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Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961
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Australian Capital Territory
Anglican Church of Australia
Constitution Act 1961
A1961-16
Republication No 5
Effective: 1 July 2017
Republication date: 1 July 2017
Last amendment made by A2017-7
(republication for amendments by A2017-7
and correction to include the schedule)
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About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961 (including
any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force
on 1 July 2017. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this
republished law to 1 July 2017.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the
ACT legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made
by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117).
The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law
into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M
appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears
in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $150 for
an individual and $750 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
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contents 1
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Australian Capital Territory
Anglican Church of Australia
Constitution Act 1961
Contents
Page
1AA Name of Act 2
1A Application of Legislation Act 2
2 Constitution, canons and rules to be binding for Church property
purposes 2
3 Effect of canons and rules 2
8 Administration of customary oaths 3
9 Powers of tribunal under Constitution, ch 9 3
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of
Australia 4
Part I 4
Chapter I Fundamental Declarations 4
Chapter II Ruling Principles 4
Contents
Page
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Part II The Government of the Church 7
Chapter III Of the Bishops 7
Chapter IV Of General Synod— 9
Composition and Procedure 9
Sessions 11
Records and Seal 12
Chapter V Of the Powers of General Synod 13
Chapter VI Committees Boards and Commissions 18
Chapter VII The Provinces and Provincial Synods 20
Provinces 20
Provincial Synods 20
Chapter VIII The Dioceses and Diocesan Synods 21
Dioceses 21
Diocesan Synods 23
Consent of Diocese to Alteration 24
Chapter IX The Tribunals 25
Chapter X The Corporate Trustees 33
Chapter XI The Alteration of this Constitution 34
Chapter XII The Operation of this Constitution 36
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 45
2 Abbreviation key 45
3 Legislation history 46
4 Amendment history 48
5 Earlier republications 49
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Australian Capital Territory
Anglican Church of Australia
Constitution Act 1961
Section 1AA
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1AA Name of Act
This Act is the Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961.
1A Application of Legislation Act
The Legislation Act 2001 does not apply to instruments made under
this Act.
2 Constitution, canons and rules to be binding for Church
property purposes
The several articles and provisions of the Constitution contained in
the Schedule to this Act (the Constitution) and any canons and rules
to be made under or by virtue or in pursuance thereof are and as
provided in the Constitution shall be for all purposes connected with
or in any way relating to the property of the Anglican Church of
Australia binding on the Bishops, clergy and laity, being members
of the Anglican Church of Australia in the Diocese within the ACT.
3 Effect of canons and rules
Any canon or rule made under or by virtue or in pursuance of the
said Constitution which contravenes any law or statute in force for
the time being in the ACT, shall to the extent of such contravention
be incapable of having any force or effect.
Section 8
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8 Administration of customary oaths
It shall be lawful for any Bishop Commissary Administrator
Chancellor Archdeacon or Registrar holding office in any Diocese
of the Anglican Church of Australia to administer to any Bishop
Clergyman or member of the said Church the oath or oaths
customarily used heretofore at the ordaining of deacons or priests,
consecration or enthronement of bishops institution of clergy to a
cure of souls in a parish or other ecclesiastical district installation
induction or collation to any office on the grant of any License in
the said Church in the ACT and it shall be lawful for such persons to
take or make such oath or oaths.
9 Powers of tribunal under Constitution, ch 9
(1) A tribunal mentioned in the Constitution, chapter 9 is taken to be an
arbitral tribunal within the meaning of the Commercial
Arbitration Act 2017 for—
(a) securing the attendance of witnesses; and
(b) the production of documents; and
(c) the taking of evidence of a witness on oath.
Note Oath includes affirmation and swear an oath includes make an
affirmation (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) A party to a proceeding before a tribunal mentioned in
subsection (1), or any person permitted by the tribunal to submit any
evidence to it, is taken to be a party to a reference or submission to
an arbitration within the meaning of the Commercial Arbitration Act
2017.
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part I
page 4 Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961
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Schedule The Constitution of the
Anglican Church of Australia
(see s 2)
Part I
Chapter I Fundamental Declarations
1. The Anglican Church of Australia being a part of the one Holy
Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ, holds the Christian Faith
as professed by the Church of Christ from primitive times and in
particular as set forth in the creeds known as the Nicene Creed and
the Apostles’ Creed.
2. This Church receives all the canonical scriptures of the Old and
New Testaments as being the ultimate rule and standard of faith
given by inspiration of God and containing all things necessary for
salvation.
3. This Church will ever obey the commands of Christ, teach His
doctrine, administer His sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy
Communion, follow and uphold His discipline and preserve the
three orders of bishops, priests and deacons in the sacred ministry.
Chapter II Ruling Principles
4. This Church, being derived from the Church of England, retains and
approves the doctrine and principles of the Church of England
embodied in the Book of Common Prayer together with the Form
and Manner of Making Ordaining and Consecrating of Bishops,
Priests and Deacons and in the Articles of Religion sometimes
called the Thirty nine Articles but has plenary authority at its own
discretion to make statements as to the faith ritual ceremonial or
discipline of this Church and to order its forms of worship and rules
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
Part I
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of discipline and to alter or revise such statements, forms and rules,
provided that all such statements, forms, rules or alteration or
revision thereof are consistent with the Fundamental Declarations
contained herein and are made as prescribed by this Constitution.
Provided, and it is hereby further declared that the above-named
Book of Common Prayer, together with the Thirty-Nine Articles, be
regarded as the authorised standard of worship and doctrine in this
Church, and no alteration in or permitted variations from the
Services or Articles therein contained shall contravene any principle
of doctrine or worship laid down in such standard.
Provided further that until other order be taken by canon made in
accordance with this Constitution, a Bishop of a Diocese may, at his
discretion, permit such deviations from the existing Order of
Service, not contravening any principle of doctrine or worship as
aforesaid, as shall be submitted to him by the Incumbent and
Churchwardens of a parish.
Provided also that no such request shall be preferred to the Bishop
of a Diocese until the Incumbent and a majority of the parishioners
present and voting at a meeting of parishioners, duly convened for
the purpose, shall signify assent to such proposed deviations. Such
meeting shall be duly convened by writing, placed in a prominent
position at each entrance to the Church and by announcement at the
Morning and Evening Services, or at the service if only one, at least
two Sundays before such meeting, stating the time and place of such
meeting, and giving full particulars of the nature of the proposed
deviation.
5. Subject to the Fundamental Declarations and the provisions of this
Chapter this Church has plenary authority and power to make
canons, ordinances and rules for the order and good government of
the Church, and to administer the affairs thereof. Such authority and
power may be exercised by the several synods and tribunals in
accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part I
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6. This Church will remain and be in communion with the Church of
England in England and with Churches in communion therewith so
long as communion is consistent with the Fundamental Declarations
contained in this Constitution.
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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Part II The Government of the Church
Chapter III Of the Bishops
7. A diocese shall in accordance with the historic custom of the One
Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church continue to be the unit of
organisation of this Church and shall be the see of a bishop.
8. There shall be a bishop of each diocese who shall be elected as may
be prescribed by or under the constitution of the diocese, provided
that the election shall as to the canonical fitness of the person
elected be subject to confirmation as prescribed by ordinance of the
provincial synod, or if the diocese is not a part of a province then as
prescribed by canon of general synod.
During any vacancy in the office or incapacity of the bishop of any
diocese or during his absence from the diocese for a period
exceeding thirty days the authorities powers rights and duties
conferred or imposed on him by this constitution shall be exercised
by the person appointed by or under the constitution of the diocese
to administer the affairs of the diocese.
General synod may by canon confer upon a bishop of a diocese the
title of Archbishop provided that such canon shall be carried by an
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each house
and shall receive the approval of all the Metropolitans.
