SYDNEY: ON LAY ADMINISTRATION — NO LEGISLATION FOR SYNOD

Diocesan News

The Synod and Standing Committee of the Diocese of Sydney remain convinced that administration of the Lord's Supper by deacons and lay persons is important both theologically and for the sake of mission. However, no change in the present legal situation is proposed.

Standing Committee met last Monday night, and further considered the matter of lay administration and the nature of its recommendation to our synod in late October 2004. It received advice about attitudes to lay administration around the Communion and also the legal situation. As a result, we are not intending to promote any legislation in the form of an ordinance, but the Standing Committee is asking synod to consider a resolution. In summary, that resolution addresses the following points:

1. That we believe there are good biblical, theological and practical grounds for introducing lay administration, a matter which was stated by the Appellate Tribunal in 1997 to be consistent with the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia.

2. There are differing opinions as to the legal situation, but we believe law should allow that which Holy Scripture allows. However, the Archbishop has made it very clear that he is not prepared to sign an ordinance unless he is convinced that it is legal to do so.

3. The synod is therefore being asked to resolve that until such time as any necessary change in the law can be effected, or it can be determined that no change in the law is needed, no disciplinary or other action should be taken against any person in relation to deacons or lay persons administering the Lord's Supper.

4. The resolution therefore is not in the nature of an ordinance giving permission, but rather a motion affirming the view that lay or diaconal administration is a legitimate expression of Anglicanism.

Obviously, it will be synod itself in October 2004, which needs to decide whether to pass the resolution, or not. It will be important for synod to have the full facts before it, including the attitudes of others in the Communion. On the other hand, a motion of our synod is simply an expression of opinion of those present and voting, with no legal or formal force. It does not bind the Archbishop or the Diocese of Sydney, or alter the rights of any person.

News of the Standing Committee decision has been disseminated around the world and it is likely that some misinformation may result in some quarters.

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