Standing committee is due to consider the report of the Archbishop’s Strategic Commission on Structure, Funding and Governance at the end of July, less than one month after being handed to Dr Jensen. The committee had been given the task of recommending steps to maximise funding for the Endowment of the See, ‘consistent with prudent management’. 

The Archbishop also asked the group, chaired by Peter Kell, to examine the operations and governance of major bodies such as Glebe Administration Board, Sydney Diocesan Secretariat, St Andrew’s House Corporation and Anglican Church Property Trust.

Assisting in the task were three significant figures in business sector, property consultant Robert Freeman, tax expert Tony Clemens, and businessman Simon Pillar. In early June, Mr Kell and the commission briefed the Archbishop on its main conclusions and once the full report is considered by Dr Jensen, it will go to the Standing Committee.

It’s anticipated that some recommendations could come before Synod this year.

Pre-synod briefings on the report and Diocesan budget issues will be held in September. Synod representatives will be notified of the two briefing sessions, one of which will be held in Sydney city and the other at Campbelltown for Illawarra and outer suburban delegates.