10.40pm
It’s been a huge night, and the Archbishop Philip Freier concluded the session by advising that there would be no meeting tomorrow night.
However, a video link to prayers that were pre-recorded for tomorrow night would be sent out so that synod members could still watch and join in.
So to recap, this evening we passed a range of motions, including:
- The Healthcare Chaplaincy motion
- The Latham and Rose Trust Holiday Accommodation motion
- People Seeking Asylum motion
We also decided to postpone motion 15, Code of Conduct for Child Safety and Wellbeing for a subsequent synod due to legal concerns.
That’s all for tonight’s session of synod from me, Hannah Felsbourg! We’ll bring you more from the final session on Saturday. Good night.
10.25pm
Consideration of a motion to review the Code of Conduct for Child Safety and Wellbeing has been postponed to a subsequent synod.
The review would have been of the clause that prohibits efforts to change or suppress a child’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
Read more: Faith groups sign up to understand ‘world’s toughest’ conversion therapy law
The Synod committee decided the registrar should seek legal advice regarding the motion.
Ms Elizabeth Bennett SC advised by letter that the legal issues raised by the motion were complex and carried reputational and legal risks for the church. She said they could not be adequately considered in the week before the synod and should be postponed for further consideration at a subsequent synod.
On basis of her advice the motion was removed.
Synod president Archbishop Philip Freier said he had responsibility for the good order, governance and reputation of the church. He was also concerned to protect members of synod from serious reputation and legal risks from what could arise from what was said at synod.
He said additionally the Melbourne church’s duty under child protection legislation was to ensure its practice conformed with the law.
10.12pm
Management of diocese-owned holiday units will be examined as they are now advertised at rates higher than similar commercial property, after synod agreed to a motion to review the administrative arrangements.
The Latham and Rose Trust Holiday Accommodation motion called on synod to review the management arrangements of diocese-owned holiday units in Cowes and Point Lonsdale.
It asked delegates to note that real estate agency First National Phillip Island was appointed to manage the Cowes units, and accommodation prices were no longer reduced for diocesan workers under this agreement.
Read more: Calls for review of diocese’s holiday homes management as costs soar
It also requested a review of the charitable purposes of the trust, and other held trusts with complementary purposes, and whether management arrangements of the Latham and Rose trust’s Cowes and Point Lonsdale holiday properties aligned with these.
The Reverend Christopher Porter moved the motion, which was seconded by the Reverend Luke Hopkins.
Ninety-five per cent voted in favour of passing the motion.
10.08pm
Synod passed the Archbishop in Council Amendment Bill 2024, limiting public access to clergy information and restricting it to select church members, despite objections.
Muriel Porter rejected the bill. She said laity and parishioners did not have access to the parish portal, despite being actively engaged in the life of the diocese.
Dr Porter said they would not have access to who was a member of Archbishop in Council or explore parish statistics.
She said some have raised privacy concerns, however she argued that listing names online would not be an issue.
Malcolm Tadgell advised information available online would go beyond just names, and that many lay people do have access to the ADoM portal.
Eighty-five per cent of clergy and sixty-seven per cent of laity voted in favour of passing the motion.
9.56pm
Synod endorsed The Melbourne Anglican Foundation | Benefact Trust motion, and expressed gratitude for financial support received by the Diocese of Melbourne in 2023.
The Melbourne Anglican Foundation facilitated more than $1.1 million in grants across the diocese.
Special thanks were extended to the Benefact Trust for its generous donation. This funding will assist in church planting and developing new ministry expressions.
The motion of gratitude was moved by the Venerable Samuel Bleby and seconded by the Reverend Grace Wang.
This financial support will further the mission and ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, making the Word of God fully known.
Ninety-seven per cent voted in favour of the motion.
9.52pm
Anglicans have been encouraged to support the work and missions of Anglican Overseas Aid, after synod passed a motion acknowledging its efforts.
Delegates expressed gratitude for AOA’s efforts in fostering global partnerships with Anglican communities and supporting those facing poverty and marginalisation.
AOA was praised for its focus on promoting women’s equality and building climate resilience through community development and humanitarian work.
