Explanatory Statement

1. The Revised Constitution Amendment (Interpretation) Canon 1998 seeks to amend the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia (printed on pages 122 to 151 inclusive of The Seventh Handbook) in 2 respects.

2. First, it proposes that the following definition of the word "month" be inserted into section 74 of the Constitution -

"'Month' means a calendar month, that is, a period commencing at the beginning of a day of one of the twelve months of the year and ending immediately before the beginning of the corresponding day of the next month or, if there is no such corresponding day, ending at the expiration of the next month.".

3. Secondly, it proposes that a provision be inserted into the Constitution concerning the reckoning of time.

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