Explanatory Statement

1. The Constitution Alteration (Discipline Clarification) Canon 1998 seeks to omit the existing definition of "discipline" from section 74 of the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia (which is published on pages 122 to 151 inclusive of The Seventh Handbook) and insert a new definition.

2. The existing definition of "discipline" is as follows -

"'Discipline' includes the rules of this Church and the rules of good conduct."

3. The proposed definition of "discipline" is -

"(9) In this Constitution 'discipline' means -

(a) in Chapters II to VII and X to XII the obligation to adhere to, to observe and to carry out (as appropriate):

(i) the faith, ritual and ceremonial of this Church; and

(ii) the other rules of this Church which impose on the members of the clergy obligations regarding the religious and moral life of this Church; and

(b) in Chapter IX, as regards a person in Holy Orders licensed by the bishop of a diocese or resident in a diocese both:

(i) the obligations in the ordinal undertaken by that person; and

(ii) the ordinances in force in that diocese.".

4. Under section 67(1)(c) of the Constitution, the canon will not come into effect unless at least ¾ of the diocesan synods, including all of the metropolitan sees, have assented to it by ordinance with all such assents to be in force at the same time.

Recommendation

5. The Standing Committee recommends that the Synod assent to the canon.

For and on behalf of the Standing Committee

MARK PAYNE
Diocesan Secretary
14 August 1998