Synod urged all Anglicans to actively engage with AOA’s mission, emphasising the importance of collective effort to create a world free from poverty.
In his mover’s speech, the Venerable Tim Johnson drew attention to the organisation’s work including its involvement with Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza.
The Venerable Tim Johnson moved the motion and Seak-King Huang seconded it.
Ninety-five per cent voted in favour of passing the motion.
9.46pm
The federal government has been urged to improve support for people seeking asylum in Australia.
This was part of a motion endorsed at synod that called for:
- Ongoing visas for asylum seekers during their application process.
- Access to healthcare, work, and education.
- Expanded financial support and essential services.
- A fair review process for those rejected under the ‘Fast Track’ system.
- Faster processing of asylum claims.
It also encouraged synod members to back the ‘Back Your Neighbour’ petition and promote it in their parishes.
Audrey Statham moved the motion, and the Reverend Gordon Preece seconded it.
Eighty-five per cent voted in favour of passing the motion.
9.39pm
Technical issues are delaying the consideration of the Archbishop in Council Amendment Bill 2024 at Synod, with concerns raised about proceeding to a vote without debate.
The bill aims to limit public access to clergy information, making it available only to select church members through a secure Parish Portal. This change follows advice from Registrar Malcolm Tadgell.
Key updates in the bill include:
- Clergy statistics and authorisations will be moved to the secure Parish Portal, instead of being displayed on the Diocese’s website.
- The Yearbook’s school listings will be replaced with updated information under the new system.
The changes take effect immediately, and while the Act will be repealed on its anniversary next year, the amendments will remain.
Malcolm Tadgell said the external website was outward facing, providing information about the diocese, its beliefs, community, and ministries, agencies and governance.
He said the ADoM portal was different in that it contained information and resources relevant to people who participated actively in the diocese.
He said most organisations distinguished between their external website and intranet in a similar way.
Bishop Kate Prowd moved to pass the amended bill, seconded by Registrar Tadgell.
Time is now being allowed to resolve the technical difficulties before voting can proceed.
9.20pm
Healthcare chaplaincy will be acknowledged and affirmed in future ADoM strategic plans, after synod endorsed a motion supporting health chaplaincy.
The motion asked that synod committed to including healthcare ministry in future strategic plans, so that care of people in the healthcare sector would always be part of the diocese’s ministry.
A healthcare chaplaincy working group recommended AiC consider developing a strategy that prioritised providing chaplaincy resources to healthcare facilities, and appropriate funding sources, in a report in May.
The diocese ceased hospital chaplaincy funding at the end of 2023, and state government funding finished at the end of June this year.
The Healthcare Chaplaincy motion also asked that synod:
- Encouraged parishes to support the ministry of healthcare chaplaincy: By working in partnership with the Healthcare Chaplaincy Network for the provision of chaplaincy in hospitals and residential aged care; and financially, through the Melbourne Anglican Foundation.
- Encouraged endowments to support this ministry by creating a corpus to fund ongoing Anglican healthcare chaplaincy within the Diocese of Melbourne.
The Reverend Dawn Treloar said the motion highlighted the vital role of healthcare chaplains in hospitals, aged care, and support services for the disabled, unwell, and dying.
She said it aimed to ensure healthcare chaplaincy would be prioritised in future strategic plans, ensuring care for those suffering and on the margins.
Ms Treloar said the motion encouraged cooperation between parishes and healthcare chaplaincy, including training on dementia, ICU care, and end-of-life support.
She said parishes could support the chaplaincy by inviting speakers and fundraising.
Ms Treloar said financial support through endowments to the Melbourne Anglican Foundation would help sustain Anglican chaplains in major hospitals across the diocese.
The Reverend Dawn Treloar moved the motion, which was seconded by the Reverend Melanie Moore.
Ninety-two per cent voted in favour of passing the motion.
9.15pm
Delegates endorsed the Parish Governance Amendment Bill 2024. The bill’s aim was to tighten approval requirements for reducing church services in Melbourne’s Anglican Diocese.
