1/06 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Christchurch
Synod congratulates the Diocese of Christchurch as it celebrates its 150th Anniversary, gives thanks to God for what has been achieved during that time, and prays that it will continue to be effective in proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Dr Philip Selden 16/10/06)
2/06 Regional Financial Advisory Panel
Synod, noting that since the introduction of the GST financial management of parishes has become more and more complex, requests Regional Councils to write to all ministers and churchwardens of the region to determine if there are parishioners within their parish who would be willing to have their names placed on a "Regional Financial Advisory Panel" to provide advice to other parishes on -
(a) setting up their accounts
(b) managing their accounts
(c) providing audit services.
(Mr Graeme Marks 16/10/06)
3/06 Detention of David Hicks
Synod expresses its concern over the continued indefinite detention of Australian citizen, David Hicks, in Guantanamo Bay and the lengthy delays in bringing him to trial. It calls upon the Federal Government to make representations to the Government of the United States to have Mr Hicks brought before a properly constituted civil court before a specified date (such date to be in the not too distant future) and, failing that, to hand him over to Australia.
(Mrs Lesley Ramsay 16/10/06)
4/06 150th Anniversary of Moore Theological College
Synod rejoices with Moore Theological College at the 150th anniversary of the College this year and gives thanks to God for -
(a) his faithfulness to the College over the past 150 years,
(b) the effective and Bible-based theological education that generations of students have received,
(c) the impact of Moore graduates on the evangelical nature of this Diocese,
(d) the role of the College in defending the Christian faith against secularism, theological liberalism and the excesses of the charismatic movement, and
(e) the increasing numbers of men and women studying at the College.
Synod also, expresses its gratitude to -
(f) those who have supported the College through prayer and giving over that time,
(g) past and present faculty, particularly Principals, for preserving the evangelical nature of the College, and
(h) members of the College Council for their wise, faithful and prayerful ministry.
(Mrs Claire Smith 16/10/06)
5/06 150th Anniversary of Anglicare
Synod gives thanks to God for the work of Anglicare over the past 150 years, and prays that God will continue to bless these ministries, that they may bring glory to God as they are involved in sharing the gospel and meeting human needs.
Synod also encourages members to mark this important occasion by providing comments and good wishes in the anniversary books available in this centre for Anglicare and Moore College.
(Dr Philip Selden 16/10/06)
6/06 The Rev Sydney Langford-Smith
Synod, noting that the church of St Mark's Berowra was officially opened by the Rev Sydney Langford-Smith on the 6 October 1906, hereby gives thanks to God, and to his people through him, for 100 years of Anglican Ministry on that site.
(The Rev Ian Millican 17/10/06)
7/06 Risk Management
Synod -
(a) recognises the need to provide a safe physical environment for all people who come into contact with us as well as comply with our legal obligations, and
(b) commends the Secretariat for developing the Parish Risk Management program, with the financial support of the Synod, and
(c) encourages churchwardens, parish councils and other leaders to implement the recommended courses of action and to seek help if this proves to be difficult.
(Bishop Robert Forsyth 17/10/06)
8/06 Ministry Training and Development
Synod requests the Department of Ministry Training and Development, in consultation with the Diocesan Women's Ministry Team, the Mission Board, and Standing Committee, to bring a report to the next sitting of the Synod, outlining a diocesan policy on the recruitment training and deployment of women in paid ministry within the Diocese.
(Mrs Claire Smith 17/10/06)
9/06 Deaconess Dorothy Ethel Bransgrove
Synod gives thanks to God for the long ministry of Deaconess Dorothy Ethel Bransgrove who died on 6 October 2006 aged 94. It recognises her work as a missionary in Tanzania, her work in connection with the GFS Hostel near Sydney University and her 40 years as honorary deaconess in the parish of Willoughby East.
(Mr Justice Peter Young AO 17/10/06)
10/06 The Rev Canon Jim South
Synod give thanks to God for the ministry of the Rev Jim South who retires on 31 December 2006.
