In a report to the President of the General Synod, the Tribunal answered in the negative a series of questions as to whether specified canons of the Anglican Church of Australia authorized deacons or lay persons to preside at, administer or celebrate the Holy Communion.
The Tribunal unanimously held that none of the:
· Lay Assistants at Holy Communion Cannon 1976
· Authorized Lay Ministry Canon 1992
· Canon Concerning Services 1992
provides the requisite authority.
By a majority of 6 - 1, the Tribunal answered in the negative question whether the Ordination Service for Deacon Canon 1985 provides such authority.
For technical reasons, the Tribunal unanimously answered in the following terms a question whether any other canon of the Church provides such authority:
“No suggestion that there is any other relevant canon of the General Synod was made to the Tribunal”.
By a majority of 6 -1, the Tribunal answered in the negative a question whether resolution 27.08 passed by the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney on 20 October 2008, in affirming “that the Lord’s Supper in this Diocese may be administered by persons other than presbyters”, is consistent and in accordance with the Constitution of The Anglican Church of Australia and the canons made thereunder.
The decision of the Appellate Tribunal appears may be accessed via the following link::
Reference concerning the administration of Holy Communion and the Lord's Supper by persons other than a Priest or Presbyter - Appellate Tribunal Report to Primate & Reasons of the Tribunal
For other related documents please go to the Appellate Tribunal page