Resolutions

1/04 Contact details of multi-ethnic services and congregations

Synod requests that the Registrar consider adding to the 2005 Year Book a list and contact details of all multi-ethnic services and congregations held on Anglican Church Property in the Diocese including both Anglican and non-Anglican congregations, and that it be placed alongside the present list of "Persons conversant with other languages.

(Archdeacon Geoff Huard - 18.10.04)

2/04 Reappointment of the Stipends and Allowances Committee

Synod hereby reappoints the Stipends and Allowances Committee, with power to co-opt and directs that it report its findings and recommendations to the Standing Committee for action.

(Mr Philip Gerber - 18.10.04)

3/04 Anglican Schools

Synod gives thanks to God on the successful commencement in 2004 of two new Anglican schools in the Diocese of Sydney - Shellharbour Anglican College in the Illawarra, under the principalship of Mr Tony Cummings, and Wollondilly Anglican College in the Southern Highlands, under the principalship of Mr Stuart Quarmby.

(The Rev Ian Mears - 19.10.04)

4/04 Mr John Scott

Synod gives thanks to God for the leadership of Mr John Scott, Principal of St Luke's Grammar School, Dee Why, who on his retirement at the end of 2004 will have completed over 13 years of distinguished service as Principal within the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, including 12 years as Principal of St Luke's Grammar School.

(The Rev Ian Mears - 19.10.04)

5/04 New principals of Anglican Schools

Synod -

(a) notes the appointment of 3 new principals to Anglican schools in the Diocese of Sydney - Mrs Judith Poole, Headmistress of Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga, to commence from 2005; Mrs Jann Robinson, Principal of St Luke's Grammar School, Dee Why, to commence from 2005 and Mr Paul Kidson, Principal of Shoalhaven Anglican School, also to commence from 2005, and

(b) offers its prayerful encouragement to these persons as they commence their significant ministries.

(The Rev Ian Mears- 19.10.04)

6/04 Anglican Sports Ministries

Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of the Rev Stuart Gyngell and the Rev David Tyndall as Chaplains at the recent Athens Olympic Games. It commends the visionary ministry of Anglican Sport Ministries and encourages parishes to consider outreach opportunities presented by the holding of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March 2006.

(Bishop Glenn Davies - 19.10.04)

7/04 Micah Challenge

Synod endorses the Micah Challenge, a global Christian campaign launched on 15 October 2004 seeking to mobilize Christians against poverty, in its endeavour -

(a) to deepen Christian engagement with the poor by proclaiming and demonstrating the love of God, in the person of Jesus Christ, to a world in need, and

(b) to influence leaders of the 191 member states of the United Nations to fulfil their public promise to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and so halve absolute global poverty by 2015.

Furthermore, Synod encourages members of all congregations to visit the website micahchallenge.org.au and add their names to the growing community of those who are affirming their Christian commitment to overcoming poverty and injustice.

(Bishop Glenn Davies - 19.10.04)

8/04 Support of Churches in other dioceses

Synod -

(a) remembers that material support for churches by wealthier communities of believers stretches back to the first century AD, as illustrated by the assistance given to the saints in Jerusalem by the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, and

(b) recognises the great need of our brothers and sisters in parishes of the Dioceses of Northwest Australia, Tasmania and Armidale, which are faced with the difficulties of gospel ministry over large distances, the effects of drought and the impact of economic and social hardship in many towns, and

(c) calls on parishes in the Diocese of Sydney with the means to do so, to 'adopt-a-parish' in these dioceses, by providing financial and other support, and

(d) refers this motion to the Mission Taskforce for co-ordination and implementation

(Dr Karin Sowada- 19.10.04)

9/04 Occupational Health & Safety

Synod notes the responsibility of our church to care for the health and safety of those who work or attend activities on our church properties; commends the work being done to assist churches to continue to work cooperatively and take all reasonable and practicable measures to meet the legislative requirements of Government.

(Mr Andrew Burton - 19.10.04)

10/04 Amendment to the Synod business rules

Synod requests that the Standing Committee bring to the next session of Synod an ordinance to amend to the Conduct of the Business of Synod Ordinance 2000 to provide for a simple mechanism for the President to vacate the chair in cases of personal emergency or conflict of interest.

(Ms Jill Faddy - 19.10.04)

11/04 Naremburn/Cammeray: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Naremburn/Cammeray as a parish with effect from 1 January 2005.