In particular we thank God for -
(a) his curacies at Manly and Port Kembla,
(b) his incumbencies at Greenacre and Emu Plains (33 years),
(c) his pastoral oversight as Area Dean of the Penrith area since 1984,
(d) his outstanding contribution to the Western Sydney Regional Council and its committees for over 25 years, and
(e) his service as Canon of the Cathedral of St John's Parramatta since 1985.
Synod expresses its deep gratitude to Jim and Ann for their long and faithful service and wishes them God's richest blessing for their future life and ministry.
(Bishop Ivan Lee 17/10/06)
11/06 The Rev Philip Bassett
Synod notes the approaching retirement of the Rev Philip Bassett and thanks God for his faithful ministry.
We thank God for -
(a) his curacies at Hornsby, Balgowlah and Campbelltown, and
(b) his incumbencies at Cataract with Ambarvale, the Murchison (BCA) and Toongabbie.
Synod expresses its prayerful best wishes to Philip and Margaret for their future life and ministry.
(Bishop Ivan Lee 17/10/06)
12/06 Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones OAM
Synod thanks God for the long, faithful and energetic service to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through this Synod of Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones OAM. In particular we thank God for his passionate commitment about the cause of Christ in this Church and beyond, and for his at times provocative, but always honest and wise engagement in the Synod.
Synod notes that -
(a) Bruce first became a member of the Synod in 1963 as a layman and was a member of the election Synod for Archbishop Marcus Loane, and
(b) his creative and energetic membership of the Standing Committee, outstanding leadership as a General Synod representative and a key participant in all major debates of the last 30 years mark Bruce's tenure in central bodies of the Diocese, and
(c) his role as Deputy Chairman of the Glebe Administration Board and President of the NSW Council of Churches and his involvement with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and as a Jannali bushfire fighter were recognised by the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia.
In all this Bruce, under God, built and nurtured a large and active congregation at Jannali assisted by his late wife, Raema.
Synod thanks God for his fellowship in the gospel and prays that God's blessing might rest on Bruce for a long and fruitful retirement.
(Mr Robert Tong 17/10/06)
13/06 Annandale: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Annandale as a parish with effect from 1 January 2007.
(The Rev Dominic Steele 17/10/06)
14/06 Ashbury: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Ashbury as a parish with effect from 1 January 2007.
(The Rev Peter Sholl 17/10/06)
15/06 National Register Canon
Synod, in view of the uncertain standing of the National Register Canon 2004 and the uncertain nature of some provisions of that canon, requests the Standing Committee to prepare and enact an ordinance to provide for the remission of information to the General Secretary of the General Synod regarding conduct of clergy and laity of this Diocese which constitutes sexual misconduct or child abuse, such ordinance to comply with all relevant statutes and to provide a means of ensuring that persons the subject of such a communication are informed of its content.
(Mr Robert Tong 17/10/06)
16/06 The Rev Charles Christopher Godden
Synod thanks God for the courageous witness and missionary service of the Rev Charles Christopher Godden, especially for his faithfulness in the face of the danger which culminated in his martyrdom. Further, this Synod observe one minute's prayerful silence to commemorate the centenary of his martyrdom in Vanuatu, 16 October 1906, and other brothers and sisters who have given their lives in the cause of the gospel.
(The Rev Canon Dr James McPherson 17/10/06)
17/06 Mr Michael Orpwood QC
Synod gives thanks to God for the life and godly example of Mr Michael Orpwood QC, and for his significant contribution over many years to the proclamation of the gospel in this Diocese and beyond, including his involvement with Christ Church Gladesville, the Standing Committee, the General Synod, his chairmanship of the Department of Evangelism, the Katoomba Christian Convention and his dedicated service as Chancellor of the Diocese. Synod assures his wife Margaret and their family of our prayers that they will continue to be comforted in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and the sure hope we have in him.
