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	Selections from reports to Synod 2003 (abridged)
		Diocesan Council The Diocesan Council has continued to meet every two months, and alternately between Hobart and Launceston. One Special Meeting of the Council was called to discuss the complex issue of Support and Assistance for those Abused. Support and Assistance for those Abused A special meeting of the Council was held in March at which several people with expertise attended and offered advice to members of the Council. It was obvious to members of the Diocesan Council that this was an extremely complicated and sensitive issue and at the request of the Bishop the Council agreed to make decisions rather than refer the matter to Synod. The discussion, together with information received from the General Synod Standing Committee and the Australian Bishops' Conference, led to the following resolutions being unanimously passed by the Council at its April meeting. That the Diocesan Council supports the statements of Bishop John Harrower to those who were abused by clergy and other officers of the Anglican Church in Tasmania; joins with Bishop Harrower in offering an apology to those who were victims of that abuse and endorses the continued and concerted efforts to make the Anglican church a place in which people of all ages may worship without harm. That the Diocesan Council on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, in response to its pastoral concerns, develops the support and assistance it provides to victims beyond the provision of counselling. That the Diocesan Council calls on individual Anglicans, parishes and organisations to make a financial contribution to the cost of the provision of support and assistance to those who have been abused. That the Diocesan Council establish guidelines for how support and assistance will be provided to those who have been abused. Guidelines were presented to and accepted by the members of the Council. The Pastoral Support and Assistance Scheme as proposed by Diocesan Council was distributed by Synod. Safe Ministry Diocesan Accreditation - The appointment of Eleanor O'Donnell to the position of Safe Ministry Development Officer has facilitated an effective balance of training through safe ministry seminars and the formal accreditation process. Diocesan Safe Ministry Panels are made up of a range of people, both lay and ordained, with life skills and professional qualifications which enable them to reflect with applicants on matters of Safe Ministry with Children and Young People, and particularly how our Anglican Code of Practice relates to the specific ministry of an applicant. There are sixty Clergy with ëAuthority to Officiate in the Diocese of Tasmania'. Almost all of these clergy are retired. Three are currently accredited, and one has completed paperwork and has a panel interview booked. Considerable thought is being given to the best way of dealing with this diverse group Local Accreditation Processes in Parishes and Organisations. More parishes now recognise the need to accredit their leaders, and are taking steps to put the process in place. This may explain the increased requests for Safe Ministry Seminars in parishes in recent months, and in the last half of 2002. Protective Behaviours Tas Inc has indicated that it has accepted Eleanor O'Donnell as a Protective Behaviours Trainer. It is hoped that there will be sufficient time towards the end of 2003 for regional Protective Behaviours Seminars for those who minister with children in parishes, e.g. parents, and youth workers. We see this as an opportunity to develop a positive, pro-active approach to Safe Ministry. Ministry among children and families The Children's and Family Ministry Officer, Helen Phillips oversees a range of Ministry Council and Diocesan Policies and Ordinances that have implications for Children and Families. She is a member of working groups and committees that also have responsibilities in these areas. We've seen again this year the ongoing advantages that are made possible by our strategic relationship with Scripture Union Tasmania. Helen has been appointed by the Bishop as Mission Support Officer for the Southern Rural District for 2003. Mission Afloat The Mission was launched officially on 10 August 2002. Mr Allister Martin was appointed Manager. An Advisory Board chaired by Mr Ian Edwards has worked tirelessly. It should be noted though that in these early stages this ministry is fragile. It desperately needs the strongest possible support of the parishes, especially through making use of the facilitiesand through individuals' volunteering as regular team members. The Ministry Council seeding of the staff salary has been exhausted. The vision is strong and the Kingdom possibilities are enormous. Anglican Bookroom We are fortunate to have the support and encouragement from the Parish of St George's Battery Point and the Rector, the Rev'd Bill Jolly. The Bookroom is staffed by seventeen volunteers, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Decisions on the operation of the Bookroom are made by the Anglican Bookroom Working Group, who report to the Missions Together Committee. Jean Blyth, Co-Ordinator Anglican Chaplaincy Tasmania In December, Board members travelled to the Mersey