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. The text of the resolution therefore follows:

“Standing Committee agrees in principle that a motion along the following lines be moved at the forthcoming session of the Synod ‘by request of the Standing Committee’-

‘DECLARATION OF THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF SYDNEY CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

WHEREAS –

(A) With deep conviction under Almighty God, this Synod believes that holy Scripture contains all things necessary to salvation, so that whatever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any person, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.

(B) With deep conviction under Almighty God, this Synod believes that Jesus Christ, in his death on the cross for our redemption, made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world.

(C) This Synod thanks Almighty God for the participation of all Christian people in the ministry of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in particular the participation of lay persons in the public ministry of the Word of God and prayer.

(D) This Synod believes, with deep conviction under Almighty God, that there is no prohibition or restriction in the holy Scriptures, or in Christian doctrine, on the administration (sometimes referred to as ‘presidency’) of the Lord’s Supper by a suitable person, but who is not a bishop or an episcopally ordained priest.

(E) This Synod has actively considered and debated this subject since 1977, receiving reports from committees and commissions in 1978, 1983, 1984,1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004. After due consideration this Synod has consistently endorsed the principle that, for theological, pastoral and evangelistic reasons, suitable lay persons and deacons should be permitted to administer the Lord’s Supper.

(F) The Sydney Diocesan Doctrine Commission concluded in 1993 that –

“………… there are no sound doctrinal objections to, and there are significant doctrinal reasons for, lay presidency at the Lord’s Supper. There are also sound reasons based on our received Anglican order for allowing lay presidency. In the light of this the continued prohibition of lay presidency at the Lord’s Supper does not seem justifiable theologically. Since church practice should conform to sound doctrine, practical problems related to the introduction of lay presidency ought to be dealt with, but should not constitute an obstacle to reform motivated by theological truth.”

(G) The Appellate Tribunal of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in its opinion of December 1997 on the Primate’s reference concerning diaconal and lay presidency, by majority, advised that –

“[It is] consistent with the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia to permit, or authorize, or otherwise make provision for

(a) deacons to preside at, administer or celebrate the Holy Communion; [and]
(b) lay persons to preside at, administer or celebrate the Holy Communion.”

(H) The same opinion advised, by majority, that it is not consistent with the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia for a diocesan synod, otherwise than in accordance with a canon of General Synod, to permit authorize or make provision for these ministries.

(I) Both opinions of the Appellate Tribunal were opposed by a minority within the Tribunal and have been opposed by others since 1997. Some consider that there is in fact no legal impediment to the authorization of lay and diaconal administration.

(J) Differing opinions have been, and continue to be, expressed as to whether there is a law of this Diocese that needs to be changed and, if so, as to the means whereby it may be changed, in order to allow diaconal and lay administration of the Lord’s Supper.

(K) The Synod believes that law should allow that which holy Scripture allows and for which there are sound theological, pastoral and evangelistic reasons.

THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF SYDNEY DECLARES THAT –

(1) This Synod respects the consciences both of those who support the introduction of diaconal and lay administration of the Lord’s Supper and those who oppose it.

(2) This Synod commits itself to the continuing investigation and implementation in due course of such processes as may be necessary to formally effect a change in the law of this Diocese to remove any conflict in this matter between what holy Scripture allows and what the law may prevent.

(3) This Synod believes and urges that, until such time as any necessary change in the law can be effected by an appropriate process (or it can be determined by an appropriate process that no change in the law is needed), no disciplinary or other action should be taken against any person merely because the person, in accordance with this Declaration –

(a) authorizes or permits, or purports to authorize or permit, a deacon or lay person to administer the Lord’s Supper, or
(b) being a deacon or lay person, administers, or purports to administer, the Lord’s Supper, or
(c) is involved in the administration, or purported administration, of the Lord’s Supper by a deacon or lay person.

(4) This declaration is intended to have application only to the
administration of the Lord’s Supper by a deacon or layperson and not to any other area of doctrine or worship, or of faith, ritual, ceremonial or discipline, applicable to and in force within this Diocese.”’

END