Members Concerns: Ottawa Synod Re: Lay Presidency

Prologue: Bishop Coffin spoke on behalf of the Diocesan Synod of Ottawa, expressing its concern about the Diocesan Synod of Sydney's (Australia) decision to endorse lay presidency (lay people celebrating the Eucharist). Archbishop Peers was requested to write to the Archbishop of Sydney supporting the Archbishop of Canterbury's concern about lay presidency. The Primate agreed to write a letter and asked for volunteers to work on a draft version to be presented later in the meeting. Bishop Coffin, Bishop Burton and Bishop Lawrence volunteered.; Later in the meeting Bishop coffin presented the draft letter to the Archbishop of Sydney which he, Bishop Lawrence and Bishop Burton had worked on.

Text of motion: That the House of Bishops requests that the Primate express to the Most. Rev. Harry Goodhew, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, the concerns of their House regarding the recent resolution of the Diocese of Sydney in reference to diaconal and lay presiding at the Holy Communion". CARRIED Res. #HB-06-10-99

Subjects: Lord's Supper - Lay celebration - Anglican Church of Australia; Anglican Church of Canada. Diocese of Ottawa; Deacons - Anglican Church of Australia