Archbishop of Sydney’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund

1. Associate Professor Alan Watson asked -

In 2003 Synod called on the Diocese to vigorously expand our support for brothers and sisters in material need through the work of ORAF (The Archbishop of Sydney’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund). In 2004 Synod endorsed the Micah Challenge - to deepen our engagement with the poor (by gospel proclamation and material support) and to influence leaders to implement the Millennium

Development Goals to halve poverty by 2015.

Despite evidence of some good work, perusal of the ORAF financial performance over recent years does not show “vigorous expansion”.

1. Do you agree and how do you explain this?
2. What steps are being taken to bring about vigorous expansion of ORAF?
3. What is being done regarding the Micah Challenge to deepen our engagement with the poor and to influence leaders to fulfil the Millennium Goals?

This question is based on my current first hand experience in Tanzania among brothers and sisters in churches we Australians begat (and/or nurtured) who are struggling to live despite deep poverty.
To which the President replied -

Strictly, this question is out of order under business rule 6.3(4) in that, among other things, it contains an assertion and expresses an opinion.

Nevertheless I make the following comments.

I am advised as follows -

1. Since 2001 ORAF has doubled its income from parishes and parishioners and reduced overall costs. 
   ORAF’s only source of income is from the Sydney Anglican community and it encourages parishes to continue to support its work.
2. It is likely that “vigorous expansion” would only be achieved through one of the following -
   1. Dramatic increase in parish support,
   2. Increased promotion of the work of ORAF and an increase in the budget and staff numbers. This would however affect its operational costs which are maintained under 22%.
   3. Increase government income through AusAID. This is being planned in 2007 and will involve a move to full accreditation and greater income.
   4. The management committee which is now under the chairmanship of Bishop Peter Tasker has planned to meet more regularly and to be more proactive in these matters.
3. The work of ORAF is intrinsically linked to the Micah Challenge and Millennium Goals. ORAF will encourage parishes to share its educational material with their parishioners.