Brisbane

The Anglican Church of Australia took up the subjects of women bishops, homosexuality, relations with Aboriginals and connections with the Lutheran and Uniting churches at its General Synod, held here in July.

Synod voted to accept a bill in principle that would remove all legal obstacles to the consecration of women bishops. However, noting that there was significant opposition in debate, synod asked its standing committee to prepare a report on the issue by 2003 and, in light of responses, prepare amended legislation for the next session of General Synod in 2004.

On the subject of homosexuality, synod commended a report called "Faithfulness in Fellowship" to the church for study and reflection and called on its standing committee to consider what other steps might be taken and to advise the next General Synod.

Concerning Aboriginals, synod passed a resolution that called on the federal government to apologize for a residential school system in which Aboriginal children were abused.

Synod also voted to explore a formal covenant of association with the Uniting Church in Australia and authorized the continuation of the Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue Group, which is exploring closer relations with the Lutheran church.