Synod 2020
Synod 2020
These reports are issued to members of Synod and for public record, noting the Third Session of the Fiftieth Synod has been postponed until the spring of 2021:
15 May 2020
Circular: All Members of Synod
Dear Sisters and Brothers
After prayerful consideration and consultation with the Chancellor and members of Diocesan Council, I have decided to postpone the Third Session of the Fiftieth Synod of the Diocese of Perth which would have been held on 9-11 October 2020.
Next week Western Australia moves to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 WA roadmap which will allow for no more than 20 people to meet together in places of worship or community halls. When Phase 3 is implemented in June/July indications are that the number of people able to be indoors together at meetings will still be far fewer than the 400 or so who attend Synod.
Preparations for Synod must begin in May in each year in order that the business can be attended to within the timelines of the Synod Standing Orders.
Given the financial cost of holding a Synod with regard to venue and catering, together with the cost of preparation, and the time and effort involved for all who write reports and prepare legislation and general business, I do not feel confident to proceed at this time of uncertainty.
The work of the Legislation Committee on the Professional Standards Statute, Clergy Discipline Statute and Clergy Appointment and Licensing Statute is continuing. My planned consultation with clergy regarding the Clergy Appointment and Licensing Statute was interrupted by COVID-19. Work on this Statute will not be able to be completed until the consultation process has taken place.
Please be assured that I will advise you as soon as it may be possible for the Third Session of the Fiftieth Synod to be held.
Grace and peace.
Yours sincerely
+ Kay
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The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO | Archbishop