Topic 2 - Synod

Question 1

General VS Diocese?

Answer 1

General: whole country, happens every 3-4 years (each diocese sends lay and clergy representatives), primate runs the general synod, 3 houses (lay, clergy and the house of bishops -> all diocesan bishops attend), role: to be Christian with one another.

Diocese: meet once a year (bishop calls synod - all clergy must attend and each parish sends representatives), region, 23 diocese in Australia, 2 houses (lay, clergy (priests, bishops, deacons)

Question 2

Internal and external issues

Answer 2

Internal - associated with the church -> ordination of women, youth work, church schools

External - rest of public and society -> marriage equality, asylum seekers

Question 3

How a synod works.. process.

Answer 3

1. Reports are given - particular topic is chosen (aka abortion).
2. Someone speaks FOR - motion, 3 minutes, being persuasive.
3. Seconder speaks after person FOR.
4. Floor is open to debate.
5. Someone speaks AGAINST - motion, 3 minutes, being persuasive.
6. Seconder speaks after person AGAINST.
7. Vote is taken.
8. If motion is passed, action takes place.

Question 4

How religion interacts with a particular issue.

Answer 4

1969  Australian General Synod (D.C) began to study the issue of womens ordination.
1985/86  The canon passed allowing women to be deacons.
1987  A special general synod was held.
1988  The Melbourne synod wanted to ordain women was priests (passes a canon).
1989  The appellate tribunal classified this canon as invalid.
1990  Canberra also wanted to become independent and ordain women as priests.
1992  November: General synod passed legislation to allow each Diocese to decide.
By the end of the year, 90 women were ordained into priesthood.
2005  2 women were ordained as bishops (one including Kay Goldsworthy).
2014  At the diocese of Grafton (NSW) - First female appointed a Diocesan Bishop.