9. There shall be a Metropolitan (to be called Archbishop) of each
province of this Church who shall hold office as prescribed by any
Act of Parliament or by the constitution of the province or by
ordinance of the provincial synod.
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part II The Government of the Church
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During any vacancy in the office or incapacity of the Metropolitan
of any province, or during his absence from the province for a
period exceeding thirty days the authorities powers rights and duties
of the Metropolitan under this Constitution shall be exercised by the
senior diocesan bishop of the province at the time in the province
able and willing to act, seniority being determined by the date of
consecration.
10. There shall be a Primate of this Church who shall be elected and
hold office as may be prescribed by canon of the general synod.
During any vacancy in the office or incapacity of the Primate or
during his absence from Australia for a period exceeding thirty days,
the authorities powers rights and duties of the Primate under this
Constitution shall be exercised by the senior Metropolitan at the
time in Australia able and willing to act, or if there is no
Metropolitan able and willing to act, then by the senior diocesan
bishop at the time in Australia able and willing to act, seniority in
every case being determined by the date of consecration.
11. The Primate Metropolitans and diocesan bishops may apart from
their meetings as a house of bishops of the general synod meet from
time to time for the discharge of the functions assigned to a meeting
of them under this Constitution.
12. Such a meeting of the said bishops shall be convened by the Primate
on his own initiative or at the request in writing of not less than one-
third of the bishops, and shall have power to regulate its own
business.
13. The presence of at least one half of the said bishops shall be
necessary to constitute such a meeting of the bishops for the
discharge of its functions under this Constitution.
14. A certificate signed by the Primate or Metropolitan or Bishop
presiding in the absence of the Primate and purporting to state a
decision of such a meeting of the bishops or the votes of individual
bishops shall be evidence of the matters so stated.
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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Chapter IV Of General Synod—
Composition and Procedure
15. General synod shall consist of the house of bishops, the house of
clergy and the house of laity.
The three houses shall sit together in full synod and shall deliberate
and transact business therein and shall vote together unless a vote by
houses is required by not less than five members of the house of
bishops or by ten members of the house of clergy, or by ten
members of the house of laity.
In the event of a vote by houses being required, all questions shall
be put first to the house of laity, then to the house of clergy, and
finally to the house of bishops and no question shall be deemed to
be resolved in the affirmative by general synod unless it is so
resolved by a vote of the majority of those present in each of the
three houses.
A house by a majority of its members voting may decide to consider
separately any matter in debate whereupon further discussion of the
matter shall be postponed until there has been an opportunity of
separate consideration.
16. The house of bishops shall be composed of the Primate,
Metropolitans and diocesan bishops.
17. (1) The house of clergy shall be composed of clerical representatives of
each diocese.
(2) The house of laity shall be composed of lay representatives of each
diocese.
(3) Clerical and lay representatives of a diocese shall be elected or
appointed, and any vacancy in the place of a representative shall be
filled at such time and in such manner as may be prescribed by or
under the constitution of the diocese.
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part II The Government of the Church
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(4) The number of representatives shall be determined in accordance
with the table annexed to this Constitution.
(5) Every bishop or priest shall be qualified to be a clerical
representative of a diocese if he is resident therein at the date of his
appointment and holds a licence from the diocesan bishop, provided
however that the qualification of residence in the diocese shall not
be necessary in the case of a missionary diocese or a diocese having
less than thirty-one clergymen resident and duly licensed to officiate
therein.
(6) Every layman who is not under the age of twenty-one years and is a
communicant of this Church shall be qualified to be a lay
representative of a diocese, whether he does or does not reside
therein.
(7) The bishop of each diocese shall certify and transmit to the Primate
a list of names and addresses of the clerical and lay representatives
of the diocese.
In the event of any change in the representation of a diocese the
bishop shall certify and transmit to the Primate a supplementary list
showing the change.
Any list or supplementary list so certified shall be evidence that a
representative therein named is entitled to be such representative
unless a subsequent list shows that he has ceased to be a
representative.
18. General synod in such manner as it may deem proper may determine
whether any person who claims to be a member of the synod or of
any house is entitled to be a member thereof and whether he has
been duly and lawfully elected appointed or summoned to the
synod.
19. (1) General synod may proceed to the despatch of business
notwithstanding the failure of any diocese to provide for its
representation in the synod and notwithstanding a vacancy in the
office of Primate or a Metropolitan or a diocesan bishop.
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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(2) No canon rule act or exercise of power of general synod shall be
vitiated by reason only of the fact that any person to be elected
appointed or summoned to the synod has not been elected appointed
or summoned, or by reason only of any informality with respect of
the election appointing or summoning.
20. The Primate or in his absence the senior Metropolitan present, or if
there is no Metropolitan present, the senior diocesan bishop present
shall be President of the house of bishops and of general synod,
seniority in every case being determined by the date of consecration.
The President may take part in any discussion and vote on any
question.
21. Until general synod otherwise prescribes the presence of at least
seven members of the house of bishops and at least fifteen members
of the house of clergy representing not less than seven dioceses and
of at least fifteen members of the house of laity representing not less
than seven dioceses shall be necessary to constitute a meeting of
general synod for the exercise of its powers.
22. At each session of synod the house of clergy and the house of laity
shall elect its own chairman and such other officers as it considers
necessary.
Sessions
23. Until general synod by canon otherwise prescribes:
(a) Ordinary sessions of synod shall be held at intervals not
exceeding four years, and at such time and place as synod may
by resolution appoint or failing any such resolution then as the
standing committee of synod may by resolution appoint
provided that the standing committee of synod may on grounds
of emergency or other special grounds by resolution defer the
summoning of synod for a period exceeding four years from
the previous synod but not exceeding twelve months from the
date of such resolution and may do so from time to time
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part II The Government of the Church
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provided further that synod shall meet at least once in every six
years.
(b) A special session of synod shall be convened by the Primate at
the request in writing of not less than one-half of the members
of the house of bishops or of one-third of the members of the
house of clergy or of one-third of the members of the house of
laity or upon a resolution of the standing committee;
(c) At least four months before the time for any ordinary session
of synod the Primate shall by mandate under his hand and seal
summon the diocesan bishops, and require them to convene the
prescribed number of clerical and lay representatives of their
respective dioceses at the appointed time and place;
(d) The procedure and powers of synod in a special and an
ordinary session shall be the same, provided that in a special
session no business other than the business specified in the
mandate shall be transacted.
Records and Seal
24. The proceedings of general synod shall be duly recorded and be
authenticated by the signature of the President.
Every canon of general synod shall be printed in duplicate, and each
duplicate shall be certified as correct by the President, the chairman
of committees and the secretaries of the synod, authenticated by the
official seal, and filed in books.
25. (1) General synod shall have an official seal, which shall be judicially
noticed.
The seal shall not be used to authenticate any canon rule resolution
instrument or document or any copy thereof except upon a
resolution of synod or of the standing committee of synod and by
and in the presence of at least three members of the said committee.
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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(2) Any canon rule resolution instrument or document authenticated by
the official seal shall be admissible in evidence without further
proof.
A document purporting to be a copy of any canon rule or resolution
so authenticated and purporting to be certified by at least three
members of the standing committee as a true copy shall be evidence
of the canon rule or resolution and be admissible in evidence
without further proof.
Chapter V Of the Powers of General Synod
26. Subject to the terms of this Constitution synod may make canons
rules and resolutions relating to the order and good government of
this Church including canons in respect of ritual, ceremonial and
discipline and make statements as to the faith of this Church and
declare its view on any matter affecting this Church or affecting
spiritual, moral or social welfare, and may take such steps as may be
necessary or expedient in furtherance of union with other Christian
Communions.
