The 14th General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia was held in Canberra,Footnote 7 against a backdrop of a number of important circumstances. Within the Anglican Church, the Appellate Tribunal had determined by a 4 to 3 majority that there was nothing in the Constitution to prevent a woman becoming a diocesan bishop. Within Australia, there were issues of drought and climate. Within the Anglican Communion, there was the ongoing international turmoil over human sexuality.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Several professional standards matters were considered and the following legislation was passed:
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i. Special Tribunal Canon 2007, which deals with the discipline of diocesan bishops;
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ii. Episcopal Standards Canon 2007, which deals with the discipline of diocesan bishops;
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iii. National Registrar Canon 2007 and four Protocols, which create a register of professional standards information of clergy and church workers, with access for a limited number of persons for specific purposes and procedures to ensure its proper use;
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iv. Constitution Amendment (Suspension of Bishops) Canon 2007, which deals with the suspension of a diocesan bishop and a bishop licensed by the Primate against whom a charge has been promoted before the Special Tribunal;
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v. Constitution Amendment (Section 54) Canon 2007, which deals with the discipline of persons licensed by the Primate; and
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vi. Constitution Alteration (Chapter IX) Canon Amendment Canon 2007, which provides for the establishment of disciplinary bodies not referred to in the Constitution and appeals therefrom.
The constitutional amendments will not come into force until adopted by three-quarters of the 23 dioceses, including all 5 metropolitan dioceses. Detailed resolutions requesting action by a diocese, the Professional Standards Commission and the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments were also passed.
The question about the future of the Primacy was resolved with the passing of the Primate Canon Amendment Canon 2007, under which the term of the Primate is six years. The effect of this amendment is that a previous proposal for the Primacy to be detached from the office of diocesan bishop has been rejected.
INDIGENOUS ISSUES
The General Synod noted the launch of the Kriol Bible in May 2007, which marked completion of a 40-year ecumenical project to promote the first complete translation of the whole Bible into an indigenous language. Synod endorsed a Commitment and Affirmation of Faith and Justice, whereby the relationship of mutual trust and respect between indigenous and non-indigenous Anglicans might be built. The membership of the Standing Committee was changed to include an Aboriginal person and a Torres Strait Islander. Resolutions were also passed concerning the Federal Government's intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities and the valuing of indigenous identity in Australian life.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Synod passed the Protection of the Environment Canon 2007, whereby each diocese undertakes to reduce its environmental footprint and to establish procedures for responsible action in the care of the environment. Resolutions were also passed on ministry in areas of Australia that have been seriously affected by drought, liturgical resources dealing with environmental issues and environmental issues faced within the Pacific Region.
GENDER EQUALITY
A resolution was passed requesting the Standing Committee to apply the principle of equal representation of women in its appointments where legislatively and practically possible.
THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, addressed the General Synod on the issues confronting the Communion. In small groups, Synod considered the Report of the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council following its meeting with the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in New Orleans in September 2007. The responses were intended to enable the Primate to respond to the Archbishop of Canterbury's request for provincial reactions to the assessment of the Joint Standing Committee.
Synod supported the proposed change of status of the Anglican Consultative Council to a charitable company and the proposed amendments to its Constitution other than the inclusion of all Primates as ex officio members. The Standing Committee was asked to facilitate an ongoing participation by the Anglican Church in any further dialogue about an Anglican Covenant or its future development.
