Synod 2003
From the special insert in June's Tasmanian Anglican ...
Synod 2003
22 - 25 May 2003
at the Tram Sheds, Launceston
The general feeling was that Synod 2003 was very enjoyable, more like a 'conference' that a dry discussion of church legislation. The parish presentations were informative and entertaining, and the small group discussions were good times of fellowship and meeting new faces.
And ... there's some good dining to be had in Launceston!
Underpinning Synod was a strong sense of unity in Christ and an affirmation of our being 'a missionary diocese'.
Motions, resolutions and petitions
In an Obituary Motion, Synod stood and expressed in silence and prayer its deep sense of loss in the death, since the last Synod, of the Rev. Michael Eagle, the Rev. Martin Kerly, the Rev. Donald Moffat, the Rev. Lynette Plunkett, the Rev. Noel Powell-Davies, Mrs Pat Arthur, Mrs Joan Chitts, Mr Murray Cox, Mrs Shirley Devereux, Mr Victor Fitze and Mrs Helen van Emerik.
No petitions were presented to Synod, various reports were received, and legislation originating in the Diocese was addressed.
Of particular note was a resolution that Diocesan Council bring to the next session of Synod a progress report on the Pastoral Support and Assistance Scheme for Victims of Sexual Abuse. Synod requested the Bishop to write to the Minister for Employment, the Hon. Dr David Crean MLC, encouraging him to establish a Community Jobs Program in response to our concerns regarding the plight of those Tasmanians who have been unemployed for a long period.