27. A canon shall be made by a bill passed in accordance with the
following procedure:
(i) The bill shall have been circulated to each diocese at least three
months before the first day of the session of synod at which the
bill is to be presented, provided that the standing committee
may allow a shorter period of notice but not less than one
month and provided further that general synod by an
affirmative vote in each house of at least three-fourths of the
members present may declare any bill to be a matter of
urgency and permit it to be included in the agenda without
previous notice.
(ii) (a) After the bill has been read and passed a first and second
time, it shall be considered in committee and reported
back with or without amendment;
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Part II The Government of the Church
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(b) The bill shall be read and passed a third time provided
however a special bill shall follow the procedure
hereinafter appointed.
28. (1) A bill which deals with or concerns the ritual ceremonial or
discipline of this Church shall follow the procedure of this section as
a special bill unless synod by a vote in each house of at least three-
fourths of the members present decides that it need not proceed as a
special bill.
(2) In the case of other bills if not less than twenty-five members of
general synod petition the President that a bill should be treated as a
special bill the President shall put to general synod the motion that it
be so treated and if general synod so decides the bill shall be dealt
with as a special bill.
(3) Special bills shall be dealt with as follows:
(i) A special bill after the first and second readings and the
committee stage have been concluded shall be submitted for a
provisional third reading and if the bill is then approved by a
vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each of the three
houses present it shall stand as a canon provisionally made.
(ii) The provisional canon shall then be referred to the synod of
each diocese for its consideration and each diocesan synod
shall submit to the President within a period specified by canon
or by the provisional canon its assent to or dissent from the bill
together with such report and recommendations as it may think
fit.
(iii) If every diocesan synod reports that it assents to the provisional
canon the President shall so declare and thereupon it shall be a
canon duly passed, otherwise the reports and recommendations
received from the diocesan synods shall be presented to
general synod which shall recommit the provisional canon as a
bill to a further second reading and committee stage.
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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(iv) If on the subsequent third reading the bill is approved by at
least two-thirds of the members of each of the three houses
present it shall be a canon, unless general synod immediately
before the vote is taken by a majority of the three houses
voting together shall declare that such reading shall be
provisional only whereupon the procedure given above shall
again be followed.
29. If not less than one fourth of the members of the general synod or
one third of the members of the house of bishops or of the house of
clergy or of the house of laity petition the President that a canon
duly made is in whole or in part inconsistent with any part or parts
of the Fundamental Declarations or Ruling Principles of the
Constitution or that a canon deals with or concerns ritual ceremonial
or discipline of this Church and has not been passed in accordance
with section 28 (1) hereof, the President shall refer the question to
the appellate tribunal and in the meantime the canon shall not come
into force. If the tribunal finds no inconsistency or no breach of
Section 28 (1) as the case may be, the President shall thereupon
declare the canon to be in force. If the tribunal finds inconsistency
or breach of Section 28 (1), it shall report to general synod the
nature of the inconsistency or breach giving its reasons and may, if
it thinks fit, indicate what amendments, if any, would remove the
inconsistency or avoid the breach, and unless and until such
amendments are made by general synod the canon shall not come
into force.
30. Subject to the preceding section and unless the canon itself
otherwise provides, a canon duly passed by general synod shall
come into force on and from a date appointed by the President,
being not later than one calendar month from the date upon which
the canon was passed. The canon as on and from the appointed date
shall apply to every diocese of this church and any ordinance of any
diocesan synod inconsistent with the canon shall to the extent of the
inconsistency have no effect.
Schedule The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia
Part II The Government of the Church
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Provided that:
(a) Any canon affecting the ritual, ceremonial or discipline of this
Church shall be deemed to affect the order and good
government of the Church within a diocese, and shall not come
into force in any diocese unless and until the diocese by
ordinance adopts the said canon.
(b) If general synod declares that the provisions of any other canon
affect the order and good government of the Church within, or
the church trust property of a diocese, such canon shall not
come into force in any diocese unless and until the diocese by
ordinance adopts the said canon.
(c) If general synod should not so declare the synod of a diocese or
the diocesan council may declare its opinion that the provisions
of the said canon affect the order and good government of the
church within or the church trust property of such diocese and
notify the President within one month thereafter and then the
following provisions shall apply:
(i) If the said diocesan synod or council declare its opinion
as aforesaid within a period of two years from the date of
the passing of the said canon and the standing committee
advises the President that it agrees with the said opinion
the canon shall not and shall be deemed not to have come
into force in such diocese unless and until it is adopted by
ordinance of the diocesan synod;
(ii) If the said diocesan synod or council declare its opinion at
any time after the expiration of the said period of two
years and the standing committee advises the President
that it agrees with the said opinion the said canon shall
cease to apply to the said diocese as from the date of the
said declaration and shall not after such date again come
into force in such diocese unless and until it is adopted by
ordinance of the diocesan synod;
The Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia Schedule
The Government of the Church Part II
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(iii) If the standing committee in either case should not so
advise the President he shall refer the question raised by
the said opinion to the appellate tribunal for its
determination and unless the appellate tribunal determines
the question in the negative the canon shall be deemed not
to have come into force in the said diocese in the first
case or to have force or effect in the said diocese after the
date of the said declaration in the second case until the
diocesan synod by ordinance adopts the said canon.
(d) Any canon adopted as aforesaid by a diocesan synod may by
ordinance be excluded at a subsequent date.
31. If any question shall be raised as to the inconsistency of any canon
rule resolution or statement of general synod with the Fundamental
Declarations or the Ruling Principles the Primate may and at the
written request of twenty-five members of the general synod shall
refer the question to the appellate tribunal hereinafter constituted
whose opinion thereon shall be final.
32. (1) Synod shall not make any canon or rule imposing any financial
liability on any diocese except in accordance with this section.
(2) Synod may by canon or rule provide for the costs charges and
expenses in or in connection with—
(a) The carrying into effect of this Constitution;
(b) The holding of synod and the conduct of its business;
(c) The meetings of the standing committee and of any other
committee, board or commission appointed by synod;
(d) The sittings of the appellate tribunal to hear and determine any
appeal question or matter made or referred to it and the sittings
of the special tribunal to hear and determine any charge
brought before it;
(e) The maintenance of the registry of the Primate, and primatial
travelling expenses.
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(f) The election or appointment of the corporate trustees and the
administration of the affairs of the body corporate.
Provided that synod may make any canon or rule imposing a
financial liability on any diocese which by ordinance assents to the
same including the costs charges and expenses in or in connection
with the conduct of the affairs of any board institution or body set
up by the synod and provided also that any financial liability
accepted by a diocese under any determination rule or regulation
continued in operation under Section 71 hereof shall remain unless
or until it is replaced by or under the provisions of this Constitution.
33. (1) General synod may make rules prescribing anything necessary or
convenient for carrying out and giving effect to any canon or for
controlling and regulating the administration of its affairs, and in
particular may make rules prescribing—
(a) The procedure for any election or appointment to be made by
or under the authority of synod to any office;
(b) The authorities powers rights and duties of any officer
committee board or commission of synod.
A rule shall be made by resolution after notice has been duly given
in accordance with the standing orders.
(2) General synod may regulate the conduct of its business under
standing orders or otherwise as it may deem proper.
Chapter VI Committees Boards and
Commissions
34. There shall be a standing committee of general synod which shall
consist of so many members not less than ten as may be prescribed
by any rule of synod.
The members of the committee shall be elected or appointed and
shall hold office as may be prescribed by any rule of the synod.
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The seal books and records of general synod shall be in the care and
control of the standing committee.
35. General synod shall appoint such boards of assessors as may be
required for the purposes of this Constitution and may appoint any
committee board or commission that it may deem proper for
carrying out or giving effect to any canon rule or resolution of
synod, and the following provisions of this section shall apply to a
board of assessors as well as to any such committee board or
commission.
