Following lay conference, Synod moved quickly through many items of formal business, with significant motions intended to enable real ministry responses across equitable access, veterans’ care, creative outreach, and gender justice.
MOTIONS TAKEN FORMALLY
Motion 14: Extending Safe Ministry
That Synod notes the report on ‘Extending safe ministry to people experiencing abuse in parish settings’ and encourages all to complete the working group’s proposed survey.
This motion reflects a commitment to better understand and respond to non-criminal psychosocial harm in parish life.
Motion 17: Baroona Farm
That Synod recognises Baroona Farm as an innovative ministry realising key Diocesan priorities and asks the Archbishop-in-Council to explore and implement practical solutions for its continuation.
The Farm’s community food-growing mission—300kg of produce in the past season—was celebrated as both imaginative and comprehensive in its engagement with the Romero Centre and the wider community.
Motion 18: Gender Equity in Ministry Roles
That Synod gives thanks for women’s ministry past and present, notes continuing gender-based discrimination, and endorses research into women’s ministry experience in the Diocese.
The motion included support for a working group and possible project officer to assess barriers and progress. Notably, an attempt to rescind this motion was immediately defeated, reinforcing Synod’s strong support for gender justice. [See The Weekend Australian’s article: More women than men are ordained as Anglican priests in Brisbane, rectifying historic imbalance]
ORDERS OF THE DAY
Motion 15: Anglican School Chaplaincy
That Synod recognises the importance of sharing Christian faith in Anglican schools and encourages partnerships between schools, parishes, and agencies.
Discussion highlighted the unique vocational calling of school chaplaincy and the growing need to raise up chaplains who can meet students where they are—often planting seeds of faith in busy, complex environments.
Motion 16: Veterans and Families Ministry Advisory Group
That Synod establishes a group to provide strategic guidance and practical support for ministry to veterans and their families.
Compelling data about veteran suicide rates and community disconnection upon leaving service underscored this motion’s urgency. It was a call for trauma-informed pastoral care, liturgical tools, and intentional inclusion, particularly in SE Queensland where a significant number of veterans reside.
Motion 5: Equitable Participation Access Officer
That Synod requests Diocesan Council explore resourcing for a dedicated officer to improve inclusion for those with disability, neurodivergence, and other differences.
Passed in amended form, this motion affirmed that such inclusion is not a “problem to be fixed” but an expression of the Anglican marks of Mission. The role would offer lived-experience-based guidance across parishes and diocesan life.
DIOCESAN DATA PRESENTATION
The data presented painted a sobering yet opportunity-filled picture:
- Parish Health: Average parish size remains at ~75% of pre-COVID levels, with steepest decline among under-50s and children.
- Children’s Ministry: Concerningly, parishes making no provision for children have doubled.
- Aged Care Ministry: A notable strength—attendance in residential aged care amounts to 7% of Sunday congregations, offering discipleship opportunities.
- Justice Work: The Diocese is highly active in environment and outward-facing community care.
- Formation and Mission: A call was made for broader reporting on missional outcomes (e.g. baptisms, confirmations) especially in schools and emerging ministries.
AMMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS
- Motion 19 (Standing Orders amendment No. 1): Not passed.
- Motion 20 (Standing Orders amendment No. 2): Passed in amended form, with trial provisions to be implemented for Synod 2026.
CLOSING
Happily, Synod concluded with some time to spare — perhaps a sign of a church moving with conviction across classrooms and chaplaincies, parishes and paddocks, to turn common call into embodied hope.
You can read the full texts of motions and minutes (when they become available) on the ACSQ Synod page.