Anglican involvement in SRE suspended
20 March Number 1 Anglican involvement in Special Religious Education (SRE) suspended until further notice After careful consideration of the needs of many volunteers and the needs of school communities I have taken advice about our involvement in SRE at this time. Anglican involvement in SRE is suspended until further notice.
Basic Covid19 Cleaning Guide
19 March Number 6 Basic Cleaning Guide Some questions have been asked about cleaning. Here is a simple guide for non-hospitable settings here.
Encouragement to clergy to continue supervision
19 March Number 5 supplementing 18 March Number 6 Dear colleagues, Supervision Changes in expectations of the clergy Bishop Charlie, Bishop Sonia and I have all seen our ministry supervisors this week. Each of us would emphasise how valuable the opportunity of supervision has been this week. We would say “invaluable!!” Each of us have…
Funerals, weddings and baptisms should be small family occasions only
19 March – Number 4 Replacing 18 March Number 7 Dear colleagues, Funerals, weddings and baptisms should be small family occasions only Another celebration can be held when the pandemic has passed Ministry to the sick (anointing) If you have arrangements for funerals in place or have a wedding this weekend they can still proceed…
Clergy should lead prayers in our churches
19 March – Number 3 Dear colleagues, Clergy should lead prayers in our churches where they can and inform their community that they are ministering in this way Another of the primary ministries for clergy at this time is the ministry of prayer. Where clergy can do so safely, they are encouraged to pray in a…
Livestreaming Services
19 March – Number 2 Dear colleagues, Livestreaming services Focus on messages of care, encouragement and hope One of the primary ministries for clergy at this time will be pastoral and spiritual care offered by telephone and electronic messaging. Livestreamed services will be of invaluable assistance to many people. However, the proliferation of too many offerings may…
No outdoor services
19 March – Number 1 Dear colleagues, No outdoor services The Premier of NSW made the following comments, “We know already that for many people the symptoms aren’t even evident and they’re carrying the virus. That’s why all of us have to assume we have it. You have to act in a way as though…
Funerals, weddings and baptisms
18 March – Number 7 Dear colleagues, Funerals, weddings and baptisms Basic rules of social distancing The rules on gatherings and social distancing need to be applied in our churches as everywhere. People need to be able to sit 1.5 metres apart (except for households who can sit more closely unless they are internally isolating).…
Changes in expectations of the clergy
18 March – Number 6 Dear colleagues, Changes in expectations of the clergy The Clergy Retreats scheduled for May this year have now been cancelled. As the patterns of ministry begin to change then clergy should take time for prayer and reflection. The requirement for Ministry Supervision is formally suspended while the expectation of social distancing is…
The Diocesan Office is now a virtual office.
18 March – Number 5 Dear colleagues, The Diocesan Office is moving to be a virtual office from Thursday at 5pm The Diocesan Office is initiating a process to move to being a virtual office from 5pm Thursday 19 March 2020. Diocesan staff are working from home and using technology for collaboration and meetings. The…