The new rules ensure parishes get approval from multiple levels of leadership before cutting the number of Sunday services.
Key changes include:
- Parishes must secure consent from the vicar, parish council, vestry (if applicable), and an Assistant Bishop before reducing services.
- The Assistant Bishop can delegate this decision to an Archdeacon, but only if the Archdeacon is not the vicar of the parish requesting the reduction.
- The bill fixes a legal reference in the Parish Governance Act 2013.
- The amendment will automatically repeal itself one year after taking effect.
These changes ensure careful consideration and leadership approval before parishes reduce their service schedules.
Bishop Paul Barker moved the motion, and Laura Tsakmakis seconded it.
Ninety-five per cent of clergy and of ninety-seven per cent of laity voted in favour of passing the motion.
8.43pm
Synod has passed the Holy Orders (Reception into Ministry) Canon 2004 (Adoption) Bill 2024, allowing non-Anglican clergy to be formally received into the Anglican Church.
The bill outlines a clear process for bringing bishops, priests, and deacons from other denominations into Anglican ministry, provided certain conditions are met.
Key points:
- Reception into Ministry: Clergy from churches not in communion with the Anglican Church can be accepted if they were ordained by a bishop within the historic episcopate.
- Approval Process:
- The diocesan bishop must confirm:
- The candidate’s good character and lifestyle.
- Adequate academic and theological qualifications.
- Approval from a majority of diocesan bishops or metropolitans if the candidate is a bishop.
- Proper reasons for seeking Anglican ministry.
- Understanding and acceptance of Anglican doctrine and practices.
- Authority to Minister: Once received, clergy must be formally appointed or authorised by the Anglican Church to serve in their role.
- Restrictions on Women: Women clergy from non-Anglican churches cannot be received in dioceses that have not adopted earlier canons allowing the ordination of women.
- Diocese Adoption: This canon only takes effect in dioceses that choose to adopt it through their synods.
Bishop Bradly Billings said the provisions apply only to clergy ordained by bishops in the historic episcopate, outside communion with the Anglican Church of Australia.
He said examples of these were the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Adopting the Canon allows the archbishop to recognise the validity of such ordinations and to receive those clergy into the ministry of this diocese, granting them a licence to serve.
Bishop Billings moved the motion, which was seconded by Bishop Genieve Blackwell.
Ninety-one per cent of clergy and ninety-three per cent of laity voted in favour of the motion.
8.30pm
Good evening, Hannah Felsbourg here, taking over from Jenan Taylor for the rest of tonight’s synod session.
We’ve had a short break, but there are still a few more bills and motions to go. I’ll keep you updated as we move through them.
8.14pm
Delegates watched a Safe Ministry, and a Leading Your church Into Growth video presentation.
The Reverends Kristina Kettleton, Chris Lancaster and Mr Ken Hutton spoke of the ways in which parishes were engaging with the LYCIG material. This included a one hour online session to help people to engage with the material about what is going well and what is hard in their own context.
They said the LYCIG goals were to see more people growing in their faith, becoming more like Jesus and having more impact in their community, They invited parishes to partner with them.
And we’re on to a quick break, and should return at 8.30pm.
8.05pm
Synod has considered the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group motion.
The motion asked:
That this synod noted the progress and approach being taken by the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group as outlined in its Synod report and presentation, and affirmed the Working Group continuing its work in 2025 in order to fulfil its key responsibilities to:
- facilitated Synod’s commitment to representative equality within leadership and governance at all levels (Bishops, clergy, laity) within the Diocese and an input target of 50% women nominated for election and 40% elected in all Synod elections
- undertook research into the causes for disparity in numbers of men and women clergy in full-time stipendiary roles and report to the 55th Synod
- advised Archbishop in Council in the prescribing of systems, processes, reporting arrangements to be followed to increase the proportion of clergy from diverse backgrounds (including female clergy) who are appointed as vicars in accordance with the Clergy Act 2022.
Bishop Genieve Blackwell moved this motion, and the Reverend Nigel Pope seconded it.