(Dean Phillip Jensen 18/10/06)
18/06 Use of the word "Presbyter"
Synod -
(a) notes the publication by Anglican Media Sydney in August 2005 of the brochure "Full-Time Paid Ministry in the Diocese of Sydney" and commends the authors for their helpful discussion of ministry and ordination in this Diocese, and
(b) commends the authors for their use throughout the brochure of the term "Presbyter" for the second order of ministry, and
(c) encourages the use of this brochure in recruiting suitable persons into the ministry of the word in this Diocese, and
(d) thanks the Standing Committee for passing the "Presbyter (Amendment of Terminology) Ordinance 2006" in order to clarify the legalities associated with using the term "Presbyter" in place of the term "Priest" for the second order of ministry, and
(e) encourages the use of the term "Presbyter" as a more appropriate technical term for the second order of ministry.
(The Rev Richard Blight 18/10/06)
19/06 2006 Presidential Address
Synod recommends that clergy, or where appropriate, lay persons, bring to the attention of parish councils, congregations under their care and Sydney diocesan organisations the 2006 Presidential Address for consideration and discussion.
(Dr Barry Newman 18/10/06)
20/06 "Behind Closed Doors" Video
Synod -
(a) notes that TAMAR in conjunction with Anglicare has produced an information video "Behind Closed Doors" for use by parishes which helpfully canvasses issues in relation to child abuse;
(b) encourages all Synod members to view the video and take a copy back to their parishes for viewing in the parish to maximise understanding of the effect of abuse on children and what is involved in protecting them; and
(c) approves the distribution of the video "Behind Closed Doors" to Synod members at the entrance of the Synod chamber.
(Mrs Patricia Mayne 18/10/06)
21/06 Women deacons and diocesan lay workers
Synod notes the small numbers of women ordained as deacon and commissioned as diocesan lay workers in this Diocese in the period 1996-2006. Synod looks to God to raise up women to serve Him in this Diocese as deacons and diocesan lay workers. Synod calls on women currently training at Moore Theological College, and those preparing to enter Moore Theological College to prayerfully consider applying to the Diocese to be considered as Diocesan candidates for the Diaconate or diocesan lay workers.
(The Rev Denise Nicholls 18/10/06)
22/06 Liturgies and practices in Institution and Induction church services
Following the Archbishop's inspirational Synod Address where he encouraged ministers to be inwardly and outwardly focussed missional leadership rather than only inwardly focussed congregational leaders, and where the Archbishop reminded the Synod of his intention to initiate changes to the structure of ministry in order to support and encourage that outward focus, Synod respectfully requests the Archbishop to initiate the revision of currently used liturgies and practices in Institution and Induction church services so that these liturgies given greater emphasis to the outward focus, than is currently the case.
(The Rev Zac Veron 18/10/06)
23/06 Leadership and management of change
In light of the Archbishop's Presidential Address, Synod requests Moore College, in consultation with the Department of Ministry Training and Development, to develop a course for 4th year Ordination students dealing with leadership and management of change.
(The Rev Stephen Semenchuk 18/10/06)
24/06 Evangelism among men
In view of the assertion made by the Archbishop in his Presidential Address concerning the absence of men from our churches and because of our commitment to the Diocesan Mission, Synod urges all of the senior ministers and incumbents in the churches of our Diocese to make evangelism amongst men a priority and commit themselves to -
(i) teaching that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling (1 Timothy 2:8),
(ii) increasing evangelism amongst men in their parishes,
(iii) ensuring that lay men in their churches are mentored in this task,
(iv) reporting annually to their congregations on this matter.
(Canon Jim Ramsay 18/10/06)
25/06 The Rev Tom Halls
Synod gives thanks to Almighty God for the example and ministry of the Reverend Tom Halls over 35 years, during his curacies at Carlingford and Peakhurst with Lugarno, his incumbency at McCallums Hill, and in particular his ministry as Rector of Cooks River for the last 25 years. Synod also thanks God for Tom's contributions to the life of the Diocese as a member of the Council of Anglicare, and chairman of the Church of England Finance and Loans Board, and recognizes the deep appreciation of many for his teaching, training and evangelistic ministry in India, United Kingdom, United States, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
In giving thanks to God, Synod also expresses its deep gratitude to Tom and Clare, and prays for many years of effective and fruitful ministry in retirement.
