9.30pm
And we’ve reached the end of the first session of the 2024 Melbourne Synod! We enjoyed a beautiful service with a sermon delivered by the Reverend Elizabeth Murray.
Tonight:
- The Archbishop took us on a journey of his 17 years in office and reminded us of his primary concerns over this time, including for reconciliation and truth telling.
- He spoke of the importance of the Church recognising its role as significant institution in the colonial era, and of how it might contribute to ending intolerance and injustice towards First Nations people.
- He also spoke of the big challenges the diocese faced in planning and missional aspirations over this time, including the Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse.
- We also heard an apology to the Girls’ Friendly Society as extended by Bishop Paul Barker.
Thanks again for tuning in to us tonight. We hope you enjoyed this start to our coverage, and will stick around with us over the next three days.
9.25pm
Bishop Paul Barker has extended an apology to the Girls’ Friendly Society. He said,
“For more than 15 years, the Diocese has been in a dispute with GFS Melbourne Inc. (originally known as The Girls’ Friendly Society) over land in North Melbourne, on which the Edith Head Hall Hostel was built and operated. The dispute related to the issue of for whom the land was held in trust. After the commencement of litigation, a 1917 declaration of trust was found by the Diocese.
This declaration was unknown by any party. The Diocese apologises for not having knowledge of this 1917 declaration of trust before. In hindsight, upon the location of the 1917 declaration of trust, the Diocese now acknowledges GFS Melbourne Inc. acted reasonably in commencing the proceeding and asserting its interest in the Edith Head Hall land. The dispute has now been resolved. Both parties have acted honestly and in good faith at all times. The Diocese apologises to GFS Melbourne Inc. for the significant hurt, financial cost, inconvenience and stress caused by its ignorance of the declaration of trust. The Diocese accepts full responsibility for this. The Diocese wishes GFS Melbourne Inc. well and values its important ministries and wishes to continue in strong fellowship together.”
9.20pm
The registrar Malcolm Tadgell has moved that at 9.30 pm on Thursday 10 October 2024 and at 1.30pm on Saturday 12 October 2024 the order of business be suspended to enable consideration of formal motions.
Mr Tadgell has also moved that the following Orders of the Day take precedence over notices of motions until they have been disposed of.
That on Wednesday, 9 October 2024 an apology to the Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS) delivered by The Right Reverend Dr Paul Barker immediately following the answers to questions be an Order of the Day.
He also moved that:
on Thursday, 10 October 2024:
- a presentation of no longer than 10 minutes on Hope 25 (motion 8) followed by consideration of motion 8 be an Order of the Day at 7.30pm
- motion 11, Disability Inclusion and Accessibility be an Order of the Day.
- motion 10, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and a presentation of no longer than 10 minutes by the Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell on the work of the Working Group be an Order of the Day.
- a presentation of no longer than 5 minutes on safe ministry be an Order of the Day, and
- a video presentation on Leading Your Church into Growth be an Order of the Day.
That on Saturday, 12 October 2024
- Motion 187, Thanks for the ministry of the Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier as Archbishop of Melbourne be an Order of the Day at 10.00am
- And that 45 minutes be set aside as an Order of the Day for a presentation by the Right Reverend Dr Paul Barker about the Diocesan Sustainability Strategy Working Group and discussion of that presentation.
- And a motion on Reconciliation discussion.
9.15pm
Good evening from me, Jenan Taylor, as I take you through what remains of this first day of synod and take over from Hannah Felsbourg. We’ve just heard from the Archbishop and will now hear about synod procedural matters and orders of the day.
9:10pm
Archbishop Freier spoke about the financial and cultural challenges the diocese has faced, including the Global Financial Crisis, sexual abuse redress, and the impact of COVID-19.
He also spoke about Hope25 and encouraged parishes to get invovled with the evangelism initiative, reminiscing on past outreach campaigns.
He addressed the difficulties of international conflict and warned against division, instead calling for Christians to be a voice for peace.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to diocesan staff and ministry teams. The full president’s address will be made available later this evening.
8:45pm
Archbishop Philip Freier began his final president’s charge by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land where Synod is taking place.
He highlighted the Church’s role in reconciliation and the importance of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history.
The Archbishop emphasised the need for healing through Christ and addressed ongoing challenges in Indigenous ministry.
He highlighted the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taking their full place in the church, with self-determination shaping decisions that bless the entire Anglican community.
7:40pm
We’re enjoying a Choral Eucharist which has included the Festive Communion Hymn of Praise and Psalm 145:8-14.
The Reverend Elizabeth Murray also preached a sermon, with an emphasis on embracing curiosity and the importance of prayer.
6:45pm
Welcome to The Melbourne Anglican’s liveblog of the 2024 Melbourne Synod. I’m Hannah Felsbourg, reporting on key happenings from tonight’s in-person event at St Paul’s Cathedral. My colleague Jenan Taylor is here to bring you some photos from the Synod floor as well. This is the first of three evening sessions, with a second in-person event scheduled for Saturday.
Tonight’s agenda includes the Synod Eucharist Service, followed by a short break, and then the President’s charge.
Following that the Archbishop will make some announcements and procedural matters including orders of the day will be presented.
At around 9:50pm reports will be received and then questions will be answered. There will also be an apology to the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Key items at this Synod:
Code of Conduct for Child Safety and Wellbeing
Synod will consider reviewing the clause in the Code of Conduct for Child Safety and Wellbeing that prohibits efforts to change or suppress a child’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
The review would include advice on interpreting the clause, pastoral guidelines, and who must commit to it, including those standing for election as lay members of Synod.
Read more: Faith groups sign up to understand ‘world’s toughest’ conversion therapy law
This clause aligns with Victoria’s Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act, which bans efforts to alter or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Reverend Peter Adam will move the motion, and the Reverend Jerome Dias will second it.
Healthcare Chaplaincy
Healthcare ministry may be acknowledged and affirmed by Synod in future ADoM strategic plans.
The diocese ceased hospital chaplaincy funding at the end of 2023, and state government funding finished at the end of June this year.
Read more: We want healthcare chaplaincy acknowledged as a vital Anglican ministry
The Healthcare Chaplaincy motion will urge Synod to support chaplaincy through partnerships, financial contributions, and endowments for ongoing services.
The Reverend Dawn Treloar will move the motion, and the Reverend Melanie Moore will second it.
Minimum Age for Parish & Synod Membership
Synod will consider reviewing current legislation to allow confirmed church members under 18 to serve on parish councils and participate in Synod.
If passed, the Children’s and Youth Ministry Steering Committee will propose legislative changes to the Archbishop in Council and present a bill at the next Synod.
Read more: Hopes high for flourishing children’s and youth ministry after new committee established
This move aims to formally recognise the contributions of younger members and increase their involvement in church governance.
The Reverend Graham Stanton will move the motion, and the Reverend Genieve Blackwell will second it.
The Latham and Rose Trust Holiday Accommodation
The management of diocese-owned holiday units could be reviewed, as they are currently advertised at rates higher than comparable commercial properties.
That First National Phillip Island now manages the Cowes units, with no reduced rates for diocesan workers.
Read more: Calls for review of diocese’s holiday homes management as costs soar
Delegates will request a review of the charitable purposes of the trust and the management of holiday properties to ensure alignment with its mission.
The Reverend Christopher Porter will move the motion, and the Reverend Luke Hopkins will second it.
If you want to reach us with any queries, comments or corrections, email us at editor@melbourneanglican.org.au.
Enjoy!
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