Unless otherwise provided by any canon or rule of synod—
(a) The committee board or commission may include or consist of
persons who are not members of synod;
(b) The members of the committee board or commission shall be
elected or appointed and shall hold office as may be
determined by resolution of synod but shall not, unless the
resolution so provide, cease to be members of the committee
board or commission by reason only of ceasing to be members
of synod;
(c) The committee board or commission shall have such powers
and duties as may be conferred or imposed by resolution of
synod.
(d) The committee board or commission may, if synod by
resolution so directs, continue to exist and to exercise and
perform its powers and duties, until the expiration of the first
week of the next following ordinary session of synod.
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Chapter VII The Provinces and Provincial Synods
Provinces
36. A province of the Church of England in the Dioceses of Australia
and Tasmania shall subject to this Constitution continue as at the
date on which this Constitution takes effect, until altered in
accordance therewith.
37. A new province may be formed by any four or more dioceses
associating for that purpose, provided that the formation of the
province is approved by ordinance of the diocesan synod of each of
such dioceses, and ratified by canon of general synod. Nevertheless
general synod may upon a petition preferred to it by less than four
dioceses declare that such petitioning dioceses may proceed under
this section and the same shall then apply to them accordingly.
38. A province may be altered in accordance with the constitution of the
province either by an increase or by a decrease in the number of
dioceses forming the province, provided that the alteration shall not
take effect until ratified by canon of general synod.
Provincial Synods
39. The constitution of each province of the Church of England in the
Dioceses of Australia and Tasmania shall subject to this
Constitution continue as at the date on which this Constitution takes
effect, until altered in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution.
40. The constitution of a new province may provide either for a
provincial synod or for a provincial council, and in either case may
contain such provisions as the diocesan synod of each of the
dioceses to be included in the province may think fit, provided that
the constitution shall not take effect until ratified by canon of the
general synod.
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41. The constitution of a province may be altered in accordance
therewith, or with the consent of all the dioceses of the province
given by ordinance of the synod of each diocese, provided that the
alteration shall not take effect until ratified by canon of general
synod.
This section extends to altering the constitution of a province by
substituting a provincial council for a provincial synod, or by
substituting a provincial synod for a provincial council.
42. A provincial synod or a provincial council shall have such powers
for the order and good government of this church, within the
province as may be prescribed by the constitution of the province.
Chapter VIII The Dioceses and Diocesan Synods
Dioceses
43. A diocese of the Church of England in Australia and Tasmania shall
subject to this constitution continue as at the date on which this
Constitution takes effect, until altered in accordance therewith.
44. (1) A new diocese may be formed in any of the following ways, that is
to say—
(a) by separation of territory from a diocese;
(b) by the union of two or more dioceses or parts of dioceses;
(c) out of territory in Australia which is not part of any diocese,
and either out of such territory alone or out of such territory
together with any diocese or part of a diocese;
(d) as a missionary diocese, whether within or outside Australia.
(2) Where a new diocese is formed by separation of territory from a
diocese or by the union of two or more dioceses or parts of dioceses,
the proposal to form the new diocese may be initiated by the diocese
or dioceses concerned or by the province, if any, in which the
diocese or dioceses are included but the new diocese shall not be
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formed unless such diocese or dioceses and province, if any, agree
by ordinance of their respective synods that the new diocese shall be
formed, and general synod by canon ratify the formation of the new
diocese.
(3) In any other case the proposal to form a new diocese may be
initiated in general synod, but where any diocese or part of a diocese
is to be included, the new diocese shall not be formed unless the
synod of the diocese and the synod of the province in which the
diocese is included concur by ordinance and the new diocese shall
be deemed to be formed as general synod may by canon determine.
(4) Upon the formation of a new diocese any church trust property
allocated to the new diocese by ordinance of the synod of any
diocese concerned, and any church trust property allocated to the
new diocese by canon of general synod in any case where a diocese
is not concerned, shall by virtue of the ordinance or canon, as the
case may be, and without any other assurance in the law, be held by
and be vested in the trustees then or thereafter appointed for the
purpose and upon and subject to the trusts affecting the same, but
for the use benefit and purposes of this Church within the new
diocese.
45. (1) A diocese may by ordinance surrender the whole or any part of its
territory to any other diocese, and that other diocese may by
ordinance accept the territory so surrendered. Provided however a
diocese which has been formed by the separation of territory from a
diocese or dioceses shall not surrender such territory to any diocese
other than the diocese from which the territory was last separated
without the consent of such last-mentioned diocese given by an
ordinance of the synod thereof.
The surrender and acceptance may be made upon such terms and
conditions, including the allocation of church trust property as may
be agreed upon by ordinance made by the dioceses concerned.
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(2) A diocese may by ordinance alter its boundaries so as to include
territory which is not part of any diocese or so as to exclude territory
otherwise than by surrender to another diocese.
(3) Any surrender or alteration under this section shall not take effect
until ratified by or under canon of general synod.
46. General synod may by canon admit to the synod any diocese the
territory of which is partly or wholly outside Australia and may
upon such admission impose such terms and conditions, including
the extent of representation in the house of clergy and in the house
of laity, as the synod thinks fit.
Diocesan Synods
47. The constitution of each diocese of the Church of England in
Australia and Tasmania shall subject to this Constitution continue as
at the date on which this Constitution takes effect, until altered in
accordance therewith.
48. The constitution of a new diocese shall provide for the election or
appointment of the first bishop of the diocese and shall contain such
other provisions as may be deemed necessary or convenient,
whether set forth expressly or adopted by reference to the provisions
set forth in a canon of general synod, or adopted by reference to the
provisions of the constitution of any other diocese, and whether so
adopted with or without modifications and additions.
The constitution of the new diocese shall not take effect until
ratified by or under canon of general synod.
49. In a missionary diocese or in a diocese in which less than ten priests
are licensed if there be no diocesan synod and until general synod
by or under any canon otherwise prescribes there shall be a diocesan
council with such constitution as general synod thinks fit.
If in any diocese in which there is no provision for a synod the
office of the bishop become vacant, the office shall be filled as
prescribed by canon of general synod, or if there is no such canon,
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then in accordance with the provisions under which the last election
or appointment was made.
If in any diocese there is no synod or diocesan council the general
synod may by canon appoint a synod or council.
50. The constitution of a diocese may be altered in accordance therewith
or as the synod of the diocese may by ordinance determine in
accordance with any canon of general synod.
51. Subject to this Constitution a diocesan synod may make ordinance
for the order and good government of this church within the diocese,
in accordance with the powers in that behalf conferred upon it by
the constitution of such diocese.
Consent of Diocese to Alteration
52. (1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this
constitution or anything done thereunder general synod shall not
without the assent by ordinance of the diocese concerned alter or
permit the alteration of—
(a) The constitution or boundaries of a diocese or any of the
powers rights or duties of the synod of a diocese or of any
diocesan society council board agency or authority, including
the powers rights and duties relating to church trust property
and the rights of a diocese with regard to the election of its
bishop;
(b) The qualifications or mode of election of the representatives of
a diocese in general synod;
(c) The status of any diocese as a metropolitan see or the title to or
tenure of office of any metropolitan.
(2) Except with its own assent by ordinance no metropolitan see shall
cease to be a metropolitan see or to have associated with it three
dioceses.
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Chapter IX The Tribunals
53. There shall be a diocesan tribunal of each diocese, the special
tribunal and the appellate tribunal, and there may be a provincial
tribunal of any province.
54. (1) A diocesan tribunal shall be the court of the bishop and shall consist
of a president, who shall be the bishop, or a deputy president
appointed by him and not less than two other members as may be
prescribed by ordinance of the synod of the diocese.
