- Registrar Ken Spackman shows off the new resource for synod members
New Synod member? Help is at hand!
After all, Synod is the gathering of the clergy and lay representatives of the Diocese with the Archbishop to make decisions about our corporate life in Christ. Sometimes described as the Church's "parliament", Synod conducts its business on a model based on the Westminster parliamentary system, similar to that followed by Australia's federal and state parliaments.
"We are well aware that Synod members can be uncertain about their role, so the Council of the Diocese decided to prepare a handbook to assist them," the Registrar of the Diocese and Secretary of Synod, Mr Ken Spackman, told TMA.
The booklet, Synod: A guide for members and prospective members, offers a comprehensive overview of how Synod works in a user-friendly, readable style, he said.
"It covers fundamental issues such as: What is Synod? Who are the members of Synod? Why become a lay member of Synod? What is the business of Synod? And how does Synod work?" he explained.
"As well, it offers a guide to presenting legislation to Synod, and proposing Synod motions, and explains Synod debating procedure. It also gives some interesting background to the historical origins of Melbourne Synod, which was one of the first Synods in the worldwide Anglican Communion."
While the booklet has been prepared initially for lay members, it should also be helpful for clergy, particularly newly-ordained clergy, he added.
Copies are being distributed to parish clergy, and will be available when Synod meets in October, Mr Spackman said.