On Friday 26th and Saturday 27th October the annual gathering of the Synod of the Diocese took place at the Cathedral and Diocesan Centre, 49 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat. Bishop Garry presided and the Clergy of the Diocese and Lay Representatives of every Parish in the Diocese attended.
There were three significant issues that the Synod dealt with:
- Changes to the Parochial Government Act that will give greater flexibility to Parishes in relation to them meeting financial obligations, and some minor alterations to the tenure arrangements for clergy. (These new arrangements only apply to appointments make after the conclusion of this Synod.)
- A long discussion about the National Redress Scheme and our Diocese’s participation in that scheme. There will be a bulletin published from the Diocesan Office soon that will explain in straight forward language our support for survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and what that means to the Diocese financially.
- A motion was passed, after a long debate with passionate and eloquent speakers on both sides of the issue, asking the Diocese to affirm it’s welcome of all people into our Church regardless of gender or sexual orientation and asking the Bishop to consider authorizing a service of blessing for same-sex couples who have already entered into a civil marriage. Bishop Garry explained to the Synod that he would not respond to this request immediately as the Bishops of the Australian Church are meeting in February and this would likely be a matter included in their discussions.