(Archdeacon Deryck Howell 18/10/06)
26/06 Parish development reviews
Synod -
(a) urges the filling of vacancies in the membership of the Parish Review Monitoring Panel and the rapid convening of that Panel;
(b) requests the Panel to develop and publish, in a timely manner, guidelines as to the process and best practice for the conduct of parish reviews, along with a list of suitably trained, experienced and gifted review group facilitators and members, which it has accredited, and
(c) encourages every parish to undergo a development review utilising the terms of the Parish Development Review Ordinance 2001, within the next 5 years.
(The Rev Canon Sandy Grant 18/10/06)
27/06 Strathfield (St Andrew's): Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Strathfield (St Andrew's) as a parish with effect from 1 January 2007.
(The Rev Kevin Kim 18/10/06)
28/06 Wilberforce: Reclassification as a Parish
Synod assents to the reclassification of Wilberforce as a parish with effect from 1 January 2007.
(The Rev Geoff Bates 18/10/06)
29/06 Training and recruiting teachers for Church schools
Synod -
(a) endorses the recent initiatives being taken by the Anglican Education Commission in teacher education and recruitment, and
(b) endorses the re-constitution of the Anglican Education Commission as a separate body under its own ordinance to pursue these initiatives as part of a broader responsibility for advocacy, teacher recruitment and teacher education, and
(c) urges the Anglican Education Commission to actively train, recruit and encourage Christian teachers and specific teachers of Christian studies to minister in public school as well as church schools, and
(d) requests the Standing Committee to pass such ordinances and take such further action as it considers necessary or desirable to implement and facilitate the matters referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).
(Dr Bryan Cowling 18/10/06)
30/06 Diocesan policy on education
Synod -
(a) supports the continued development of a broad based diocesan policy on education, and
(b) requests that the Standing Committee bring to the 2007 session of Synod for its consideration a revised policy statement taking into account any written comments and suggestions made by Synod members, and
(c) requests that Synod members provide any comments to the Diocesan Secretary by 31 March 2007.
(Dr Grant Maple 18/10/06)
31/06 Mr Jack Shellard
Synod gives thanks to God for the life and ministry of Jack Shellard who died at his home in Wentworth Falls on Tuesday 10 October 2006 aged 87 years.
Jack was a remarkable Christian educator and missionary whose 52 years of direct involvement with the Church Missionary Society included 15 years in Tanzania where he was the founding headmaster of Musoma Alliance Secondary School.
In Australia Jack was a most active layman, a lecturer in teacher education and an office bearer in may professional organisations including the Teachers Christian Fellowship and the NSW Institute for Education Research.
Jack was a member of Synod for many years representing St Philip's Eastwood and Holy Trinity Wentworth Falls.
We convey our prayerful condolence to his widow, Florence, and the family in their loss and praise God for his rich grace shown through the life of Jack Shellard.
(Associate Professor Alan Watson 23/10/06)
32/06 The King's School, Parramatta
Synod notes that The King's School, Parramatta is celebrating 175 years since its foundation in March 1831, and its opening on 13 February 1832, and congratulates the school on this significant anniversary.
Synod also thanks God for the current energy and Christian direction of the school, and prays that the school council and headmaster be fixed in their mission of seeking the glory of God and the health of society through the education provided at the school.
(The Rev Martin Robinson 23/10/06)
33/06 Bishop Reg Piper
Synod gives special thanks to God for the faithful service of Bishop Reg Piper for more than 40 years within the Diocese and further afield. Special note is made of his time in Adelaide (Holy Trinity) and as the Regional Bishop of Wollongong.
Particular thanks are given for his parish, preaching and pastoral ministries, his great example of godliness and devotion to prayer and the daily study of God's word. Synod also thanks God for Dorothy's very special ministry to women in all the areas where she and Reg have had the privilege of serving our Lord.