(Archdeacon Terry Dein - 25.10.04)

12/04 Minto: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Minto as a parish with effect from 1 January 2005.

(The Rev Richard Happer - 25.10.04)

13/04 Review of clauses 8 and 15 of the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance 1988

In the light of Policy 4 of the Diocesan Mission Statement, and noting our desire to assist parishes to expand and grow, Synod requests that the Standing Committee review clauses 8 and 15 of the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance 1988, and consider the possibility of amendments which would allow the rector of a parish to voluntarily accept less than the minimum stipend and allowances for an agreed period of time without necessarily compromising the status of the parish under the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance 1988

(The Rev Dane Courtney - 25.10.04)

14/04 Lay Administration of the Lord's Supper: doctrinal issues

Synod respectfully requests and strongly encourages the Archbishop, the bishops, other clergy and the laity of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, whenever appropriate-

(a) to vigorously deny the view that endorsing lay administration would be equivalent to the consecration of an active homosexual, and

(b) to clearly inform members of the Anglican Communion, both inside and outside of Australia that the Sydney Synod of the Anglican Church has on a number of occasions, by a clear majority of votes, expressed a view consistent with that view expressed in the Sydney Diocesan Doctrine Commission's statement of 1993, namely, that -

". there are no sound doctrinal objections to, and there are significant doctrinal reasons for, lay presidency (administration) at the Lord's Supper. There are also sound reasons based on our received Anglican order for allowing lay presidency (administration). In light of this the continued prohibition of lay presidency (administration) at the Lord's Supper does not seem justifiable theologically. Since church practice should conform to sound doctrine, practical problems related to the introduction of lay presidency (administration) ought to be dealt with, but should not constitute an obstacle to reform motivated by theological truth."

(Dr Barry Newman- 25.10.04)

15/04 Shellharbour City Centre: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Shellharbour City Centre as a parish with effect from 1 January 2005.

(The Rev Michael Williamsons - 25.10.04)

16/04 Helensburgh with Stanwell Park: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Helensburgh and Stanwell Park as a parish with effect from 1 November 2004.

(Mr Ron Balderston - 25.10.04)

17/04 Structural Change in Ministry

Synod requests that the Archbishop, by licence, broaden the range of ministries for which people may be made deacons and that he put in place whatever additional arrangements are necessary to create a permanent diaconate by -

(a) developing new selection standards for deacons and making it easier for people to resign their orders when they are no longer licensed as a deacon, and

(b) breaking the nexus between being made a deacon and being ordained a priest by making new requirements for ordination to the presbyterate which reflect the real character of that ministry, as distinct from the diaconate

(Bishop Glenn Davies - 25.10.04)

18/04 Safe Ministry Policy

Synod -

(a) notes Child Protection Resolutions Nos. 1 to 4 and the Strategic Issues, Commissions, Task Forces and Networks Canon (Amendment) Canon 2004 passed by the 13th General Synod and requests the Professional Standards Board to further develop policies for implementing safe ministry practices in parishes and diocesan organisations and report to the first session of the 47th Synod,

(b) adopts as the diocesan Safe Ministry Policy Statement -

The Anglican Church of Australia is committed to the physical, emotional and spiritual welfare and safety to all people, particularly within its own community. To ensure the safety of children and vulnerable people in our communities, the Church will -

· carefully recruit and train its clergy and church workers,

· adopt and encourage safe ministry practices by its clergy and church workers,

· respond promptly to each concern raised about the behaviour of its clergy and church workers,

· offer pastoral support to any person who has suffered abuse, and

· provide supervision of and pastoral accountability to any person known to have abused a child or another vulnerable person.

(c) recommends that each parish and diocesan organisation adopts the diocesan Safe Ministry Policy Statement,

(d) adopts Faithfulness in Service as the diocesan code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and lay church workers and recommends to each Regional Council and parish the careful study of this document,

(e) recommends that each diocesan organisation adopt Faithfulness in Service as the code for personal behaviour and practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and employed and voluntary lay church workers who exercise a pastoral ministry.

