Elsewhere in this issue of Southern Cross magazine you will be able to read the stories of some of the 25 men and women ordained Deacon at St Andrew's Cathedral on 21 February 2026. The service for the 'Making of Deacons' is, by God's grace, an annual fixture in the Sydney Anglican calendar and an occasion of solemn joy. On the one hand, the candidates solemnly dedicate themselves publicly to the service of the Lord and his church, and at the same time, the wider fellowship rejoices in the work of God in raising up servants for his harvest field and equipping them for the works he has prepared in advance for them to do.

Although the New Testament makes clear references to 'overseers' (also known as 'bishops'), 'elders' (also known as 'presbyters') and 'deacons' and includes descriptions of the godly characteristics to be evident in those who serve in these roles, we should be slow to read back from our Ordinal to the New Testament, as though there is a direct correspondence between the two. Rather, the New Testament gives us a vibrant picture of the ministry of every member of the local church. The 'pastors and teachers' were to 'equip the saints for the work of ministry' (Ephesians 4:12) especially by 'speaking the word of God' (Hebrews 13:7). The elders were to 'keep watch over the flock of which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers' (Acts 20:28) and were to be 'able to pass on to others the gospel they had received' (2 Tim 2:2).

It is a source of deep thanksgiving that in our diocese, hundreds of church members faithfully serve as teachers of children and youth, including in School Scripture classes; as leaders of small group bible studies; in hosting evangelistic and inquirers courses, and in many, many other ways. Additionally, there are more than 700 stipended Lay Ministers most of whom have undertaken substantial theological training at Moore College or Youthworks, or some other fine evangelical colleges, notably SMBC. Some of these Lay Ministers serve as pastors of congregations, Youth and Children's ministry workers, in womens' ministry, or Chaplains in hospitals, gaols, industry, and in Anglicare residential villages. We are greatly blessed by godly, trained and dedicated Lay Ministers. Those who seek ordination as a deacon in the diocese of Sydney must generally complete the four year degree at Moore College, or if they intend to be 'permanent deacons' who do not intend or do not qualify to be presbyters, the two years Associate Degree from Youthworks College, as well as a minimum of two years of observation in a local church and participation in the diocesan ordination candidacy pathway. During this period, their ministry is observed and reported on by their rector or ministry supervisor, they meet four times annually with a personal "ordination Chaplain" and they take part in annual candidates interviews and Candidates Conference.

What are some of the distinctives of ordination as compared to lay ministry in the diocese – given that many lay ministers undertake the same theological training and serve in the same types of ministries? First, ordination is an activity of the Sydney Anglican fellowship. In the words of the Ordinal: 'no man might presume to execute (the office of bishop, presbyter or deacon) except he were first called, tried, examined and known to have such qualities as are requisite for the same; and also by publick (sic) Prayer, with Imposition of Hands, were approved and admitted thereunto by lawful authority.'

An ordination candidate must declare publicly their convictions and intentions. First, that they believe they are called by Jesus to the ministry of this church. This is not a matter of private communication from God, (although it could be) but a settled conviction that it is in accordance with God's will that they should pursue ministry in this way, given their study of Scripture, fellowship with God's people, the counsel and encouragement of those who know their life and gifts. It must not be merely a matter of personal preference or desire.

Then, a candidate must declare (in response to three separate questions) that they believe the Scriptures, and will 'diligently read them', teaching only what is found in God's word, and framing their own life and that of their family 'according to the doctrine of Christ' so as to be a 'wholesome example to the flock'. They must attest to their determination to prayerfully depend on the Holy Spirit to fulfil these promises. In framing the Ordinal in this way, Cranmer sought to ensure that there would be 'Bible ministers for a Bible church'.

Lastly, a person who seeks ordination promises to 'reverently obey your Ordinary and other chief Ministers of the Church…following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions'. This is a promise to abide by the processes of governance and administration that exist in the fellowship and personified in the bishop. It is not a pledge of personal fealty or subservience but the acknowledgment of God's providential ordering of his church in this Anglican expression.

Ordination, especially as it emerges from the Ordinal is a fellowship activity of mutual responsibility and accountability. The candidates' public promises before God and his Church carry very great weight and significance both for the person being ordained and the wider fellowship. It gives expression to our partnership in serving Jesus in the life of the Anglican Church in Sydney. It is an occasion of solemn joy and deep thanksgiving.