The Sydney Diocese is $160 million dollars poorer this year than last year. No doubt you already know.
This week we had the annual synod for our diocese and the CEO of the Glebe Administration Board and its Chairman, were there in front of the packed auditorium to hear how the synod felt about the loss, and what they thought should happen.
There was criticism of the way the board had acted and at least one person calling for a censure of the board. Another called for resignations.
But the whole synod was to blame in the end. We had the figures last year, we had opportunity for questions. And no one said anything.
Greg Bergan and I were there on behalf of our church and can report to you that we were very proud of the way the synod acted. We were glad to be part of it. There was openness and a just display of accountability. But there was also grace and forgiveness, prayer and dependence, on our Heavenly Father.
An independent consulting company has analysed the board. There were definitely problems. A number of the board have resigned. But the synod concluded there was nothing immoral or unethical that was done. It also recognised that the board were all volunteers (which may be part of the problem), and they worked very hard for us.
Archbishop Peter Jensen asked the theological questions- “was God seeking to test us?; does he not want us to do something?; is he challenging us on the uncertainty of riches?; are we to examine ourselves for any sin?”. I refer you to his presidential address for excellent answers on this.
It will take some time to recover from this, and to gain people’s respect and confidence.
Please pray for all those involved and all those who have lost their jobs. Pray that our diocese would not be paralysed and that we wont’ panic. Pray that we will seek first the kingdom of God.

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