(Mr Garth Blake - 25.10.04)

19/04 Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care

Synod -

1. Notes that the report of the Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care by the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs tabled in Federal Parliament on 30 August 2004 said in part -

The Committee received hundreds of graphic and disturbing accounts about the treatment and care experienced by children in out-of-home care. Many care leavers showed immense courage in putting intensely personal life stories on the public record. Their stories outlined a litany of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and often criminal physical and sexual assault. Their stories also told of neglect, humiliation and deprivation of food, education and healthcare. Such abuse and assault was widespread across institutions, across States and across the government, religious and other care providers.

and

But the overwhelming response as to treatment in care, even among those that made positive comments was the lack of love, affection and nurturing that was never provided to young children at critical times during their emotional development.

And therefore recommended

The Committee believes that governments, the Churches and agencies should issue formal statements acknowledging their role in past institutional care policies and practices and the impact this had on the lives of many care leavers. These statements should express sorrow and apologise for the physical, psychological and social harm caused as a result of the care leavers' experiences as children in institutional care. The Committee also considers that these acknowledgments must be accompanied by other positive measures as recommended in the report to ensure that they are not regarded as merely 'empty gestures' by the care leavers and the community generally.

2. Commends the report to the parishes and institutions of the Diocese for study, prayerful reflection and appropriate response, especially to any care leavers they come into contact with.

3. Requests that Anglicare prepare a response to the Report, which addresses its key recommendations.

4. Asks that this response be presented to the Archbishop, Standing Committee and the Board of Anglicare for action and that a report of action taken be prepared for the 2005 session of Synod.

5. Welcomes the development by the Professional Standards Unit and Anglicare of the "Pastoral Care and Assistance Scheme" and requests the parishes and organisations of the Diocese to familiarise themselves with this scheme and to advertise widely its availability.

6. Recognises the important role of Care Leavers Australia Network Inc (CLAN) in providing support and advocacy for those brought up in 'care', and encourages the Diocese, Anglicare, the parishes and organisations of the Diocese as well as individual members to support, including financially, CLAN and its work.

7. Acknowledges the role of the Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney through its organisations including Anglican Home Mission Society (Anglicare) and the Church of England Homes, in the administration of institutional care arrangements. Further acknowledging that some of the children who were brought up in 'care' during the last century have been left with the life-long effects of emotional deprivation and neglect, (including the absence of frequent and meaningful family contact, placement with siblings, consistent care givers, opportunities for children to emotionally process what they have experienced and freedom to express their views and wishes for their future care) and in some cases even worse, physical, sexual and psychological abuse, Synod expresses its deep regret at the harm caused by the failure to provide appropriate care. In particular Synod apologises for the physical, psychological and social harm and suffering experienced by any care leavers as a result of their experiences in any institution run under the auspices of the Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney. Synod encourages such persons to make themselves known so that support, personal apology and appropriate assistance can be offered.

8. Calls on those responsible for the neglect or abuse of children in their care to repent; and show their repentance by coming forward and confessing their wrong-doing, offering apology to affected care leavers and their families where appropriate and opening themselves to the due processes of the justice system; and to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all their sins.

9. Recognises with gratitude to God those devoted Christian carers who did a wonderful job in Christ's name to genuinely care for the children in their institutions.

(The Rev Chris Albany - 25.10.04)

20/04 Justice Ken Handley AO

Synod notes the retirement in December 2003 of Mr Justice Ken Handley as Chancellor and an ex-officio member of Synod and Standing Committee and gives thanks to God for his service to the Diocese over many years, particularly as Advocate from 1970 to 1980, as Chancellor from 1980 and as a member of Synod and Standing Committee since 1971; and prays for God's continued blessing of Ken and his wife Di and their ongoing ministry to the Anglican Church of Australia in the Diocese.

(Dr Philip Selden - 26.10.04)

21/04 Associated Churches

Synod requests that the Standing Committee -

(a) consider the means by which non-Anglican churches might be recognised as associated churches of the Diocese and the benefits which may arise for both the Diocese and those churches by reason of such association, and

(b) prepare such ordinances as it thinks necessary to provide for such association.

(Dr Philip Selden - 26.10.04)

22/04 Abortion

Synod grieves the loss of up to 100,000 Australian lives each year through abortion, and calls upon this church, the federal government, state governments and the Australian community to-

(a) identify and reduce the stresses causing so many women to terminate pregnancies, and

(b) discern how more children might be welcomed into loving adoptive families rather than aborted,

and requests that the Diocesan Secretary, on behalf of the Synod, communicate a copy of the call in this resolution to all federal and state members of parliament, asking them to defend the lives of the unborn.

Synod also calls on all Bible preachers to sensitively provide a biblical perspective on abortion, from time to time, so that God's people can be more fully equipped to make godly decisions on this issue.