Synod seeks God's continued blessing on them as they move into 'retirement' initially in the role as rector and wife in Gymea parish.
(Mr Geoff Kyngdon 23/10/06)
34/06 Anglican Communion
Synod notes with regret the discord within the Anglican Communion, commits itself to prayer for the unity of the Anglican Communion under God, commends the Primates of the Global South for their forthright stand in upholding biblical truth, expresses its support and encouragement for all within the Anglican Communion who are seeking to uphold biblical principles and prays for the Archbishop of Canterbury in his difficult role.
(Mr Robert Tong 23/10/06)
35/06 Partnerships with other dioceses
Synod confirms its keenness to enter into partnerships when so invited by other dioceses which uphold biblical truth.
36/06 Compensation for injured clergy
Synod -
(a) desires that members of clergy in the Diocese ought to have their medical expenses covered following workplace injury in a manner that is comparable with that afforded to employees under the NSW WorkCover legislation, and
(b) requests that Standing Committee report to the 3rd session of this Synod on mechanisms by which Synod's desire might be realised.
(The Rev Craig Roberts 24/10/06)
37/06 Presidential Address
Synod requests that in future the President considers whether the President's Address be printed and circulated to members as it was in previous years.
(Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones 24/10/06)
38/06 Recognition of marriage
Synod -
(a) expresses its support of the Federal Government in its recognition of marriage as "the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life" as being consistent with the Biblical teaching about marriage and God's intentions for the family, and
(b) thanks the Federal Government for acting to prevent the Civil Unions Act 2006 (ACT) coming into effect in the Australian Capital Territory.
(The Rev Dr Mark Thompson 24/10/06)
39/06 The drought
Synod, in recognition of God's sovereignty and power over all things, and in support of our Diocesan mission and goal, publicly calls the people of Sydney and the Illawarra/Shoalhaven to bring the drought to God in urgent and persevering prayer that, in His time and will, rains might fall across the State and nation to break the drought and to fill our dams and calls upon all Christian people to display generosity to those in need as a consequence of the drought, and to urge all to recognise that God is the Creator and Owner of the world and Saviour of all who turn to him in repentance and faith.
(Mr Andrew McLachlan 24/10/06)
40/06 Funding chaplaincies
Synod, noting that money to support chaplaincies is not allocated in the Synod Appropriations and Allocations Ordinance 2005 -
(a) affirms that Anglicare chaplaincies are integral to Policy 2 of the Diocesan Mission, specifically in their ability 'to take further initiatives to create fellowships by penetrating structures of society beyond the reach of the parish church with the gospel', and
(b) welcomes the commitment of Anglicare to spend 1.2 million dollars per annum to maintain its chaplaincy work and encourages Anglicare to seek additional alternative sources of funding for chaplaincies.
(The Rev Stephen Bligh 24/10/06)
41/06 Therapeutic cloning and related research
Synod -
(a) recognises that those who undertake medical research are striving to reduce human suffering,
(b) expresses its opposition to the legislation soon to be debated by the Senate of Australia, that would allow the practice of therapeutic cloning and relax current restrictions on research involving human embryos,
(c) while recognising the need for research to find cures or prevent the suffering caused by disease, believes the creation of a human life, either by fertilisation or by any other means of creation (for example, somatic cell nuclear transfer - also known as therapeutic cloning) for the purposes of destroying that life in research fails to recognise the value and purpose God assigns to human life, even in its earliest stages,
(d) in particular -
(i) continues to affirm the need to protect the human zygote (early embryo) from the beginning of its existence,
(ii) opposes the creation of human embryos by any method (including cloning) for research purposes,
(iii) does not support the creation of cloned human or cloned human/animal hybrid embryos for research, and
(iv) opposes any changes to the current Act which in any way reduces protection for the human embryo,
(e) encourages Christians to write to their representatives in the Senate expressing these views prior to the parliamentary debate, and
(f) calls on the Parliament to uphold the current legal ban on human cloning.
(Bishop Ivan Lee 24/10/06)