The Mission Synod. That was Bishop Reg Piper's descriptive phrase to explain the 2002 diocesan Synod that met last month. In many ways it was quite an extraordinary event, with a totally different ambience from the normal run of Sydney synods.

There are over 650 million people in the world living with a disability. And yet, according to Prabhu and Nancy Rayan who recently visited Australia, this people group is ignored by the Church.

Research shows hospital chaplains boost patients’ health. But without government funding this ministry may end.

The widespread excitement for the newly approved Mission was palpable in the sample of parish representatives Southern Cross approached. The focal point of Synod 2002 was the detailed plans flowing out of the Diocesan Mission Strategy.

For some people, ‘church planting' means travelling long distances and perhaps breaking brand new ground in a previously untouched community. But St Thomas', North Sydney demonstrates a different model.

Michelle Thomas has a theory about those fly-on-the-wall home invasion documentary-type shows. They make us feel good about ourselves.

Radical restructuring of Sydney Diocese will see resources utilised to back Mission Strategy.

Dean-elect Phillip Jensen has also been appointed Director of Training Ministry and Development - to recruit and train 11,000 new pastors. Full details are still being finalised but you can read the story so far here, and read the media release about his appointment as Dean here.