Terms of Reference    

1. To monitor, and report and make recommendations to the Standing Committee on -

(a) restrictions on the ability of Christian individuals, churches and organisations to manifest their faith and mission in society, and

(b) regulatory burdens which unduly or disproportionately impact the operation of such churches and organisations.

2. To develop for the Standing Committee's consideration recommended strategies for ensuring that the freedoms of religion, speech, association and conscience are protected, strengthened and promoted.

3. In undertaking the functions referred to in items 1 and 2, to consult and work in co-operation with the Social Issues Committee, Anglicare and other diocesan agencies and, where practicable, Christian organisations and church bodies outside the Diocese, including Freedom For Faith.

Members

4. There is no minimum or maximum number of members. Elected by the Standing Committee with at least one-third of the members being Standing Committee members. One additional member with formal theological training to be appointed by the Archbishop.

5. A member ceases to hold office if any of the circumstances set out in rule 7.1(2)(a) of the Schedule to the Synod Elections Ordinance 2000 arises.  

6. Current members are -

Mr Gavin Jones
The Rev Dr Edward Loane
Bishop Michael Stead (Chair)
Dr Robert Tong AM
Mr Robert Wicks
 

Chair

7. The Committee is to elect a chair from among its members, who is to hold office until the first Standing Committee meeting after the first session of each Synod.

Quorum 

8.  2 members (Meetings (Quorum, Attendance and Resolutions) Ordinance 2007), including at least one Standing Committee member.
 

Administrative Arrangements 

9. SDS provides staff and services, the Diocesan Secretary arranges the secretarial work for the Committee and the costs are met by the Synod.
 

Retirement

10. The members hold office at the pleasure of the Standing Committee but retire at the first Standing Committee meeting after the first session of each Synod.
 

_{Current as at  30 October 2023}