At Synod (The governing body for the Sydney Anglican Diocese) we joined with hundreds of people to deliberate with a shared concern for the salvation of the lost and the honour of the Lord Jesus. During debates and motions, Synod members treated each other with respect and courtesy, expressing unity in the ministry of the Good News of Jesus with people of all ages and backgrounds across Sydney. We want all people to know that God values them, as shown by sending His Son for their sake.

A Vision for the Lost

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel addressed this year’s Synod, reminding us that “People matter to God” because we are made in His image. He shared several inspiring stories of individuals who have come to faith, vividly illustrating God’s active work among us.

Ministry & Mission Initiatives

  • Youth Ministry: The Synod agreed to affirm youth ministry and encourage its development across the diocese. It was encouraging to learn that the growing number of youth under Christian ministry in the Sydney Diocese reflects a broader trend across Western nations.
  • Chaplaincy: The Synod noted and encouraged Anglicans to support the work of the Australian Anglican Chaplains network.
  • Aboriginal Ministry: Synod gave thanks to God for the growth of indigenous churches and leaders in the Diocese. Our churches are encouraged to pray that God will raise up future leaders of Indigenous ministries in this diocese and throughout Australia.

Diocesan Growth & Property Strategy

There is significant growth in gospel opportunities across the Diocese, accompanied by a very substantial challenge to plant new churches in rapidly expanding communities. We were encouraged by the announcement and celebration of several new and re-established parishes.

Our Parish is experiencing similar growth to the rest of Sydney; we also had opportunities to mutually share our vision for the parish with Sydney Anglican Property staff. Additionally, the Synod discussed how we can collaborate more effectively to support churches and parishes caring for heritage-listed buildings.

Synod also encouraged the Standing Committee to temper the constant growth of administrative load on Ministry staff, Wardens and Parish Councils. 

Regional Partnerships & Leadership

  • Bathurst Diocese: The Synod celebrated our ongoing multi-year partnership with the Bathurst Diocese. By working together, Bathurst has experienced remarkable growth—including a significant increase in Bible study groups. It has been a true pleasure to partner with them in the work of the Lord.
  • Wollongong Bishop Appointment: The Synod expressed deep gratitude for the appointment of the Rev. Jonathan Squire as the next Bishop of the Wollongong Region. The Synod assured Jonathan and his wife, Jenny, of its prayers as they leave their church of over 20 years to begin this new ministry.

Cultural Issues

  • Freedom of Speech: Synod received a number of reports related to diocesan Submissions to the relevant government bodies warning of potentially unintended curtailments of Christian faith and ministry.
  • Jewish Australians:  The Synod rejected antisemitism in all its forms and received with humility the apostolic warning to Gentiles not to “consider yourself to be superior” (Rom 11:18). We will be formally invited to gather and pray for Jewish people in the Diocese and for ministry amongst them (3 April and 16 October 2027)
  • Rights of Children: The Synod encouraged member churches to keep standing up for the lives of mothers and their unborn children. Synod also deplores the commodification of children and the exploitation of vulnerable women, whether in Australia or overseas, and so calls on the Commonwealth and State Parliament to definitively reject commercial surrogacy.

Moving Forward

As we look ahead, our churches were encouraged to continue ministry rooted in God’s word, to pray faithfully for new believers, and to ensure our existing congregations are filled with “disciple-making disciples.”

In Christ,
Milton and Geoff (your Synod reps, along with Ben).

Post Views: 0