Another Synod? What fun!
Seventy-one clergy, representatives of fifty parishes, three bishops and an all-star cast of diocesan officers congregate at Launceston Grammar School in late May for what is shaping up as an entirely healthy bunfight—the second ‘ordinary’ session of the Fiftieth Synod of the Diocese.
The buns to be fought over include canons passed down for local adoption from the triennial meeting last year of General Synod—everything from how to manage a recalcitrant bishop to becoming part of the solution to the threat of climate change.
Speaking of bishops, was that ‘three’?
It will be four, actually, with Melbourne’s Bishop Stephen Hale invited to bring a global perspective on reinventing the Anglican Church. Our very own Bishop Ross will develop the theme at a diocesan level.
The budget session promises the usual fireworks. Ever resilient, some will yet again attempt to win approval for changes to the marvellous Assessment Authorisation Ordinance. The mysterious ‘Futures’ think-tank will present their latest thoughts. And a raft of motions will keep us on our toes.
So what are the foci? Well, working together, facing the challenges squarely ... and the bracing late autumn weather.