Ordination Way Forward May 2024
Why so much emphasis on Way Forward?
The Way Forward project was a decision by LCANZ synodical convention, requiring our church to attend to the matter as follows
That General Synod direct the LCANZ General Church Board and the College of Bishops to:
- Work through the theological, constitutional, and governance requirements to operate as one church with two different practices of ordination and establish a detailed framework through which this could be accomplished, such as one or more existing LCANZ Districts becoming Districts that teach and practice the ordination of both women and men to the office of the public ministry or by establishing a non-geographical LCANZ ‘District’ that does so.
- Submit the fruit of this work in the form of a proposal that should be discussed by the LCANZ General Pastors Conference for Convention of General Synod 2024.
- It is the expectation of this General Convention of Synod that both women and men will be ordained in a District of the LCANZ during the 2024-2027 synodical period.
The Framework
What will be presented for consideration at synod is a framework that responds to above.
Initially 3 possible frameworks were proposed for discussion and feedback. Following feedback, on 19 April, a refined framework was released for church engagement, discussion and feedback. Feedback on this framework closed on 21 May. Based on feedback, theological reflection and prayer General Church Board and College of Bishops will release the final framework that will be brought to synod after their joint meeting in July 2024.
The final framework will be available at www.lca.org.au/wayforward/framework/
This framework will be a major focus for consideration and voting at Pastor’s Conference (29 September – 3 October) and LCANZ’s Convention of Synod (4-7 October)
What can you and your congregation do now?
- Pray constantly for all who are part of Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.
- Engage in the discussions around the Way Forward with listening hearts and discerning mind.
- Congregations ensure your delegate has an understanding of the framework and the congregation’s views and questions on the Way Forward framework. Some congregations are having discussions about the Way Forward so their delegate is informed of the congregation’s opinions.
Note: If your congregation does not have a delegate or your delegate is unable to attend Synod, ask your congregation to propose an alternative delegate. (Information about delegates are available here https://www.lca.org.au/convention-general-synod-2024/delegates ).
- Attend the LCNZ DISTRICT Local Gatherings
- Northern Zone on September 8 from 1 pm at Auckland Mountainside 1 Harris Road, Mt Wellington.
- Central Zone on September 15 from 2 pm at Fielding Lutheran Church, Cnr King and West Streets, Fielding.
- Upper Moutere St Paul’s Lutheran Church on 19 September from 6 pm (starting with a meal) at St Paul’s Lutheran Church on Supplejack Road
- Christchurch St Paul’s Lutheran Church on September 20 from 6 pm (starting with a meal) at 130 Burwood Road, Burwood.
- Wellington St Paul’s Lutheran Church on September 22 from 1pm at 12 King St Mount Cook.
For further information go to the LCNZ events page: Events
- Seek Pastoral Care (lca.org.au/pastoral-care/ ) if you need help or have questions.
- Keep up to date with the latest information about Way Forward by visiting lca.org.au/wayforward as the framework and information relating to the framework is changing.
Bishop-elect Richard
Sydney
May 2024
