Final Day of Sydney Synod: Anglican Communion and Confirmation by Presbyters

The Sydney Anglican Synod will convene for its final day of meeting this afternoon at the Wesley Theatre 220 Pitt Street, Sydney at 3.15pm this afternoon.

The matters of most interest to media are the first motions to be discussed today. These commence at 3.30pm

First the Synod will discuss the Motion relating to the Anglican Communion.

This is to be moved by the Rev Dr Mark Thompson, from the Faculty of Moore Theological College.

The motion will be seconded by Dr Philip Selden, the Registrar of the Diocese.

The text of the motion is as follows:

Anglican Communion

"Synod notes the establishment of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Panel of Reference and encourages the Archbishop of Canterbury in making arrangements to protect and support parishes seeking alternative Episcopal oversight over matters of significance where there is repudiation of Biblical authority."

Confirmation by Presbyters

Following that debate, Dr Glenn Davies, Bishop of North Sydney will move a motion that will encourage the practice of Confirmation services being taken by Anglican clergy. The present Anglican practice is that Bishops visit parishes and preside at Confirmation services. The Anglican practice differs from that of the Lutheran, Orthodox and Roman Catholic who all allow Confirmation by their clergy. 

After that debate the Synod will move to discussion of ordinances on the Business paper.

NB Election of the rector of St Saviour's Redfern as Bishop of Gippsland

The Rev John McIntyre Rector of Sat Saviour's Redfern has been elected Bishop of Gippsland in Victoria.

A news story on this election may be found at Sydneyanglicans.net

CONTACT: Margaret Rodgers (w)02 9265 1507   OR   (mobile) 0411 692 499