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.

Usually Synod is regarded as a lawyer’s house with ordinary members finding it a herculean task to muster the courage to go to the microphone to speak.

For in Synod are to be found the professional legal members, untrained but enthusiastic ‘bush’ lawyers, and specialist theologians as well as amateur ones, who are all skilled in seeking the eye of the President to present their case for changing the minutiae of ordinance language. The regular parish representatives mostly just watch and wonder.

But this year the lawyers, theologians and Standing Committee members had to wait patiently in line as first time speaker after first time speaker could hardly wait to bring their creative suggestions about the future course of the 10% mission before the Synod.

The words ‘Mr President, this is my first speech’ or ‘Mr President, this is my first Synod’ were heard repeatedly, were welcomed and applauded. Added to that, the number of women speakers was at an all time high.

What had brought about this change in style and participation? First, it was the deft, guiding hand of the Archbishop, who was genial, kindly and encouraging to everyone, while keeping the business moving along with humour.

Secondly, it was the emphasis on evangelism envisaged for diocesan action over the next decade. This was outlined initially in the Presidential Address and then debated and discussed throughout the succeeding days of the Synod. Every member was provided with the opportunity to submit their suggestions for the strategies and programs designed to include most aspects of diocesan life and ministry.

It was a friendly, committed and representative diocesan gathering that many will join with Bishop Piper in describing as ‘the Mission Synod’.

There was a richness about it all, not only because of its participatory quality, but also because of its breadth. Mission and gospel outreach were the Synod priorities, yet a quick survey of the decisions over the five days showed that this Synod also engaged with a range of other significant issues. Some were matters of community and political debate that are important foci for Christians since a biblically informed contribution should always be heard in community discussion and policy-making.

So there were resolutions passed on war against Iraq, the detention of children seeking asylum, stem cell research, and the drought in NSW.

A call for open meetings of Standing Committee was roundly debated and only just defeated by a slender margin (187 v 183).

This latter matter could be a mixed blessing if ever achieved. It may mean greater transparency of Standing Committee discussion, but it could probably result in all sensitive matters being dealt with by behind-the-scenes committees that would defeat the purpose of the move.

A range of ordinances were passed without the ‘nitpicking’ debate that has often occurred. Some were adopting ordinances of General Synod legislation. There was also the ‘money bill’ and it was a joy to see the Church Discipline Ordinance, that legislated for the diocesan protocols for dealing with allegations of improper behaviour by clergy and church workers, moving along so easily. It, like the ‘money bill’, benefitted from all the careful pre-Synod consultations.

One disappointing note was in the debate on the General Synod Holy Communion Canon 2001 Adopting Ordinance. Some diocesan clergy, in comments and questions, indicated they urgently need further training in an appropriate understanding of Reformed Anglican sacramental theology. But doubtless Bishop Glenn Davies is already planning how to deal with that when the matter re-surfaces in 2003.

A small number of people found the focus on evangelism and mission in Synod alienating, and some declared it to be ‘stage-managed’. The great majority found it a remarkable and encouraging gathering. It behoves all those latter people to ensure that Synod 2002 is the first of many Mission Synods, and not just a one-off occasion.