Sydney Anglican Robert Tong has been invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury to take a seat on the panel seeking a solution to the homosexual disputes wracking the Communion.
The remaining names of the 13-member Panel of Reference will be officially released by Dr Rowan Williams' office later today.
The body will be chaired by former Australian Primate, Archbishop Peter Carnley.
A Sydney solicitor, Mr Tong has been humbled by the appointment, telling The Age he wasn't sure how his name "dribbled to the top'.
"I was pleasantly surprised to receive the invitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury to join his Panel of Reference," Mr Tong says. "Of course I have accepted."
The Panel's primary responsibility will be to recommend a way forward through the current disputes dividing the Communion over the appointment of openly homosexual clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions.
The Age reports Dr Williams has already received as many as 70 complaints from parishes in dispute with their bishops or bishops in dispute with their national authority.
But Mr Tong is not daunted by the rough waters ahead.
"Personally I have confidence that the structures of the Anglican Communion will be flexible enough to provide for the particular needs of the parishes and dioceses that may be referred to the panel," he says.
Archbishop of Sydney Peter Jensen believes Mr Tong's appointment is a significant recognition of the strength of opinion held by evangelicals over the crisis.
"It is clear that Archbishop Williams and his advisors have worked diligently to form a panel that will represent all points of view within the wider communion," he says.
"This diversity will ensure that all those involved in such difference of opinion will feel confident that they will be heard."
Mr Tong is the chairman of the Anglican Church League, a representative on Sydney Diocese's Standing Committee, a member of the National Canon Law Commission, chairman of the Diocese's Church Property Trust and a member of the Moore Theological College Council.
He is also the son-in-law to Sir Marcus Loane, former Archbishop of Sydney and Primate of Australia.
Archbishop Peter Jensen says Mr Tong's presence on the panel will assist conservatives at odds with church authorities over the issue.
"It is important and urgent that effective steps be taken to assist those conservative Anglicans who hold to traditional views and are consequently at odds with their diocese," he says.
"I am hopeful that satisfactory relationships can be restored and they will be able to retain their property and succession of ministry."
President of the ACL, the Rev Zac Veron is offering has joined many Sydney Anglicans in offering his congratulations and his prayers.
“I urge all League members to pray for him " that he might not only have grace and wisdom, but also an unwavering rock-solid commitment to the truth of God's Word," Mr Veron says.
