The 37th Provincial Synod of NSW Anglicans met on Tuesday, May 6 in Sydney.
Bishops Peter, Sonia and Charlie with Mrs Lyn Wickham were joined by bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from the province’s seven dioceses: Newcastle, Sydney, Grafton, Armidale, Riverina, Bathurst and Canberra and Goulburn Anglicans.
The Provincial Synod serves as a forum discussing matters affecting the Church across New South Wales.
Around sharing worship and hospitality, the synod decided on continuing support for services we share including religious education in public schools and civil chaplaincies for NSW Hospitals, Health Services and the NSW Justice System.
Samaritans was named as the Newcastle Anglican contributor to a statewide Anglican service partnering with Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ Disaster Welfare Services) and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to provide volunteers to support people and material disaster recovery.
In a passionate presentation Bishop Peter highlighted Newcastle Anglican’s core commitments and gave thanks for all of us.
Our journeys to connection and reconciliation with First Nations and the unwavering centrality of safeguarding workers and people we support engaged everyone.
Our strength through partnering with many employees, volunteers and governance leaders who are not Christian and our commitment to inclusion because of what we do inspired by the way of Jesus challenged some members and received vocal and moving affirmation from many others.
It was a proud moment to belong to Newcastle Anglican.
– written by Bishop Charlie
Background:
* The Anglican Church of Australia in New South Wales is made up of seven dioceses, which constitute the Province of New South Wales.
* The first Provincial Synod was held in 1869, with sessions now held every five years.
* A Synod is ‘a coming together of the people of God’. This sharing takes place through common worship, legislative processes, considering motions, information sessions and informal fellowship.
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