Big Decisions

Archbishop announces plans to refocus on the Mission Policy One

Archbishop Peter Jensen is planning to refocus on the Mission, with a special emphasis on Mission Policy One. This policy, which focuses on preaching and prayer, is the primary responsibility of all Sydney Anglicans, says Dr Jensen, and he and the regional bishops will be driving forward new initiatives at both a local and diocese-wide level. “The Mission is not just about 10 per cent – that’s a goal to get us working. The primary focus is Policy One: preaching and prayer,” he says. Dr Jensen has thanked Bishop Reg Piper for leading Policy One over the past five years, incorporating prayer-focused projects such as 40 Days of Prayer and The Ephesus Code.

Anglican Education Commission runs short courses

Since the Anglican Education Commission was reconstituted under its own ordinance, the Commission has been involved in teacher education, as well as advocacy work and the recruitment of Christians into teaching in general. As of February, the Committee began a series of short courses aimed specifically at teachers in Anglican schools in the first instance. Some of the topics include ‘Teaching in Anglican Schools’ and ‘World Religions’.

Discipline Ordinance to come into effect

At the time of writing, the Discipline Ordinance passed by Synod last year is expected to be commenced at Standing Committee. The ordinance will ensure the Professional Standards Committee processes are consistent with the principles recommended by General Synod, and will ensure that complaints are dealt with internally and go to a formal legal tribunal on rare and appropriate occasions only. Each complaint will be dealt with under an offences model. The ordinance applies not only to clergy, but also to all lay officers and volunteers.

Anglican Media property sale

Following an ordinance last year, Anglican Media, publishers of Southern Cross, have sold their Northbridge property and television studio for over $1.5 million. Anglican Media is currently in the process of purchasing a new property which will help free up capital.

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