The members other than the president and deputy president shall be
elected in such manner, hold office for such period, have such
qualifications and be subject to such disqualifications, and vacancies
shall occur and be filled in such manner, as may be prescribed by
ordinance of the synod of the diocese.
In any province the provincial synod if so requested by the synod of
a diocese may by ordinance of the provincial synod prescribe any
matter directed or permitted by this section to be prescribed by
ordinance of the synod of the diocese, provided that the synod of the
diocese may at any time otherwise prescribe.
(2) A diocesan tribunal shall in respect of a person licensed by the
bishop of the diocese, or any other person in holy orders resident in
the diocese, have jurisdiction to hear and determine charges of
breaches of faith ritual ceremonial or discipline and of such offences
as may be specified by any canon ordinance or rule.
(3) A person appointed by the bishop of a diocese or any five adult
communicant members of this Church resident within the diocese
may promote a charge against any person licensed by the bishop of
the diocese or against any other person in holy orders resident in the
diocese in respect of breach of faith ritual or ceremonial either
before the diocesan tribunal or before the provincial tribunal in its
original jurisdiction. Provided that if a charge be preferred against
an incumbent of a parish with reference to an offence alleged to
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have been committed within that parish the aforesaid communicants
shall be bona fide parishioners of that parish.
Provided further that before any charge relating to faith ritual or
ceremonial be heard by the tribunal it shall be referred to a board of
enquiry appointed by ordinance of the diocesan synod and may
proceed to a hearing if the said board allows it as a charge proper to
be heard.
(4) In matters involving any question of faith ritual ceremonial or
discipline an appeal shall lie from the determination of a diocesan
tribunal to the appellate tribunal, provided that in any province in
which there is a provincial tribunal and an appeal thereto is
permitted by ordinance of the diocesan synod, an appeal may lie in
the first instance to the provincial tribunal, and provided that in any
such case an appeal shall lie from the determination of the
provincial tribunal to the appellate tribunal.
In other matters an appeal shall lie in such cases as may be
permitted by ordinance of the diocesan synod from a determination
of the diocesan tribunal to the provincial tribunal, if any, or to the
appellate tribunal, and from a determination of the provincial
tribunal to the appellate tribunal.
55. (1) A provincial tribunal shall consist of a president who shall be the
Metropolitan, or a deputy president appointed by him, and not less
than two other members as may be prescribed by ordinance of the
synod of the province.
The members other than the president or deputy president shall be
elected in such manner, hold office for such period, have such
qualifications and be subject to such disqualifications and vacancies
shall occur and be filled in such manner, as may be prescribed by
ordinance of the synod of the province.
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(2) A provincial tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine
appeals from any determination of any diocesan tribunal of the
province in any case in which an appeal lies therefrom to the
provincial tribunal.
Every appeal to a provincial tribunal shall be by way of rehearing.
(3) A provincial tribunal shall, in respect of a person licensed by the
bishop of a diocese within the province, have original jurisdiction to
hear and determine charges of breaches of faith ritual ceremonial or
discipline, and of such offences as may be specified by any canon
ordinance or rule, provided that such original jurisdiction shall not
be exercised except as prescribed by ordinance of the synod of the
diocese.
(4) An appeal shall lie to the appellate tribunal from a determination of
a provincial tribunal in its original jurisdiction.
56. (1) The special tribunal shall consist of a president and not less than two
diocesan bishops as hereinafter appointed.
The Primate shall be the president, or if he is not entitled to act, the
Metropolitan or bishop who would exercise the authorities powers
rights and duties of the Primate, if the office were then vacant, shall
be the president.
No person by or against whom the charge is brought shall be a
member of the tribunal.
(2) The special tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine
charges against any member of the house of bishops of breaches of
faith ritual ceremonial or discipline and of such offences as may be
specified by canon.
(3) Before determining any charge the tribunal shall consult a board of
assessors, being bishops, priests and laymen, as hereinafter
appointed.
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The members of the special tribunal (other than the President) and
the members of the board of assessors shall be appointed in such
manner hold office for such period and be subject to such
disqualifications and vacancies shall occur and be filled in such
manner as may be prescribed by or under canon of general synod.
(4) An appeal shall lie from the determination of the special tribunal to
the appellate tribunal.
57. (1) The appellate tribunal shall consist of seven members three of
whom shall be diocesan bishops and four of whom shall be laymen.
The members shall be appointed by the general synod as follows,
that is to say, a bishop and a layman on the nomination of the house
of bishops, a bishop and a layman on the nomination of the house of
clergy and a bishop and two laymen on the nomination of the house
of laity.
A president and deputy president shall as often as may be necessary
be chosen from among the lay members of the tribunal by the house
of bishops, or, if general synod be not in session, by a meeting of the
members of the house of bishops.
A layman shall not be a member unless he is qualified to be a lay
representative of a diocese and is or has been a Justice of the High
Court of Australia, a Justice of the Supreme Court of a State, or a
practising barrister or solicitor, of at least ten years’ standing of the
Supreme Court of a State.
(2) The members of the tribunal shall be nominated and appointed in
such manner, hold office for such period and be subject to such
disqualifications, and vacancies shall occur and be filled in such
manner, as may be prescribed by or under canon of general synod.
No party to an appeal shall be a member of the tribunal for any
purpose of the appeal and his place shall be filled for the purpose of
the appeal by the other members co-opting a person qualified for the
office.
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The appellate tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine
appeals from any determination of the special tribunal and from any
determination of any diocesan or provincial tribunal in any case in
which an appeal lies therefrom to the appellate tribunal.
Every appeal to the appellate tribunal shall be by way of re-hearing.
Any person charged before a diocesan tribunal and aggrieved by any
sentence recommended by it who has no right of appeal under this
constitution or under an ordinance of the diocesan synod may
petition the Metropolitan of the province or, if the diocese be not
part of a province, the Primate that his case be reviewed and the
Metropolitan or Primate as the case may be may refer the same to
the appellate tribunal for review and any case so referred shall be
heard and determined as an appeal provided however that no such
petition may be presented in respect of an order for costs only.
(3) Unless otherwise prescribed by canon of general synod, the
appellate tribunal may hear and determine any appeal question or
matter made or referred to it although all the members thereof be not
present at such hearing or determination, provided that there be
present at least two bishops and three laymen. And provided further
than if during the hearing of any appeal a member attending the
tribunal should die or become unable to continue with the hearing
the appeal may proceed so long as the President two bishops and
one other lay member or the Deputy President two bishops and one
other lay member be present provided further that if the number of
those present on any appeal should be evenly divided on any
question of evidence or procedure the President (or in his absence
the Deputy President) shall have a casting as well as a deliberative
vote.
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58. (1) Before determining any appeal or giving an opinion on any
reference the appellate tribunal shall in any matter involving
doctrine upon which the members are not unanimous upon the point
of doctrine and may, if it thinks fit, in any other matter, obtain the
opinion of the house of bishops, and a board of assessors consisting
of priests appointed by or under canon of general synod.
(2) In any case where the house of bishops is consulted under this
section, the house of bishops shall aid the tribunal with such
information in writing as it thinks proper, provided that if all
members of the house of bishops do not concur each of the members
at the time in Australia may aid the tribunal with such information
in writing as he thinks proper. For the purposes of this subsection
the house of bishops shall not include the bishops who are members
of the appellate tribunal.
59. (1) In all appeals and references to the appellate tribunal in any matter
involving any question of faith ritual ceremonial or discipline the
concurrence of at least two bishops and two laymen and in any other
matter the concurrence of at least four members, shall be necessary
for the determination of an appeal or the giving of an opinion upon a
reference.
