What to look out for at Synod ‘07

Natasha Percy | 27 August 2007

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Diocesan Mission

The Archbishop will restate the Diocesan Mission in his presidential address on the first night of Synod, highlighting the key Mission achievements to date. Outreach strategies for 2009 will also be presented and discussed. The Archbishop outlines his Mission goals further in ‘Archbishop Writes’ on page 10, with a particular emphasis on distributing the word of God. Synod will also discuss a number of funding options for future Mission strategies.

Diocesan Policy on Education

A diocesan policy statement on education will be presented, replacing the existing policy. The statement was prepared in consultation with Anglican schools and other organisations. The document presents education as going beyond schooling to parishes, which is “a significant departure from the way the church has defined education,” according to Dr Bryan Cowling, Executive Director of the Anglican Education Commission. The policy outlines nine general principles on education to which the Diocese is committed, and 10 specific contexts. Dr Cowling describes the policy as a “catalyst for transforming education”.

Anglicare partnerships

Anglicare will deliver a presentation at this year’s Synod on its new parish partnership program, Care Together. Effectively partnering with Sydney parishes was identified as a key plank of Anglicare’s new strategic plan launched in 2006. The Care Together program is part of a 10-year initiative that will see Anglicare and parishes work together on a range of community care and outreach programs. The initiative has been developed after lengthy consultation with parishes and stakeholders throughout the Diocese.

Reclassification as parishes

The Synod will consider proposals to reclassify the provisional parishes of Lidcombe, Menangle and Newtown with Erskineville as parishes.

New Parish Administration Ordinance

It is anticipated that an exposure draft of a new-look Parish Administration Ordinance, which outlines the general rules that govern parish life, will be presented by Bishop Rob Forsyth. The ordinance is intended to be more user-friendly, with the most relevant information at the front. Importantly it continues to allow parishes to adopt special arrangements enabling them to be administered as a whole rather than on the basis of their churches.

Mission hour

This year’s mission hour on the second Monday of Synod will feature Bishop Masimango Katanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Synod will welcome two Chilean visitors as well: the rector of Vina Del Mar, pastor Sammy Morrison and Archdeacon of Chile, Enrique ‘Harry’ Lago. Synod service
The Rev Zac Veron will preach at the Synod service, which will be led by Canon Bruce Morrison. The Rev Dr Mark Thompson will lead the daily Bible studies.

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