I'm not sure if Synod is supposed to be edifying, but the recent session was a most encouraging occasion. Hearing the reports from several churches regarding their progress in mission, and hearing presentations on new strategic initiatives in ministry training and property development gave a real sense of progress and promise. Important statements reaffirming our biblical orthodoxy also served to clarify our own position on recent events and to encourage Anglicans in other parts of the Communion to faithfulness and perseverance. Apart from one moment, which could be described as most unfortunate, it was a place of robust debate, good humor and openness.

Sydney Anglicans have sent a clear message to Freemasons across the state: your beliefs are “contrary to biblical Christianity.”

Synod has taken a step towards approving lay and diaconal administration of Holy Communion by repealing a section of the obscure 1662 Act of Uniformity.

A revolutionary new model of ministry, including the creation of a new office of ‘Minister' and an effort to raise up 2,500 new full-time paid gospel workers within the next ten years, has been presented to Synod and proposed for adoption in the Diocese of Sydney.

Lisle Jamieson spent 14 years in prison. The closer he was to release, the more he began to wonder why he had gone off the rails and if there was more to life than the emptiness he felt.

Imagine for a moment that a landmass the size of the Eastern Suburbs was dropped into the middle of the rural outskirts of Sydney. Then imagine the entire population went with it. According to a new report launched at the 2003 session of Synod last month, this is the picture of the population tidal wave that is set to sweep past ill-prepared churches unless urgent measures are taken to meet the anticipated population boom.

A true blue Aussie singer/songwriter born in Ireland? Liz Hogarth caught up with Colin Buchanan, one of Australia's biggest country music stars – a man who is also on a much bigger mission.