(2) General synod may by canon prescribe any matter incidental to the
exercise of any jurisdiction vested by this constitution in the special
tribunal or in the appellate tribunal including the power to award
costs.
(3) Unless otherwise prescribed by or under any canon of general
synod, the procedure with respect to hearings and determinations of
the special tribunal, and with respect to appeals or references to the
appellate tribunal shall be regulated in such manner as the tribunal
thinks fit.
(4) The person who brings a charge before a diocesan or provincial
tribunal or before the special tribunal if dissatisfied with its
determination or recommendation and the person so charged if
dissatisfied with the recommendation or sentence pronounced upon
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such recommendation may within twenty-eight days or within such
further time as the President of the appellate tribunal may in writing
allow after the making of the determination recommendation or the
pronouncing of the sentence as the case may be, institute an appeal
to the appellate tribunal by lodging a notice of appeal in the registry
of the Primate and in the registry of the bishop of the diocese or
metropolitan concerned and in the case of any sentence of
deprivation of or suspension from office the bishop or metropolitan
who has pronounced such sentence may thereupon if he sees fit
intermit the operation of such sentence.
60. (1) A tribunal shall make such recommendation as it thinks just in the
circumstances, but shall not recommend any sentence other than one
or more of the following, that is to say, monition, suspension from
office, expulsion from office, deprivation of rights and emoluments
appertaining to office, deposition from holy orders.
Except as otherwise provided herein such recommendation shall be
made to the bishop of the diocese concerned.
The recommendation of the special tribunal, or of the appellate
tribunal on an appeal from the special tribunal, shall be made to the
Primate, provided that if the Primate be a party to the appeal, the
recommendation shall be made to the Metropolitan or bishop who
would exercise the authorities powers rights and duties of the
Primate, if the office were then vacant.
(2) The person to whom the recommendation is made shall give effect
thereto, provided that if any sentence is recommended, he may
consult with the tribunal and in the exercise of his prerogative of
mercy (a) mitigate the sentence or (b) suspend its operation or (c)
mitigate the sentence and suspend its operation. In each case he
shall pronounce the sentence recommended even though he mitigate
or suspend it. Provided that if the operation of a sentence or
mitigated sentence has been suspended and remains suspended for a
period of two years such sentence shall thereafter have no operation.
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(3) If in any case the appellate tribunal is precluded from determining
the appeal, either because the members present at the hearing are
equally divided or because there is no such concurrence as is
required by this Constitution, the provisions of this subsection shall
have effect, that is to say:
(a) Where any recommendation adverse to the person charged
made by a diocesan or a provincial tribunal or by the special
tribunal, or
(b) Where any sentence pronounced against him would but for this
subsection continue in force, the person to whom the
recommendation was made or who pronounced the sentence
shall in consultation with the appellate tribunal review the
recommendation or sentence, and after such review may give
effect or abstain from giving effect to the recommendation, or
may confirm, mitigate or annul the sentence and may give or
abstain from giving directions for restoration of office rights
and emoluments as he shall think proper and for such
compensation where compensation is available as in the
circumstances he may deem to be fair and reasonable.
(4) The provisions of this Constitution with respect to an appeal from
the determination of a tribunal shall extend to and authorise an
appeal from a recommendation or sentence but shall not extend to a
ruling of a tribunal of an interlocutory nature.
61. Where a charge is pending before a tribunal against any person
licensed by the bishop of a diocese, the bishop with the concurrence
of the diocesan council may suspend such person from the duties of
his office until the determination of the charge, and may make such
arrangements for the performance of the duties of the office as may
be authorised by any canon ordinance or rule or in the absence of
such canon ordinance or rule as the bishop may deem proper.
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62. For the purpose of securing the attendance of witnesses and the
production of documents and for the examination of witnesses on
oath or otherwise a tribunal shall be deemed to be an arbitrator
within the meaning of any law in force in the State or territory in
which the tribunal sits and shall have power to administer an oath or
to take an affirmation from any witness and for the same purpose
any party to a proceeding before a tribunal or any person permitted
by a tribunal to submit evidence to it shall be deemed to be a party
to a reference or submission to arbitration within the meaning of any
such law.
63. (1) Wherever a question arises under this Constitution and in the
manner provided and subject to the conditions imposed by this
Constitution the question is referred for determination or for an
opinion to the appellate tribunal the tribunal shall have jurisdiction
to hear and determine the same or to give its opinion as the case
may require provided that if provision is not otherwise made under
this Constitution for the reference of such question to the tribunal
the Primate may and shall at the request of general synod by
resolution or at the written request of twenty-five members thereof
or at the request by resolution of the provincial or diocesan synod
affected refer the question to the tribunal which shall have
jurisdiction as aforesaid.
(2) The tribunal may direct that any synod person or class of persons or
association claiming to be interested in the question shall be notified
of the hearing and be entitled to appear or be represented thereat.
Chapter X The Corporate Trustees
64. (1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the “Anglican
Church of Australia Trust Corporation,” and in this section referred
to as the corporate trustees.
The body corporate shall be deemed to be constituted as soon as this
constitution takes effect.
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(2) The corporate trustees shall have perpetual succession and a
common seal, and may sue and be sued in and by their corporate
name, and may acquire and hold any real and personal property or
any estate or interest therein.
(3) The corporate trustees shall consist of seven or such less number of
persons as may be prescribed by canon of the general synod, and
such persons shall be elected or appointed and hold office, and may
be removed therefrom, as may be prescribed by canon of the general
synod.
(4) The corporate trustees may be appointed to be the trustees of any
church trust property, whether the appointment is made by a person
giving or settling property by will or otherwise or by a person
entitled under the trust instrument, if any, or by law to appoint a
trustee, provided that where the property is under the control of the
synod of a diocese or is held exclusively for the benefit of or in
connection with a diocese or any part thereof the appointment shall
not be made unless the consent of the synod of the diocese is first
obtained, and provided that where the property is not under such
control or is not so held but is under the control of any society
council board agency or authority, whether a body corporate or
otherwise, the appointment shall not be made unless the consent of
the society council board agency or authority is first obtained.
(5) Nothing contained in this section or done thereunder shall remove
any church trust property from the control of any diocesan synod or
from the control of any such society council board agency or
authority.
Chapter XI The Alteration of this Constitution
65. This Constitution shall not be altered except in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
66. This Church takes no power under this Constitution to alter sections
one, two and three and this section other than the name of this
Church.
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67. Subject to the provisions hereinafter mentioned other sections of this
constitution may be altered subject to the following conditions:
(a) The bill shall be submitted for its first reading by leave of
general synod, the three houses thereof voting together.
(b) A bill altering the provisions of this Constitution mentioned at
the foot of this clause shall not come into effect unless it has
been assented to on its second and third readings by an
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each
house and by a majority of all dioceses of which two at least
shall be metropolitan dioceses; the assent of a diocese shall be
deemed to be given if a majority of its lay representatives and a
majority of its clerical representatives and the bishop thereof
have voted in favour of the bill.
Sections 11-14, inclusive; 18-25 inclusive; 27; 31-35 inclusive; 64
(1) (2) and (3); 67 (a) 68-70 inclusive; 75.
(c) A bill altering the name of this Church or the provisions of this
Constitution mentioned at the foot of this clause if passed at its
second and third readings shall not come into effect unless and
until every diocesan synod of this Church has assented to it by
ordinance and such assents be in force at the same time.
Sections 64 (4) (5); 67 (c).
(d) A bill altering the provisions of this Constitution mentioned at
the foot of this clause if passed at its second and third readings
shall not come into effect unless and until at least three-
quarters of the diocesan synods of this Church including all the
metropolitan sees have assented to it by ordinance and all such
assents be in force at the same time.