In their speech Bishop Blackwell and Mr Pope said the group’s initial focus was primarily on diversity and inclusion in relation to women and men in leadership across the diocese. The data it had gathered and the results were not encouraging.
Bishop Blackwell said despite over 30 years of women’s ordination, less than a quarter of all active clergy were women, as at the end of 2023.
The under representation of women clergy was reflected in clergy membership of diocese bodies, such as Archbishop in Council, Board of Nominators, and representatives to General Synod, all of which have significantly more men.
She said it was important to have a better understanding of the current state of play. To that end the group was working with the Diocesan People and Culture team to explore how it could improve the data collected relative to diversity and inclusion. With better data it could better track its progress.
Bishop Blackwell also said the group planned to start a research project to determine what differences existed in the experiences of men and women in ordained ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, and to identify factors which constrained the ministry of women, and the sources of those factors.
Read more:
- ‘Discouraged’ women clergy leave Canberra and Goulburn amid rising disparity
- One in six Diocesan, Assistant bishops a woman across Australia
- Gender gap in parish ministry due to theological views, lack of encouragement: Clergy
Seventy-four per cent voted in favour of the motion.
7.50pm
Mrs Virginia McDonald and Ms Jill Pickering discussed Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility, a motion they put forward.
It asked that synod:
- noted the accessibility and inclusion report, including:
- The appointment of the Disability Inclusion Officer, recognising the importance and affirmation of this role as outlined in the 2010 Synod resolution, “People with Disability”.
- The development of the “Disability Action Plan” for the Diocese, Parishes, and Authorised Anglican Congregations (AACs), prepared by the Diocese and Disability Inclusion Group in conjunction with the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
- endorsed the release of the Disability Action Plan in 2025, pending approval by the Archbishop in Council, and encourages clergy and lay Synod representatives to actively promote and implement the Plan within their Parishes and AACs.
- acknowledged that the 2023 Diocesan budget approved by the Archbishop in Council includes provision for a full-time Accessibility and Inclusion Officer, reflecting resolution 25.5 from the October 2021 Synod.
- encouraged all parishes to utilise the “Tips for Accessible Church Environments” digital resource as an immediate step to enhance accessibility while the comprehensive Disability Action Plan is being finalised.
- recommended that all parishes and AACs participate in disability awareness training to foster a more inclusive and accessible church environment, with resources and support provided by the Disability Inclusion Officer.
- encouraged parishes to involve individuals with disabilities, their families, and carers in discussions and decisions related to accessibility improvements to ensure their voices and needs are adequately represented.
Read more:
- ‘Being able … to enjoy worship without a barrier … is a really good feeling’
- More still to do for accessibility within the diocese: Experts
Mrs McDonald discussed various parishes where people with disabilities felt a sense of inclusion and belonging because of the efforts of their churches.
Ms Pickering said there was a growing number of people embracing this vision and that God called us to cultivate an outwards focus towards everyone,
Mrs Virginia McDonald moved the motion and Ms Jill Pickering seconded it.
The motion passed with 96 per cent in favour.
7.40pm
The Reverend Chris Lancaster and Reverend Michelle Wang have given a speech about the Hope25 motion.
The aim for this motion is that every parish and community in Australia to participate in Hope25 by planning an event or initiative to share hope beyond their existing church communities.
Initiated by the Mission and Ministry Commission of General Synod, Hope25 invites parishes to tailor their contributions according to their context, tradition, and resources.
Mr Lancaster said the initiative would help parishes reflect on and expand how they share Christ’s hope beyond the church.
Hope25 will be in two parts: a season of preparation and prayer through Lent, followed by seven weeks of proclamation and evangelism from Easter Day to Pentecost.
Read more:
- National evangelism program equips the Church to share their hope in Jesus
- Christians encouraged to share hope in Jesus through new podcast
- St Agnes’ celebrates 125 years sharing in God’s love
The Reverend Michelle Wang said parishes were preparing through Hope25 committees, arts events, and evangelism training.
She said her parish, St David’s Moorabbin, was planning a Hope25 event during the Chinese Qingming festival to welcome migrants and help them find hope in Jesus.