(Mrs Lesley Ramsay- 26.10.04)

23/04 Canon Donald Anderson

Synod records its appreciation for the many years of service to the Diocese of Canon Donald Anderson both in the many parishes he has served and also in his contribution to the advancement of Christian education especially through the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation and wishes him and Mrs Anderson well in their retirement.

(Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones - 26.10.04)

24/04 The Rev John Reed

Synod -

(a) notes the presence in the visitors' gallery of the Rev John Reed, rector of the parish of the Church of England in Norfolk Island, and

(b) notes with gratitude Mr Reed's ministry in that parish and that he is now returning to a new ministry at The Illawarra Grammar School in 2005, and

(c) notes that Bishop ROBERT FORSYTH would be happy to talk with any appropriate clergy about the possibility of serving in this important ministry on Norfolk Island from next year

(Bishop ROBERT FORSYTH - 26.10.04)

25/04 The Rev Peter Taylor

Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of the Rev Peter Taylor who will be retiring before Synod meets next year, and in particular for -

(a) his ministry at St Matthew's West Pennant Hills since 1988 which has borne much fruit in people coming to know Christ and being established in the fellowship, and in growing a strong leadership team and wide range of ministries, and

(b) his former ministry at Mowbray and Macquarie University, and

(c) his service to the Diocese as an ACT advisor, and

(d) his gifts of preaching and ability to allow the ministry of others to flourish, and

(e) his support in establishing Chinese ministry and in the formation of the Cherrybrook church, and

(f) especially his great love and commitment to youth work, evidenced by his continued participation in playing tip football on Monday nights.

Synod expresses its gratitude to Peter and wishes him and his wife, Judy, God's blessing upon their future life and ministry.

(Bishop Ivan Lee - 26.10.04)

26/04 Canon John Livingstone

Synod notes that this will be the last Synod of Canon John Livingstone prior to his retirement and gives thanks to God for the faithful ministry he and his wife Jan have exercised in the Diocese over the past 40 years. Canon Livingstone's ministry has been marked by a pastor's heart and a deep concern to preach the Gospel. This has been evident in his innovative ministry in the developing areas of Western Sydney in the 1960s and 1970s; as Director of the New Areas Committee, in his role as Director of Careforce; and in his incumbencies in Normanhurst and Bowral.

Synod further notes the significant ministry that Mrs Jan Livingstone has exercised through her leadership of the Mothers' Union both within the Diocese of Sydney and more recently as President of MU Australia. In this latter role she has been a positive influence in women's ministry within the wider Anglican Church of Australia and given encouragement and support to the development of programs designed to strengthen family life within our nation.

Synod wishes both Canon John and Mrs Jan Livingstone every blessing as they embark upon the next phase of their life in the service of our Lord Jesus

(Dr Allan Beavis - 26.10.04)

27/04 Death of Canon M C Newth

Synod notes the passing of Canon Melville Cooper Newth, OBE, BA, Thl, FACE, on Thursday 21 October 2004.

Canon Newth was appointed Headmaster of the Cathedral School and Assistant Minister at St Andrew's Cathedral in 1941 by Archbishop Mowll. He was also appointed Precentor from 1947 to 1954. During his 38 years as Headmaster he saw the School grow from an enrolment of almost 50 to one of just over 540. He oversaw the development of the School from a Primary and Junior Secondary institution to one preparing students for a University education. He led the School from its premises in 2 floors in a disused printery, The Worker Building, into its current premises in St Andrew's House.

In addition to his Cathedral and School duties, Canon Newth gave himself unstintingly to the work of Christian education through his work with the Diocesan Board of Education and the Council for the Promotion of Diocesan Schools. He fought for the retention of Special Religious Education in State Schools and the development of several Diocesan Schools. In 1952 he was instrumental in the restructuring of the Sunday School curriculum through the new Trowel and in introducing and promoting modern teaching methods.

Synod thanks God for the faithful service of Canon Newth to the ministry of the Diocese and sends its condolences to his family.

(Dr Allan Beavis - 26.10.04)

28/04 Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy

Synod -

(a) gives thanks to God for the many opportunities that members of the Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy have had to minister to people in the thoroughbred horse racing industry over the last 12 months, especially through baptism, weddings, funerals and pastoral visits, and

(b) gives thanks to God for the appointment of the Rev Paul Bayliss as Honorary Anglican Chaplain to the tracks administered by the Sydney Turf Club, and

(c) prays that God would raise up a chaplain who would have a great heart to see those in the racing industry brought to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and

(d) looks to God's providence and the generosity of those in the industry for the provision of funding for this position.

