Parish Council
From the nominators, a process has not commenced yet to find a Priest for the Parish and that is at the direction of the Diocese. We are continuing to engage with the Diocese to look at options for the future ministry of the Parish.
Fr Allan is currently with us until October and we are very grateful that he has also agreed to continue after that date as much as he is available.
Discussions have taken place with Wynnum Parish following the very successful joint Patronal service. As a result, it has been agreed to have combined services with St Peters when a fifth Sunday occurs. The next one will be on 30 August at St Peters. More details regarding this service will follow.
Synod Report 2026 (Part One)
Synod Representatives: Nadia Wilson and Jennifer Crisp
Synod began on Friday evening with a service at St John’s Cathedral, where Dr Elizabeth J Smith AM delivered a stimulating sermon.
The annual report from the diocesan parish data collection had a recommendation for all parishes to consider doing one higher level of engagement for children within their service. We can explore some activity sheets as a starting point for our church.
The main focus of Synod was consideration of five Canon amendments. Four were passed (three without amendment and one with amendments), while one proposed by St Paul’s representatives was not put to a vote.
Key Canon Amendments
The Diocesan Governance Canon Amendment established a new Anglican Ministry Development Commission (MDC), replacing the Ministry Education Commission and the Parishes and Other Mission Agencies Commission. After significant discussion about governance and accountability, the amendment was passed with changes.
The Professional Standards Canon Amendment brought diocesan processes into line with Queensland’s new Reportable Conduct Scheme under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024, strengthening requirements for reporting and investigating allegations of harm to children. This amendment was passed.
The Training and Professional Supervision Canon Amendment introduced an additional clergy review process. Despite concerns about duplication, the amendment was passed.
The General Synod Legislation Canon Amendment adopted child protection measures approved by General Synod in 2022 and was passed.
The Diocesan Council Canon Amendment, proposed by Jennifer Crisp and seconded by Dr Clyde Anderson, sought changes to the distribution of proceeds from parish property sales. The proposal generated significant discussion, with concerns raised about the impact on diocesan growth initiatives and administration, while supporters highlighted the need for greater confidence among parishes when making decisions about property and ministry development.
The Archbishop acknowledged the importance of the issue and thanked Jennifer for raising it. Recognising that further work was needed, Synod decided not to proceed to a vote. The motion raised by Jennifer has prompted Bishop John to open discussion again with St Paul’s Manly Parish re: funding.
Part Two of the Synod Report will be in next week’s newsletter.
Read the whole newsletter below
St Pauls Newsletter 26 July 26