A Shared vision for the diocese of the murray

A Discussion Paper Produced by Working Committee of the Voice of the Laity

Introduction

It is irrefutable that at this time and for some time preceding the events of the past few months, the Diocese of the Murray has teetered on the brink of becoming unviable in many areas including morale, resources, ministry and ordained clergy.

Urgent consideration needs to be given to the plight of the number of vacant parishes in this Diocese, the dependence of the Diocese on retired and aged clergy, the lack of ordination candidates and the quality of training offered to them.

Above all we must recognise and act to remedy the extremely low morale of Anglicans in the Diocese, and the lack of young people and families attending church.

For “Where there is no vision, the people perish” Proverbs: 29:18

Paramount in this objective is the necessity for the diocese to formulate a shared vision for the diocese. This should not just include the Bishop and clergy, but should recognise the ministry of lay people, and include them in formulating this vision, in both planning and practise.

A Shared Vision

This shared vision should be created by the whole church community within the diocese, with genuine listening on all sides, a commitment to no further pre-emptive dismissal of lay people's views and feelings, and with the assistance of skilled facilitators.

The VOL working committee understands there is an example of such a shared vision in the document “Partners in Mission”, offered to, but rejected by, the Diocese of the Murray some years ago.

The Committee holds the following convictions:

1. That diocesan bishops be accountable to the people of their diocese and to the national Anglican Church.

2. That recognition must be given to the role of the laity in mission and in leadership.

3. That parish councils be given genuine responsibility for their local church communities.

4. That lay leadership in ministry should be actively encouraged and publicly recognised through training and licensing lay readers and preachers to take services, serve in their communities, and to lead study and prayer groups.

5. That proper facilities should be provided for lay people and clergy to grow in their faith through education and discussion including invitations to visiting scholars, training in scripture and spirituality, and the use of proven courses and organisations such as Alpha and Cursillo.

6. There is a need for training for ordained clergy in the skills of leadership and management. Currently there seems to be confusion between leadership and authoritarianism.

7. That the growth of the diocese will be enhanced by the mending of relationships with the national Anglican Church. This could include:

• The use of forms of worship and prayer-books recognised and approved by General Synod.
• Working to improve communication and overcome barriers of prejudice that exist between dioceses.
• Recognising that clergy who have chosen to leave the Anglican Church publicly and who wish to return should be welcomed back publicly. Those who have chosen to leave should not be licensed as clergy unless they are willing publicly to be reconciled with the Anglican Church. Lay people rightly expect that anyone serving as a priest in their Church will be a member of their Church.

8.  Finally, that open discussion be permitted to take place within the Diocese on matters of concern to the wider Church, including the ordination of women to the priesthood, and of other matters raised by lay people within the diocese, including the re-unification of the Diocese of the Murray with the Diocese of Adelaide.

Please make copies of this discussion paper, and distribute it widely within the Diocese