(The Rev Jeremy Tonks - 26.10.04)

29/04 Amendment of the Church Administration Ordinance 1990

Synod -

(a) notes that the Synod Elections Ordinance 2000 effectively allows Synod electors to vote for up to "the number of offices to be filled", but that the Church Administration Ordinance 1990 states that vestry meeting electors "must not vote for more nor less than the number of candidates to be elected", and

(b) requests that the Standing Committee consider amending the Church Administration Ordinance 1990 so that electors at vestry meetings and parish meetings may validly vote for less than the number of candidates to be elected, and

(c) suggests that an effective way of achieving the request in (b) would be to delete the words "nor less" from clause 14(c) of the Church Administration Ordinance 1990.

(Mr Brian Gaetjens - 26.10.04)

30/04 Narellan: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Narellan as a parish with effect from 1 January 2005.

(Mr David Nockles - 26.10.04)

31/04 Petersham: Reclassification as a Parish

Synod assents to the reclassification of Petersham as a parish with effect from 1 January 2005.

(The Rev Antony Barraclough - 26.10.04)

32/04 Ashbury: Creation of a provisional parish

Synod assents to the creation of the provisional parish of Ashbury effect from 1 January 2005.

(Archdeacon Deryck Howell - 26.10.04)

33/04 The Windsor Report

Synod -

1. notes the publication of The Windsor Report 2004 by Lambeth Commission on Communion and thanks the Commission for its work.

2. requests the Standing Committee to give careful consideration to the report and its proposals, in particular the proposed "Anglican Covenant" and advise members of Synod of its views.

3. commends the Commission for its re-statement of the principle of the authority of Scripture as the "central" and "supreme authority" for Anglicans (paragraph 53).

4. reaffirms its commitment to the authority of Scripture as outlined in Articles 6 and 20 of the Articles of Religion and calls on all other churches and dioceses in the Anglican Communion to do the same.

5. noting the report's description of the actions of the Episcopal Church of the USA and the Anglican Church in Canada related to the blessing of same-sex unions and the election of an active homosexual to the episcopate, dissociates itself from these actions which are contrary to Biblical teaching, and as an expression of Christian fellowship and in love calls on those involved to repent, and to reverse their decisions.

6. further noting the pain and suffering of some parishes and individuals who dissent from the actions of ECUSA and the Diocese of New Westminster, commits itself to pray for the continued witness to the truth and the perseverance in the gospel of those dissenters, and calls on the relevant authorities to cease legal action against them and to allow the possibility of delegated pastoral oversight for these dissenters as proposed in the report (paragraph 151).

(Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones - 26.10.04)

34/04 Synod Appropriations and Allocations for 2006-2008

Synod, noting the report "Synod Appropriations and Allocations for 2006-2008" -

(a) notes the intention to appropriate the funds shown in the schedule to the report (from the Diocesan Endowment Ordinance, the other specific trust ordinances and the general provision for distribution held by the Glebe Administration Board) in each of the years 2006-2008, and

(b) notes the intention to make a special allocation of funds to the capital of the Indigenous Peoples' Ministry Fund in each of the years 2006-2008, and

(c) notes the intention to allocate the percentage of Total Funds Available shown in the schedule to the report to each of the policy areas for the years 2006-2008.

(Bishop Peter Tasker - 26.10.04)

35/04 Use of the word "Priest"

Synod -

(a) reaffirms the decision of motion 20/97,

Synod considers -

(a) that the good reason for our reformers retaining the word "priest" in the Book of Common Prayer is its derivation from the Greek "presbuteros", (which means a senior person, and "elder', or a mature leader); and

(b) that much of this meaning has been lost, because modern English has come to use "priest" to mean a person who mediates between man and God,

and therefore encourages all involved in liturgical revision, in place of the word "priest", to use words like "elder", "president", "presbyter" or "minister".

(b) considers that our continued use of the word "Priest" in legislation and formularies describing New Testament ministers, may be confusing, and

(c) asks that the Standing Committee bring to the next session a report, on the practicality of replacing the word "priest" with words such as "presbyter" or "senior minister" in all our legislation and formularies.

(The Rev Chris Clerke - 26.10.04)