Synod 2026

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
- Proverbs 15:22

This past week and next, the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney has been meeting to discuss and direct the governance of the Diocese. Synod is best thought of as a parliament for the diocese with bills and motions debated, often in a similar manner to what happens in Canberra!

Synod is made up of delegates from every parish alongside other members representing organisations, with an additional cohort at the Archbishop’s appointment.

St John’s, along with every other parish, has one clergy member (the Rector) and two elected lay members (currently Roger Gallagher and Geoff Pullen). Our Senior Associate Minister Ken Tang is also one of those appointed by the Archbishop.

While much of Synod’s business is routine (and perhaps even dull) there are many moments that more than make up for it. We receive reports from different bodies. It was deeply encouraging to learn about the great work of Anglicare and Youthworks and also to hear from a number of parishes about what God is doing in and through them.

One of the calls of last year’s Synod was for every parish to pursue a 5% growth in membership each year for the next 5 years. To support this goal, we received the first report from a task force put together to do more detailed research into where those goals are being reached (and surpassed!) and whether any common factors can be discovered. Of course, the most fundamental method that we all share is what the Apostle calls “the open statement of the truth” (2Cor. 4:2), but if somebody out there has discovered something that would work well in our own context, then it’s very helpful to learn about it. Do please pray that this important work would reap great benefits for our region-wide gospel partnership.

One particular highlight for me was the Archbishop’s address at the opening of synod. It was good to be reminded that behind all our plans and strategies lies an important truth: People matter to God. There are millions of people all across Sydney and beyond who do not know the hope of the risen Christ and the transformation of life that he brings not just now but into eternity. For all the occasional frustrations and administration, it’s been wonderful to be part of over 600 people gathered together who want to see those people who matter to God brought into an eternal relationship with him and are working hard to discern the best way we can go about that together.

Synod meets for 2 more days - next Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday I have the privilege of seconding and praying after Bishop Gary Koo’s motion of thanks for the ministry of our recently-retired Senior Minister Bruce Morrison.

Perhaps the best way to finish off is to encourage you to pray for the work of synod. Every day opens with the following prayer:

God our Father,
You judge your people with wisdom and rule us with love.
Give a spirit of understanding to the Synod of our diocese,
as it commences today.

May it make wise decisions
that will give glory to you
and be a blessing to your people.

Grant the Archbishop wisdom and grace,
in setting direction and in chairing the meetings.

We pray also for the Diocesan Secretary and her team:
grant energy, orderliness and attention to detail,
as they implement Synod plans and prepare materials each day;

We ask for this wisdom with confidence,
as you are the God who gives generously to all,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

David Ould
Acting Senior Minister