SYNOD MOTIONS 2022
Uphold is concerned about the MSO review which is slated to be put forward to the Synod on September 13th. There remain a number of inadequacies and power imbalances which affect both the reporting of, and disciplinary action for, serious allegations of bullying and unfair dismissal. Uphold believes an *independent* review of the Ministry Standards Ordinance is vital to establish best practise.
It is clear, from both our survey results and from our extensive work with individuals in the Sydney Anglican community, that the MSO is not providing adequate protections for hurting people. The investigation process is also flawed. Quite simply, it is not achieving the outcomes it is intended for, people are being damaged by the processes, not helped. There are limited options for what can be raised at Synod. Uphold (formerly GWAG) has already provided extensive recommendations to the MSO review committee. It is our view that the proposed amendments being brought to the Synod this year do not go nearly far enough to adequately address the current problems with the document.
Proposed motions
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Uphold will be moving a motion to counter the proposed MSO amendment ordinance (item B2) at point 14 regarding the requirement for mediation in dispute resolution. When power imbalances are involved it is really important that we do not create unsafe spaces for individuals by requiring them to first attend mediation in order for their complaint to be addressed. We will also be moving a motion which calls for greater transparency with regards to both clergy appointments and within the complaints process. We greatly value support for these motions which, although they appear to be small, may have far reaching consequences in the implementation of the ordinance.
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Your support for these motions is greatly appreciated.
SYDNEY ANGLICAN SYNOD - Bullying and Abuse Review 2022
*The Gospel Workers Experience Survey was conducted organically through social media and personal connections, and it was live for only 12 days. It has not been disseminated to all current paid Sydney Diocesan Gospel Workers (much less past workers) and, because of this, we would expect the real numbers of staff who have reported having suffered bullying, abuse and unfair dismissal to be much higher. The results refer to people who are/have been in a paid employment relationship with the Anglican Diocese of Sydney only. These results do not encompass the prevalent and related experiences of volunteer lay workers in the Sydney Diocese who do not receive remuneration.
The important information on these pages has been prepared for Sydney Anglican Synod members. Your vote is important and has real-life implications for vulnerable people. Please take some time to review the information and video presentations here.
If you are not involved in Synod yourself, please share this with your church's Synod representatives.
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If you have any questions or would like to find out how you can be involved please contact us through any of our contact pages or via email.
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