From the 8th-10th of September Bishops, clergy members and representatives of the laity of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn met for the first session of the 48th annual Synod. Each year the Synod is a time to affirm and celebrate a common dedication to the life of Jesus Christ, to make ordinances and resolutions that order that dedication and to discuss matters of concern to the diocese.
This year’s event was held at Canberra Grammar School, and Bishop Mark Short, President of the Synod, opened the day with an address that encouraged the re-union and re-integration of our Christian culture.
“First, we are a world where we are increasingly aware that we differ from each other. Second, we are increasingly a world where we differ with each other,” said Bishop Mark. “We have journeyed through a Pandemic. We have looked on in horror as trench warfare returned to Europe. We have and are negotiating the rise of Artificial Intelligence and increased cost-of-living pressures. What ever-changing times we live!”
Some notable discussions from the event included Anglicare and the Anglican Schools Commission providing reports on their work across the Diocese leading to Parishes being encouraged to develop partnerships with Anglicare to help break the cycle of poverty around our region. A presentation from Anglican Diocesan Services (ADS) outlined the depth of work of the head office and the support it is providing to parishes, schools and other elements of the Diocese.
A motion on affordable housing called for an inquiry into how excess parish land could be used to provide accommodation for those experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness. Chancellor Richard Refshauge spoke of the need for more housing, especially for those exiting the prison system and in need of connection and support from the community and assistance with employment as they build new lives.
Bishop Mark ended his address by quoting Psalm 84 which states: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, In whose heart are the highways to Zion; who, going through the valleys of dryness, find there a spring from which to drink.”
“During the next three years of our shared pilgrimage”, he continued, “may we drink deeply of God’s living water freely gifted in the Lord Jesus Christ and in God’s time, appear before the One who is both the way and the goal”.
