In what will be a significant step forward for mission in the Diocese of Sydney, Synod has begun debating a far more flexible model for starting new churches.
Bishop Robert Forysth has introduced an ordinance which would reconstitute the Department of Evangelism under the name "New Churches" to reflect a proposed specialised focus on planting new congregations and fellowships in the Diocese.
Bishop Forsyth said the most significant change "is the creation of a new ecclesiastical entity called a "fellowship"."
These "fellowships” will exist completely outside the classic parish structure but will rather be a ministry under the authority of the Board of New Churches.
"The leader will be an employee of New Churches," Bishop Forsyth explained. "There will not be a central pool of money. It is expected the fellowships will be self-funding."
Although admitting he was making a "controversial point", Bishop Forsyth claimed the changes are "no big deal".
"This is no radical move for Anglicanism," he said. "We in the Diocese of Sydney are still playing catch up" I want to show how normal it is."
He cited a 2003 quote from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and 2007 legislation in the Church of England that has allowed diocesan bishops to create mission initiatives in a particular place without obtaining the permission of the parish minister.
He also said there are similar initiatives in the Dioceses of Melbourne and Canberra.
But in one regard, Bishop Forsyth, said this initiative will move Sydney ahead of other models by creating "a powerhouse" for developing new churches.
At the end of the scheduled time, the debate was still in question time.
A vote on approving the Ordinance in principle will be timetabled for later in Synod.
