Anglican Primate and Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Keith Rayner has commended the decision of the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Revd Harry Goodhew, to withhold assent from the Ordinance passed by the Sydney Synod to permit lay persons to preside at the Holy Communion.
10 November 1999
The Most Revd Harry Goodhew, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney has indicated to the members of the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney that he has decided not to give assent to The Preaching and Administration of Holy Communion by Lay Persons and Deacons Ordinance 1999.
10 November 1999
(Note that these were not the exact words - Bishop Barnett spoke without his notes. Nor was there reference in the speech as given to the matter of 'abuse of priesthood and sacrament')
28 October 1999
"The Diocese of Sydney is greatly valued in the Communion, for its commitment to the mission of the Church, its commitment to evangelism is well known, and its social action is remarkable.
25 October 1999
Some members cheered as they left the synod meeting, others were more circumspect. In a first for the world-wide Anglican Communion, the diocese of Sydney has voted to endorse the administering of Holy Communion by lay people for a five year trial.
20 October 1999
Mr President, I have pleasure now in moving the third reading of the ordinance before us.
20 October 1999
Statement from the Most Rev Harry Goodhew, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney concerning the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney vote in favour of diaconal and lay presidency
20 October 1999