Dear Friends,
The Diocesan Synod meeting on the weekend of 9th-11th April 2021 passed a number of important motions. There will be a short series of e-mails to briefly outline the major decisions.
Autonomous Indigenous Ministries
In relation to Autonomous Indigenous Ministries, two motions were passed without dissent:
That this Synod commends moves towards the autonomy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministries and authorises the establishment of two councils as follows:
·North Queensland Anglican Aboriginal Ministry Council
·Meriba Maygi Zageth Anglican Council (Torres Strait Islander Ministry)
with Diocesan Council to approve temporary constitutions for both councils with a view to this Synod putting into place Canons in 2022 with constitutions for both councils.
That this Synod enables true autonomy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministries by authorising Diocesan Council to set up two corporations limited by guarantee as follows:
·
·
These corporations are to have their constitutions modelled on the Constitution of The Cathedral School of St James and St Anne, in that the Bishop will be the founding member of the Corporation but not the beneficial owner; and the Corporation of the Diocesan Synod of North Queensland will not transfer any real property to the new corporations.
These are exciting developments and I understand that this will be the first time within the history of the Anglican Church of Australia that indigenous ministries are moving towards autonomy. Diocesan Council will now work with the existing indigenous councils to give effect to these motions.
May God richly bless the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, and may we in turn be blessed by them.
+ Keith
Gender and sexuality
The Diocesan Synod held on 9th to 11th April 2021 passed the following two motions relevant to gender and sexuality:
Accordingly I direct all priests, deacons and lay ministers of the Diocese of North Queensland not to conduct orders of service for the blessing of same-sex unions, and also direct that places of worship are not to be used for services for the blessing of same-sex unions. However, in accordance with the second motion I affirm that we welcome all people regardless of race, social status, political beliefs, wealth, gender, sexual orientation or wealth, for all are made in the image of God and equally worthy of love and dignity. Accordingly we must look after all whom we minister to, and (with the exception of orders of service for the blessing of same-sex unions), provide all necessary pastoral care and prayer support wherever we find our people. This must be carried out without any discrimination, within the limits imposed by the law, ethics, and professional standards.
Any queries on this, please contact me.
Yours in Christ,
+ Keith
Euthanasia
Our Diocesan Synod, which was held from 9th to 11th April 2021, passed the following motion in relation to Euthanasia, also known as Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD):
That this Synod opposes the intentional taking of life including that implicit in Euthanasia or Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
But recognising that it is possible that the Queensland Parliament may legislate for VAD against the wishes of Synod, we strongly advocate for the legislation to have:
·the greatest possible limitations when VAD is allowed
·the broadest possible conscientious objection provisions, including provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to prevent VAD being permitted in their communities.
The Synod wanted to make it abundantly clear that it did not approve or condone euthanasia; but given that it is likely that the Queensland Parliament will shortly move towards legislation wanted to make it clear that if there was to be legislation, it needed to be as conservative as possible and provided the broadest possible conscientious objection provisions.
Consequently I will shortly write to our Members of Parliament, stating that:
·This Diocese remains firmly opposed to euthanasia or VAD
·However if it is decided to legislate for VAD, then it should be on the Victorian model (limited to competent adults who are terminally ill) rather than the ill-defined Western Australian model
·Conscientious objection provisions should be in place for anyone connected with the provision of services for VAD, not just health care professionals
·Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities should be allowed to veto VAD in their communities, including in government provided health clinics
·There needs to be real choice available – that is, excellent palliative care should be available for all, regardless of wealth or proximity to large cities
If you have any queries on this matter, please contact me.
With every blessing,
+ Keith