Sections 4-10 inclusive, 15-17 inclusive; 26; 28-30 inclusive; 36-63
inclusive; 65; 67 (b) and (d); 71-74 inclusive: the Table annexed to
the Constitution.
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Part II The Government of the Church
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Chapter XII The Operation of this Constitution
68. (1) This Constitution shall take effect on and from a day to be appointed
in accordance with this section.
The day shall not be appointed until the Parliaments of five States
have passed Acts for giving effect to this Constitution.
The day shall be appointed by a deed signed by the diocesan bishops
of not less than eighteen dioceses of the Church of England in
Australia and Tasmania declaring that their respective dioceses have
assented to this Constitution.
The bishops signing the deed shall include at least two
Metropolitans.
(2) The day appointed shall be notified in the Commonwealth Gazette
by one or more of the Metropolitans by whom the deed appointing
the day is signed and shall also be notified in the Government
Gazette of each State concerned by any one or more of the diocesan
bishops by whom the deed appointing the day is signed.
A copy of the Commonwealth Gazette containing a notification of
the appointed day which purports to be signed by one or more of the
Metropolitans shall be conclusive evidence that the day has been
duly appointed in accordance with this section.
(3) The diocesan bishops signing the deed or such of them as shall still
be in office shall be a commission for convening the first session of
general synod, and notwithstanding any other provision of this
Constitution the commission may do or cause to be done anything
necessary or convenient for the convening and holding of the
session.
The commission shall appoint the place for the session and the time
which shall be not later than twelve months after the day on which
this Constitution takes effect, and shall at least three months before
the time for the session in such manner as the commission deems
proper summon the diocesan bishops of the dioceses to which this
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Constitution applies, and require them to convene the prescribed
number of clerical and lay representatives of their respective
dioceses at the appointed time and place.
69. (1) Subject to all necessary Parliamentary enactments this Constitution
shall apply to every diocese of the Church of England in Australia
and Tasmania which assents to the Constitution, whether before or
after this Constitution takes effect, and to every diocese formed or
admitted to general synod under this Constitution. The assent of a
diocese shall be given by an ordinance of its synod or if there be no
synod or diocesan council by a certificate of its bishop.
(2) Where all the dioceses of any province so assent to this
Constitution, it shall apply to the province as well as to each
diocese.
If four or more dioceses of a province assent such dioceses shall
constitute a province under this Constitution.
(3) If any diocese in Australia does not assent to this Constitution such
diocese shall not by reason only of that fact cease to be in fellowship
or communion with this Church or with the Church of England in
the Dioceses of Australia and Tasmania, but may have association
with this Church on such terms and conditions as may be agreed
upon by ordinance of the diocesan synod of the diocese and by
canon of general synod.
70. This Constitution and all canons and rules passed and made
hereunder shall be binding on the bishops clergy and laity as
members of this Church and for all purposes connected with or in
any way relating to church trust property.
71. (1) Every consensual compact and every enactment in force in the
Church of England in the Dioceses of Australia and Tasmania, or in
any province or diocese which has become or becomes a province or
diocese to which this Constitution applies shall insofar as they are
not inconsistent with this Constitution, continue in force in this
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Church or in the province or diocese, until altered under this
Constitution or under the constitution of the province or diocese.
This subsection extends to any determination rule or regulation
made by the synod known as the general synod of the Church of
England in the Dioceses of Australia and Tasmania, any constitution
act canon or ordinance made by the provincial synods of New South
Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia respectively,
and any constitution act canon ordinance rule or regulation made by
the diocesan synod of any diocese in Australia.
Nothing in this Constitution shall authorise the synod of a diocese or
of a province to make any alteration in the ritual or ceremonial of
this Church except in conformity with an alteration made by general
synod.
(2) The law of the Church of England including the law relating to faith
ritual ceremonial or discipline applicable to and in force in the
several dioceses of the Church of England in Australia and
Tasmania at the date upon which this Constitution takes effect shall
apply to and be in force in such dioceses of this Church unless and
until the same be varied or dealt with in accordance with this
Constitution.
72. Where any question arises as to the faith ritual ceremonial or
discipline of this Church or as to the authorities powers rights and
duties of bishops priests and deacons of this Church, or of any
officer or member thereof, nothing in this Constitution shall prevent
reference being made to the history of the Church of England in
England to the same extent as such reference might have been made
for the purposes of the Church of England in the Dioceses of
Australia and Tasmania immediately before the day on which this
Constitution takes effect.
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73. (1) In determining any question as to the faith ritual ceremonial or
discipline of this Church any tribunal may take into consideration
but shall not be bound to follow its previous decisions on any such
question or any decision of any judicial authority in England on any
questions of the faith ritual ceremonial or discipline of the Church of
England in England.
(2) A determination of any tribunal which is inconsistent or at variance
with any decision of such a judicial authority in England shall have
permissive effect only and shall not be obligatory or coercive.
(3) A determination of a provincial tribunal shall be binding upon a
diocesan tribunal in the province and a determination of the
appellate tribunal shall be binding upon the special tribunal the
provincial tribunal and the diocesan tribunal provided however that
the synod of a diocese may by ordinance direct that a diocesan
tribunal shall not follow or observe a particular determination of the
appellate or provincial tribunal which has permissive effect only.
74. (1) In the constitution unless the context or subject matter otherwise
indicates—
Alteration includes repeal, and alter and altered have a meaning
corresponding with that of alteration.
Australia includes the Commonwealth of Australia and any
Territory under the control of the Commonwealth of Australia
whether by trusteeship or otherwise.
Canonical fitness means the qualifications required in the Church of
England in England for the office of a bishop, at the date when this
Constitution takes effect.
Canonical Scriptures means the canonical books as defined by the
sixth of the Thirty-nine Articles.
Ceremonial includes ceremonial according to the use of this
Church, and also the obligation to abide by such use.
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Church trust property means property held in trust for or on behalf
of or for the use of this Church and includes property held for the
benefit of or in connection with any diocese or parish or otherwise.
Diocesan bishop means the bishop of a diocese.
Diocesan council in a diocese where there is a synod means the
body exercising powers and functions of the synod on its behalf
when it is not in session.
Diocesan synod and synod of a diocese include diocesan council
where there is no diocesan synod.
Diocese means a diocese of this Church.
Discipline includes the rules of this Church and the rules of good
conduct.
Doctrine means the teaching of this Church on any question of faith.
Faith includes the obligation to hold the faith.
General synod or synod means the general synod under this
Constitution.
Licence means a licence under seal of the bishop of a diocese, and
licensed has a meaning corresponding with that of licence.
Member of this Church means a baptised person who attends the
public worship of this Church and who declares that he is a member
of this Church and not a member of any other church.
Metropolitan includes the bishop exercising the authorities powers
and rights and duties of the Metropolitan.
Missionary Diocese means each of the following: the Diocese of
New Guinea, the Diocese of North-West Australia, the Diocese of
Carpentaria, and any other diocese formed as a missionary diocese
under this Constitution.
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Ordinance includes any act canon constitution statute legislative
measure or provision of a provincial or diocesan synod or of the
competent authority in or with respect to a missionary diocese.
Parish includes any parochial district or similar pastoral division
constituted by or under ordinance of the synod of a diocese.
Parishioner means a member of this Church who is entitled to vote
at a meeting of a parish for the election of churchwardens, or who if
no such meeting is provided for is at least twenty-one years of age.
Primate includes the Metropolitan or bishop exercising the
authorities powers rights and duties of the Primate.
Printing shall include typing, duplicating or any other method of
producing facsimile copies.
Provincial Synod includes a provincial council.
Ritual includes rites according to the use of this Church, and also
the obligation to abide by such use.
See means a see of this Church.
