Would the funds used to pay out Rev Michael Corbett-Jones after his dismissal as Director of the Anglican Counselling Centre in April have otherwise been used for counselling ministry?

To which the President replied -

I am advised the answer is as follows -

Monies paid to the Rev Corbett-Jones came from the General Funds of Anglican Counselling Centre. As such, had they not been paid to the Rev Corbett-Jones, they would have been employed in the day to day business of ACC in payment of salaries, repayment of loans, purchase of external supplies or other normal matters.

The President made the following statement to the Synod on Monday 16 October 2000 -

"On Tuesday 10 October 2000, the Rev Peter Robinson asked a question about moneys paid to the Rev Michael Corbett-Jones.

The response given to the question was accurate but it has been suggested that I give further details of the circumstances in which Mr Corbett-Jones ceased to perform the functions of director of the Anglican Counselling Centre. I am happy to do so.

The circumstances are as follows -

(a) In February 2000 Mr Corbett-Jones tendered his resignation as director, requesting that it take effect from 31 December 2000.

(b) On 27 March 2000, after the tender of the resignation, the Standing Committee passed the resolutions which effectively provided for the integration of the Anglican Counselling Centre with Anglicare. A new interim council was appointed to purse the integration process.

(c) The interim council requested that Mr Corbett-Jones stand aside from his management role to enable the integration process to be facilitated.

(d) The interim council and Mr Corbett-Jones negotiated a settlement package which reflects Mr Corbett-Jones' resignation date of 31 December 2000.".