In a welcome move, and as a result of twelve years of consultations, the Dioceses of Bathurst, Canberra and Goulburn and Riverina have announced plans to develop a closer working relationship. The three bishops Richard Hurford (Bathurst), George Browning (Canberra and Goulburn) and Bruce Clark (Riverina), last month jointly issued a statement that outlined the ‘Tri-Diocesan Covenant’ proposals.

The proposals have already been endorsed by the Riverina Synod, and will be debated by the other diocesan synods in September.

The three dioceses cover two-thirds of New South Wales and share common problems relating to parishes struggling financially, the supply, mobility and training of clergy, and the training of lay people for ministry.

The proposals could mean they will soon be able to supply theological and ministry training and professional development for clergy and laity through the regionally based campuses of Charles Sturt University.

The sharing of resources is expected to provide an effective streamlining of organisational structures to strengthen the life and mission of each diocese.

While this scheme has been welcomed in each diocese it is not seen as a move towards another NSW Anglican province, despite the misinterpretation of the scheme in a report that appeared in The Canberra Times in June.

Headlined ‘NSW dioceses send message to Sydney’, the report said that the move to establish a covenant “has sent a signal to Sydney that its interference in other dioceses is not appreciated.”

While acknowledging that the dioceses wish to reflect within their mission and ministries ‘the Anglican spectrum’, the Bishop of Bathurst denied there was any message being sent to Sydney. Bishop Hurford explained that the process had been in train for twelve years, and that the challenges shared by the dioceses had motivated their plans.