Community Hospital for their meeting, and also attended the Clinical Pastoral Education presentation of certificates there. A presentation was made to Mrs Gail Buckley, who retired after fourteen years, from the position of Chaplain to the North West Regional and North West Private Hospitals in Burnie. The Bishop appointed the Reverend Dianne Milligan to the Office of Chaplain to these Hospitals. Dianne was commissioned as Chaplain at St George's Burnie, at the beginning of February. The Bishop also appointed Mrs Margaret James to the Office of Assistant Chaplain at the Launceston General Hospital. Margaret will work with Geraldine van Ommen, extending the Chaplaincy Service there. Dr Louise Wells, Chairman Anglican Cursillo Movement Cursillo is a worldwide movement in the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches that seeks to revitalise Christian commitment particularly among the leadership and potential leaders of the Church and to provide the means of ongoing support. Since the introduction of Cursillo in 1995, the movement has grown and expanded with most parishes having someone attend a three-day Cursillo. There are now around 380 active members. The Bishop appoints Secretariat to have the ongoing responsibility for the life and direction of the movement within the Diocese. The aim is to foster its growth in all parishes throughout the Diocese, encouraging individuals to have a missionary focus to be witnesses for Christ. Carol Romoser, Diocesan Lay Director Anglican Men's Society The society continues to have three active branches and eight individual diocesan members who meet together , worshipping our Lord and working in His name. Unfortunately our membership numbers had not increased significantly, but we continue to take pleasure in assistiang our parish priests, our churches and our communities. In April, for the second successive year, approximately eighty men attended an informal Fellowship Day at Brickendon. We sang hymns with such gusto that our enthusiasm was evident all around the property. It is with regret that we record the passing of Allan Lee, a long-serving member of the St James and Moonah branches. Ron Miller, Diocesan Lay President Anglican Women's Fellowship AWF Fellowship Days have been held in St John's Launceston, St Alban's Claremont, St John's Devonport, at Sorell and St Luke's Campbell Town. I would stress here that all Anglican women are automatically members of the AWF. Fellowship is a wonderful word which embraces friendliness, companionship and, in our case the sharing of ideas and experiences which affect our Christian Journey. Gwenda Cartledge, State President Anglicare Tasmania The ministry and mission of Anglicare is dependent on the partnerships it has. The partnerships with the State and Federal Governments are important, but we also highly value the partnerships we have with parishes and other organisations in the Diocese. Among the list of services and programs offered by Anglicare one of the newest is the East Coast Counselling & Family support Service (St Helens), based in the Anglican Parish of St Helens. The Parish has previously supported the State Department of Health & Human Services' funded service with the provision of furniture for clients in need. Chris Jones, Chief Executive Officer Caritas - part of MU Tasmania Caritas is flexible, outward-looking and founded in Christ. It is a part of the MU and has adopted the MU mission statement of Sharing Christ's love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life. Caritas is at the forefront of the new way of being Mothers Union. MU Australia has adopted a Participation Model and this enables people to participate in MU Australia in various ways, with membership not made compulsory, but to be encouraged. In this approach we make ourselves available to others and do not expect full membership. Louise Lang, Australian Caritas Leader Anglican Guilds of Tasmania This year has been a successful year with monies going to different organisations. The fifty Women's Guilds support their parishes financially work hard at what they do, with many being elderly. They also knit and make packages up for missions, for example knitted clothes for the under-privileged children iin India, and health and hygiene packages for Africa. This year the major fundraising has been for Mision Afloat, with guilds raising $1780. They also contribute to New Area Ministry, Bishopscourt, chaplaincy programs and organise teddy bear picnics and luncheons. Lindy Mundy, Treasurer/Secretary Diocesan Ministry Council Mr Paul Cavanough was appointed as our Executive Officer to replace Rev Alister Palmer. Paul is employed as Diocesan Mission Enabler. As our Executive Officer he draws together all matters to do with local mission, ministry and leadership development (ordained and lay, stipendiary and honorary) across all age groups. GFS GFS in Tasmania has many points to give praise to God, with many highlights for the past year. The GFS theme for 2002 was to ëConnect Globally'. In June 2002 we gathered at St David's Cathedral to celebrate 100 years of ministry in Tasmania, and in September seven Tasmanian members joined 300 others from many countries in the World and Australian Council meeting in North Queensland. In November we gathered for an adult's