This article explains the governance structure of the Anglican Church of Australia and how it functions at both national and diocesan levels.
The Diocese of Adelaide is one of 23 dioceses that make up the Anglican Church of Australia (ACA).The ACA operates as a loose federation of dioceses, each recognised by the ACA Constitution as the fundamental organisational unit.
All dioceses are represented in the General Synod, which usually meets every three years. General Synod can pass Canons (rules) concerning the order and good governance of the Church. These Canons only take effect in a diocese if that diocese formally adopts them. An exception applies to Canons related to ritual, ceremonial, or discipline; these become binding across all dioceses once they have been assented to by each diocesan synod.
Governance in the Church is grounded in biblical teaching and theological principles. The Church, asthe body of Christ, bases its governance on scripture, tradition and reason. The episcopal structure of the ACA and the role of bishops are affirmed in the ACA Constitution.
The Constitution is the governing document for the Diocese and contains chapters that establish the role and powers of the Synod and Diocesan Council. It explains how ‘the authority and power to providefor the life and growth, the order and good government and the management of the affairs of the Diocese’ is vested in the Bishop and the Synod. For instance, it describes how Synod representatives are elected and appointed and how Synod business is conducted.
