Archbishop Election Drafting Committee

The Archbishop Election Drafting Committee members are Ms Elizabeth Alexander AO, The Revd Megan Curlis-Gibson, Dr Jenny George, Dr Ian Gibson, The Revd Canon Dr Colleen O’Reilly AM, The Revd Dr Alex Ross and The Revd Malcolm Woolrich.

The Committee is seeking papers responding to the options below of 250 words (one A4 page).  Submissions should be emailed to aea@melbourneanglican.org.au by no later than 30th April 2022.

Similarities between options

In both cases:

  • 2/3rds majority of both houses is required to decide final candidate (either in a Board or Synod)
  • Minimum 24 people in any board where a final candidate choice is being made
  • Smaller board of 12-16 when it has a nominating (but not electing) function, to aid efficiency of process
  • Same proposed deadlock provisions if Synod election/amen is not achieved, namely: new BoE to be chosen comprising 24 people
  • Every 12 months another BoE is freshly elected if no AB has been elected within that time. This is an attempt to break possible deadlocks on BoE (give Synod opportunity to choose different electors until a resolution is achieved)

Differences between options

Blue option: Simpler and tidier version of current process where Synod is the main focus of choice and discernment

  • Smaller board of nominators (whose ONLY role is nominating)
  • Leaves final candidate choice with Synod (both pros and cons that come with that)

Green option: Discernment in hands of board (largely) but where Synod is asked to give an “Amen” to the board’s choice.

  • Still gives Synod opportunity to say no
  • Larger size of board of nominators reflects the fact that main choice and discernment happens in this body.

Further matters on which a response is invited

  • One fixed term of office of 10 years, no renewal possible?
  • Once the completion date of an Archbishop is known, the election process to begin?