weekend to share the highlights from World/Austrlaina Council and to join in prayer and fellowship. A new group, is now operating in the north west catering for young mothers and also older members. The shortage of leaders seems to be a national trend and so we seek to meet changing needs with our available resources. Julie Smith, Chairman GFS Tasmania Glenview 2002 was a year of milestones for Glenview To ensure our long-term future, Glenview completed the biggest building project in its history. The new Maynard building, named in honour of long-serving board member Max Maynard, was completed in July 2002 at a cost of $4.6million. The recently completed Barrett building, named in memory of Bishop Barrett, was completed in December 2002 at a cost of $1.6million and, combined with a smaller upgrade of some of our older stock, completes the building program on our Windsor Street site. The new buildings offer the highest standards of accommodation to our elderly residents, as evidenced by our Certification score of 96.1 out of a possible 100. Christine Dibley, Chief Executive Officer Launceston Church Grammar School In 2002 Grammar began the year without an appointed Chaplain. The Reverend Paul Grayston, a Grammar School parent, stepped into the breach and had acted as Junior School Chaplain until a School Chaplain could be appointed. At Easter I was appointed Senior School Chaplain for five hours per week. This soon became a 16 hours a week position while I finished a commitment at St John's Church. The nominal 16 hours involved football and athletics coaching, running four weekly chapel services, being friend and pastoral carer to students and staff as needed, attending Grade 10 spiritual retreats, and talking to classes. There is a great spiritual void in many students' lives and they are openly seeking spiritual answers. Please pray for the work among them. Scott Sargent, School Chaplain Missions Together Following the finalisation of Anglican Mission Tasmania, Missions Together was inaugurated in 2002. It is a co-operation between ABM-A and CMS Tasmania for the promotion of mission beyond the Diocese, and is managed by an executive committee of representatives from each mission agency and other Tasmanian Anglicans with the Diocesan Office providing administrative support. We are grateful that parishes can continue to send mission money in the same way as before, to Missions Together c/- the Diocesan Office. This will improve the cash flow to the Mission Agencies and it is intended to send it monthly rather than bi-annually as in the past. The new structure has seen a significant reduction in operating expenses, and means that all money given by parishes will go to the agencies. Greg Clifton, Chairman Mothers Union The past year has been a very rewarding and successful time for all members. Mary Sumner Day on August 9th gave us the opportunity to celebrate the founder of MU. A variety of functions were held from Children's parties with a birthday cake to services and prayer gatherings. Booties continue to be given to new Mums in Hospital with knitted toys for siblings. A variety of social functions are held from songfests, fashion parades and guest speakers. St. John's New Town celebrated 100 years dedicated service to MU. Overseas and Outreach days were held in three regions during 2002. Our membership stands at approximately 255. Lesley Duff, Diocesan President, MU Tasmania St Mark's Homes The efficient operation of the Board of St Mark's Homes Inc. is because members work together harmoniously as a team, with various subcommittees reporting to the Board as needed. Kanangra is still being assisted by many groups donating material, foods, finance etc. The Kanangra Auxiliary members are untiring and their efforts make life more pleasant and enjoyable. As our society becomes more senior the challenge to provide more care for our older members is a continuing one. To achieve great things the Lord must be our guide and helper. Charles Crowden, Chairman of the Board The Hutchins School The Hutchins School continues to thrive under the direction of the Principal, Mr Bill Toppin. A new music building is being completed, another dorm of the Boarding House has been revamped and P& F funds have helped improve the learning environment. The new chef at the Boarding House has spoken to the masses directly through the stomach! This is a caring place: we have raised money for ABM, Anglicare, the Samaritan's Purse, Amnesty International and Christmas Bowl.The role of the Chaplain continues to be exciting and diverse, ranging over preaching, teaching, visiting the sick, taking services, coaching hockey, craft and bushwalking. Fr John Goodwin, Chaplain Mission to Seafarers Tasmania The Mission to Seafarrs continues to maintain its presence on the waterfront of this diocese, welcoming the seafarers of the world in the name of Christ and being a witness of His care and concern for them. We work out of Hobart, Burnie, Devonport and Stanley. Each port has its own issues and particulars. Over 2000 ships arrivals were recorded in Tasmanian ports during the last financial year, with well over 50,000 seafarer arrivals. Some were repeat visits, some one-ofs. Our calling is to reach out to them all with the love and light of Christ. Robert Hill, Chaplain