts have been made by Evangelism Ministries to consult with the synod-funded Anglican Media Sydney regarding the creation of the Connect 09 website?

(b)    Will there be any duplication of resources between the websites for Connect 09, Sydneyanglicans.net (the multi-award-winning central Diocesan website) and Christianity.net (the current evangelistic website)?

(c)       What are the names of the ‘top industry firms’ that have been consulted on the marketing and distribution of the Connect 09 mission; what are the names of the ‘leading website design firms’ that have advised on the project’s internet needs;  and what is the level at which they are currently engaged with the project?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

(a)      Evangelism Ministries is speaking with the CEO of Anglican Media on this matter.

(b)      Every effort will be made to avoid duplication. The Connect 09 website will be of a different style and purpose.

(c)      Negotiations with a number of firms are at a preliminary stage, no formal agreement has been reached and until such agreement has been reached it would not be appropriate to disclose the names of these firms. 

28.    Anglican Communion

Mr Brian Flower to ask –

(a)      His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams gave the lecture entitled ‘The Bible Today: Reading and Hearing’ at a recent meeting of Trinity and Wycliffe Colleges in Toronto, Canada.  Is it not the case that apart from his professional type of presentation those hearing and reading his lecture must be confused at the internationally believed head of the Anglican Church’s interpretation of the Word of God?

(b)      Is it a fact that several liberal dioceses of the Episcopal Church of the USA that have supported the consecration of a practising homosexual bishop have been invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the forthcoming Lambeth Conference?

(c)      On Monday night was it not said that the Anglican dioceses of Africa are being pressured by the American Church?  Isn’t it time that our Diocese with our relatively small number of hard working active Christians spreading the Word of God, with the greatest Christian theological college in the world, and with a very profitable financial situation, grasp the nettle and start bringing our influence and support to a greater extent on the massive Christian growth nations in Africa and China?

(d)      If this is the case should you Archbishop and your Assistant Bishops accept the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitation to Lambeth or stand up as you have over other issues in the past few years and decline the invitation and at the same time invite other worried dioceses particularly those of evangelical practice, both in our own country and overseas to Sydney for the start of a regular conference of Bible-based churches wanting to follow the true Anglican belief in the love of God, the gift of eternal life through our Saviour Jesus Christ all based on the Word of God through the Holy Scriptures?

To which the President replied –

For a variety of reasons this question is out of order in accordance with Clause 6.3(4).

29.   Reaching the homeless

Mrs Heather Kelley to ask –

What consideration has been given to involving and pastoring with non-parish organisations (in Connect 09) in order to better reach those in our city who are homeless?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

The Report on Connect 09 on page 6 of the Supplementary Report of the Standing Committee states in paragraph 7 that –

“The goal of Connect 09 is to invite the membership of all parishes, congregations, fellowships, Anglican schools and Anglican organisations to work together to contact and connect with all the residents of the area covered by the Sydney Diocese.”

Anglicare is in the process of arranging a meeting with churches in the Sydney City and Sydney South area deaneries to discuss how they can develop a collaborative approach to ministry to those who are homeless through the Anglicare Parish Partnerships Program.  It is anticipated that any Connect 09 initiatives to those who are homeless will be developed in conjunction with Anglicare and its Parish Partnerships Program.

30.    Reforming the life of the Diocese

The Rev Barry Lee to ask –

What progress has been made under Diocesan Mission Policy (d), “To reform the life of the Diocese …” specifically with reference to the Standing Committee under item (xvii) and in particular the second part of that item, namely, “that the restrictions currently attached to the use of church property and funds be reviewed with the aim of giving more discretion to local leaders” and item (xviii) namely, the number of committees and processes involved in obtaining approvals be reduced to give greater authority to the parish about building issues?

To which the President replied –

I am informed that the answer is as follows –

There are broadly 2 types of restrictions that apply to the use of church property and funds.  The first type are restrictions which apply by virtue of the specific trust arrangements that apply to the property or funds in question.  These arrangements are usually reviewed in the context of an ordinance promoted to the Standing Committee by the relevant parish for this purpose.

The second type are restrictions such as those found in the Church Grounds and Buildings Ordinance 1990 and the Use of Church Property Ordinance 1995.  These are restrictions that apply generally to all church property and funds and are reflected in the exposure draft for the Parish Administration Ordinance prepared by the Ordinance Reform Group.  The extent to which these restrictions will be reviewed by that Group will depend in part on whether the Synod indicates that it wishes the work of the Group on this matter to continue and in part on any submissions received by the Group from Synod members about the need for change.

In terms of the property development approval process for parish buildings, the Reform Strategy Group of the Mission Board has done some analysis.  However further work is still required before clear recommendations for change in this area can be made.