The two weeks of Synod is always a tiring two weeks. This year was no exception.

The major issues of this year synod were the past and future of both Connect09 and the Diocese finances. Much has been said about the later, and I hope this means we can now put as much energy into our continued efforts to make Christ known.

As one blogger said: 'I do wish the people who are so passionate about the diocesan losses would be nearly half as passionate about telling the lost of Sydney the gospel…' Well said.

We can seem to pour so much energy into internal matters (an example from last year was the Lord's Supper debate). Imagine if that energy could someone be diverted for a genuine concern for the lost!

The final day of synod this year was marked with the debate about the use of alcohol on church premises, and in particular at ministry activities. This is certainly not an internal matter, and arguments on both sides were motivated with a concern for our impact in the world.

It was a debate in which different friends of mine argued for different positions. Excellent points were made on both sides.

On the one hand, there was the argument that Parish Council's should have flexibility to allow alcoholic beverages at ministry activities. The logic was about our ability to connect with more people. In our society, it was argued, not having alcoholic beverages alienates a large group of people (cf 1 Corinthians 9 where we are exhorted to become all things to all men so that some may be saved). Examples were given of beer nights, etc in which many visitors came who would not have otherwise come. I can see this argument, and even remember at a dinner we had at Toongabbie that one of the comments received was that 'the night would have perfect with a glass of wine.'

But the argument on the other side was also strong. The Standing Committee report - which can be downloaded following this link - documented the impact that alcohol is having on our society. It is frightening. The argument was, basically, there is more to gained by us taking leadership on this issue within our community. I also resonate with this argument, for people close to me have had their lives turned upside down by alcohol.

If I may be permitted to use an analogy: I will not show the slightest bit of interest I next week's Melbourne Cup, for I know the devastation gambling has caused many. And more than that, I will take notice of anyone else who doesn't. Could they have been devastated in the same way that I know others have?

Synod's decision was to allow Parish Council's the discretion to allow alcoholic beverages at ministry and other activities.

One of the positives of doing so is that this debate will now continue. What do you think?