LCANZ Office of the Bishop eNews

2025 Special Convention of General Synod

22 October 2025

On Saturday, 18 October 2025, 300 delegates gathered online for a Special Convention of General Synod established by resolution of the October 2024 Regular Convention. The day-long meeting was the second time the LCANZ’s General Synod has gathered in an online setting, and there was good participation from both pastor and lay delegates from across the church in Australia and New Zealand.

After the opening worship with preaching on 2 Timothy 1:8–14 by Bishop Paul Smith, the Convention began with an Acknowledgement of Country spoken by LCANZ Secretary, Dr Nigel Long. This was followed by a Te Reo Māori greeting spoken by Bishop Emeritus Mark Whitfield. Bishop Andrew Brook then greeted the Synod on behalf of the South Australia–Northern Territory District from which the Convention was being broadcast.

After preliminary matters, such as the appointment of tellers and minute takers, the first item of business was the proposal for alternate delegates from another parish to be lay delegates. After discussion, this was passed 263 votes in favour to 25.

The second matter on the agenda was the adoption of changes to complaints handling, appeals and discipline proposal. After discussion, this was passed 238 votes in favour to 53. This met the minimum two-thirds majority requirement, which applies due to the need for constitutional changes to enact the resolution.

The third matter before Synod was the adoption of the doctrinal statement on ordination. An amended version of the statement from the General Pastors Conference (GPC) was then considered by the Convention, with 272 votes in favour to 28. After discussion, the final version of the statement was adopted as a statement of the church with 232 votes in favour to 66. This also met the minimum two-thirds majority requirement as a doctrinal matter.

In sessions before and after the lunch break, the matter of accepting the full participation of Specific Ministry Pastors at General Pastors Conferences or equivalents and at Conventions of Synod as pastor delegates was considered. This included discussion on an amendment to the proposal from the 2024 General Pastors Conference.

The amendment was not adopted with 87 votes in favour to 210. The original proposal, put by the New South Wales – Australian Capital Territory District, then was passed with 234 votes in favour to 66.

The final matter on the agenda addressed the continuation of the Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts domestic and family violence awareness campaign with oversight and resourcing. After discussion, this was passed with 279 votes in favour to 14.

At the end of the day, before Bishop Paul declared the Special Convention closed, he reminded delegates that the 22nd Regular Convention of General Synod will be held in October 2027 in the Queensland District. In the vote of thanks, he summarised the heart of Synod, saying, ‘To God be the Glory.’

Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz led the closing worship service, highlighting for delegates and other viewers the Lord’s encouragement to St Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (verse 9).

After the Convention, the General Church Board then met with the College of Bishops to ensure the business of the Convention would be properly taken up in the relevant forums of the church.

Following the Convention, Dr Nigel Long published materials on the matters resolved by Synod. This is available on the Synod webpage at www.lca.org.au/synod2025

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