State means a State of the Commonwealth of Australia.
This Church means the Anglican Church of Australia.
This Constitution or the Constitution means the Constitution of this
Church.
Voting by Houses means the procedure whereby three distinct votes
are taken, that is to say, a vote of the house of laity, a vote of the
house of clergy, and a vote of the house of bishops.
(2) In this Constitution “the Book of Common Prayer” means the Book
of Common Prayer as received by the Church of England in the
Dioceses of Australia and Tasmania before and in the year of our
Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifty-five, that is to say, the
book intituled “The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of
the Sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Church
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according to the use of the Church of England together with the
Psalter or Psalms of David pointed as they are to be sung or said in
churches and the form or manner of making ordaining and
consecrating of bishops, priests and deacons,” and generally known
as the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
(3) In this Constitution “the doctrine and principles of the Church of
England embodied in the Book of Common Prayer” and the
“articles of religion” sometimes called the “Thirty-nine Articles”
means the body of such doctrine and principles.
(4) In this Constitution, unless the context or subject matter otherwise
indicates, any reference to faith shall extend to doctrine.
(5) In this Constitution “decision of any judicial authority” shall include
any judgment order decree sentence or order in council and the
reasons report or recommendation therefor, and “judicial authority”
shall include any court judge tribunal body or person having either
secular or ecclesiastical jurisdiction whether before or after the date
on which this Constitution takes effect, and without affecting the
generality of any other provision of this Constitution it is hereby
declared that “judicial authority” shall include the Court which was
commonly called the High Court of Delegates, the King’s Majesty
in Council to which the powers of that Court were transferred, and
the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
(6) In the case of lay but not clerical persons words in this Constitution
importing the masculine shall include the feminine.
(7) This Constitution shall, unless the context or subject matter
otherwise indicate, be construed as if the Acts Interpretation Act
1901-1948 of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia
applied to this Constitution.
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75. This Constitution is divided into the following parts and chapters—
Part I
Chapter I—Fundamental Declarations (Sections 1-3).
Chapter II—Ruling Principles (Sections 4-6).
Part II—The Government of the Church
Chapter III—Of the Bishops (Sections 7-14).
Chapter IV—Of the General Synod (Sections 15-25).
Chapter V—Of the Powers of General Synod (Sections 26-33).
Chapter VI—Committees, Board and Commissions (Sections 34-
35).
Chapter VII—The Provinces and Provincial Synods (Sections 36-
42).
Chapter VIII—The Dioceses and Diocesan Synods (Sections 43-
52).
Chapter IX—The Tribunals (Sections 53-63).
Chapter X—The Corporate Trustees (section 64).
Chapter XI—The Alteration of this Constitution (Sections 65-67).
Chapter XII—The Operation of this Constitution (Sections 68-75).
The Table Annexed to the Constitution
Clerical and Lay Representatives in General Synod
1. The number of clerical and lay representatives respectively of
each diocese shall be in proportion to the number of clergymen of
the diocese and shall be determined by dividing that number by a
quota, namely twenty, and if on the division there is a remainder of
ten or more the diocese shall be entitled to one more clerical and one
more lay representative.
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Part II The Government of the Church
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2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this table each diocese
shall be entitled to at least one clerical and one lay representative.
3. In this table clergymen means persons licensed by the bishop of
the diocese to the cure of souls in a parish or in charge of a parochial
district or similar pastoral division, or assistant curate licensed in a
parish, such persons being in priests’ orders and resident in the
diocese concerned.
This definition shall extend to a bishop, dean, archbishop, canon,
principal, vice-principal and tutors in priests’ orders of a university
or theological college headmaster of a school or chaplain or other
clergyman in priests’ orders licensed to other distinct official
position in the diocese so resident and holding the licence of the
bishop of the diocese, provided that in the case of a chaplain of a
school college hospital or other institution the chaplaincy involves
regular spiritual ministrations to persons therein resident or students
attendant thereat.
Endnotes
About the endnotes 1
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished
law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The
details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced
expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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3 Legislation history
This Act was originally a NSW Act—the Church of England in Australia
Constitution Act 1961 A1961-16 (NSW).
The Church of England in Australia Constitution Act 1961 (NSW), sections 2, 3,
8 and 9 were applied, in a modified form, as an ACT law by the Church of
England Trust Property Ordinance 1928 (now the Anglican Church of Australia
Trust Property Act 1928) A1928-19, section 3A (see also sch 1). (Section 3A was
inserted by the Church of England Trust Property Ordinance 1967 Ord1967-8).
The Act was renamed the Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961
A1961-16 by the Anglican Church of Australia Act 1980 A1980-42.
Under the Interpretation Act 1967 (repealed), s 65 all former NSW Acts in force
in the ACT immediately before 10 November 1999 (including this Act) became,
for all purposes, laws made by the ACT Legislative Assembly. This completed
the process of making former NSW Acts fully into ACT laws.
Before 11 May 1989, ordinances commenced on their notification day unless
otherwise stated (see Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910 (Cwlth),
s 12).
New South Wales legislation
Anglican Church of Australia Constitution Act 1961 A1961-16
assented to 27 March 1961
commenced 1 January 1962 s 12 excepted (s 12 and NSW Gaz 1962
No 125)
as amended by
Commonwealth legislation
Anglican Church of Australia Trust Property Ordinance 1928
Ord1928-18 (as am Ord1967-8 and Ord1986-84)
notified 6 September 1928
commenced 6 September 1928
Endnotes
Legislation history 3
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Church of England Trust Property Ordinance 1967 Ord1967-8
notified 17 May 1967
commenced 17 May 1967
Note This ordinance amended the Anglican Church of Australia Trust
Property Act 1928 Ord1928-18 to insert section 3A. That
section applied the Anglican Church of Australia Constitution
Act 1961 A1961-16 (NSW) in the ACT in a modified form.
Anglican Church of Australia Ordinance 1980 Ord1980-42 sch 1
notified 27 November 1980
sch 1 commenced 27 November 1980 (s 2 and Cwlth Gaz 1980 No
G6)
Commercial Arbitration Ordinance 1986 Ord1986-84 s 59
notified 22 December 1986
commenced 22 December 1986
Note This Ordinance amended the Anglican Church of Australia
Trust Property Act 1928 Ord1928-19 , s 3A.
Legislation after becoming Territory enactment
Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 12
notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)
pt 12 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and Gaz 2001 No S65)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2007 A2007-3 sch 3 pt 3.5
notified LR 22 March 2007
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 1 July 2006 (LA s 75 (2))
sch 3 pt 3.5 commenced 12 April 2007 (s 2 (1))
Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 A2017-7 sch 1 pt 1.1
notified LR 4 April 2017
s 1A, s 1B commenced 4 April 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 1 July 2017 (s 1B and CN2017-1)
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
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4 Amendment history
Name of Act
s 1AA ins A2007-3 amdt 3.23
Application of Legislation Act
s 1A ins A2001-44 amdt 1.124
Constitutions, canons and rules to be binding for Church property purposes
s 2 am Ord1928-19 s 3A, sch 1 (as am by Ord1980-42 sch 1)
Effect of canons and rules
s 3 am Ord1928-19 s 3A
Administration of customary oaths
s 8 am Ord1928-19 s 3A, sch 1 (as am by Ord1986-84 s 59)
Powers of tribunal under Constitution, ch 9
s 9 am Ord1928-19 s 3A (as am by Ord1980-42 sch 1;
Ord1986-84 s 59)
sub A2017-7 amdt 1.1
Endnotes
Earlier republications 5
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5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications
are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
Republication No Amendments to Republication date
1 A1986-84 31 August 1992
2 A2001-44 9 May 2002
3 A2001-44 29 August 2002
4 A2007-3 12 April 2007
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