Delegation of certain episcopal authorities
Last updated 15 November 2007
Marriage
Episcopal authority is delegated to the rector of the parish or the chaplain of the institution where a proposed marriage is to be held to
- conduct a marriage ceremony outside a church or chapel and
- give consent to the marriage of a person who has been divorced
at the discretion of the rector or chaplain provided that the delegated authority is suitably recorded on each occasion.This delegated authority continues until further notice with the understanding that
- any person to whom the authority is delegated may decline to exercise that authority and request the bishop to exercise the authority and
- the bishop in exercising his responsibilities under the Ministry and Tribunal Ordinance may withdraw this delegation to any person at any time.
Parish lay ministries
The appointment of parish lay ministries, lay readers, communion assistants, etc. is delegated to rectors and chaplains. Because of our accreditation processes, the responsibilities of the Bishop under the Ministry and Tribunal Ordinance, and the numerous requests for a common certificate the process of the appointment of these persons is under revision. This does not take away the authority or responsibility of the rector or chaplain.
- The names of all persons given delegated authority should be recorded in the parish council minutes as having been given that authority by the rector.
- All people who have ministry responsibilities within the parish or institution must be accredited at either parish of diocesan level for Safe Ministry with Children and Young People.
- A certificate signed by the rector and the bishop will be issued.
Resources
On request a sample certificate can be produced in the diocesan office for a small charge. Or it may be produced in the parish and forwarded to the bishop for signing. Also included is a list of categories for which authorised ministry may be given. Any desired categories outside this list should be referred to me.
Download a Lay Minister Licence as a Microsoft Word document which can be modified to suit your parish or institution.
Confession of child abuse
Under the National Meeting of Australian Bishops in 2006 Protocol 'Private Confession: Pastoral Guidelines with special reference to child sexual abuse' ...
The granting of absolution in these cases is reserved to priests who have been specifically trained and hold a special licence from the bishop.
The authority to grant absolution in these cases is withdrawn from all priests in the Diocese of Tasmania (apart from the most exceptional circumstances, such as a confession made by a person near death). The only exception to this rule is any who hold the Bishop's Special Licence relating to Penitents in cases of Child Sexual Abuse.
Read the full ad clerum relating to this matter (PDF file)
From the bishop...
Thank you for our shared ministry and please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the registrar to clarify any of these matters.