Bishop Paul Barker briefly explained the Lent studies he had collated in collaboration with other bishops from all over Australia as a resource for Hope25.
A short video featured Melbourne Anglican leaders sharing their excitement for the initiative and offered the following recommendations for those wanting to get involved:
- Visit hope25.com.au
- Form a team in your parish
- Sign up to the monthly email
- Commit to prayer
- Use the resources available
- Let the Hope25 team know what you’re doing
The motion was moved by Reverend Lancaster and seconded by Reverend Wang.
It passed with 96 per cent in favour!
7.10pm
St John’s Footscray has led tonight’s opening prayers, hymns and readings. We’ll hear announcements and answers to questions shortly, then hear about Hope25, and Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility.
6.45pm
Welcome to day two of the 2024 Melbourne Synod. I’m Jenan Taylor and I’ll be taking you through the first half of this first online session.
As my colleague Hannah Felsbourg indicated yesterday, there’ll also be an online session tomorrow evening, while Saturday’s in-person event will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
This evening’s line up includes video presentations on Safe Ministry and Leading Your Church into Growth.
Read more:
- ‘An energy that growth is possible!’
- Planning, prayer and implementation: how this church is working towards growth
- Action plan set to help churches with evolving child safety laws
There’ll also be some legislation to cover, and formal motions in the second half of the evening.
Key items include:
Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and Hope25 motions, and a bill for the adoption of the Holy Orders Canon 2004.
Healthcare Chaplaincy, The Latham and Rose Trust Holiday Accommodation, People seeking Asylum, and The Melbourne Anglican Foundation|Benefact Trust are among the formal motions we’ll also hear tonight.
Diversity and Inclusion Working Group
This motion asks synod to note the progress and approach being taken by the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, and affirm it continues this work to fulfil its key responsibilities, including investigating gender diversity across the diocese.
The Diversity and Inclusion Working Group was established by Archbishop in Council in response to diversity and inclusion matters raised at synod in 2022.
Bishop Genieve Blackwell will move this motion, and the Reverend Nigel Pope will second it.
Hope25
This motion urges synod to support a national evangelism project aimed at encouraging all churches to share Christ-centred hope in and beyond their existing communities.
Read more:
- National evangelism program equips the Church to share their hope in Jesus
- Christians encouraged to share hope in Jesus through new podcast
The Reverend Chris Lancaster will move the motion, which will be seconded by the Reverend Michelle Wang.
Holy Orders (Reception into Ministry) Canon 2004 (Adoption) Bill 2024
Bishop Bradly Billings will move a bill to adopt the Holy Orders Canon 2004 of the General Synod and for other purposes.
The bill’s aim is to make provision for the reception into the ministry of the Melbourne Church persons ordained by bishops in the historic episcopate but of churches not in communion with this Church.
The canon permits a person who has been ordained by a bishop in the historic episcopate to be received into ministry in the Anglican Church. It implicitly recognises their Orders and therefore does not require that they be re-ordained.
The Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell will second this motion.
People seeking Asylum
This motion urges synod to call on the Australian government to ensure asylum seekers have access to health care, housing, work rights and income support, establish a fair refugee status determination process.
It also encourages synod representatives to endorse and sign Local Government Mayoral Taskforce petition supporting people seeking asylum.
Read more:
- We can bless refugees if we act together as Anglicans
- ‘One day longer, one day stronger’: Refugee freedom push draws Anglican support
Dr Audrey Statham will move the motion and the Reverend Gordon Preece will second it.
Melbourne Anglican Foundation | Benefact Trust
This motion asks synod to give thanks for The Melbourne Anglican Foundation’s commitment to the diocese’s mission and ministry, and for facilitating more than $1m in grants in 2023.
It also encourages delegates to give thanks for the Benefact Trust’s donations aimed at developing and supporting church planting and new ministry expressions within the diocese.
The Venerable Samuel Bleby will move the motion and the Reverend Grace Wang will second it.
We hope you enjoy the evening, and again, if you need to reach us with any queries, comments or corrections, email us at editor@melbourneanglican.org.au.
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