A fiery debate at Anglican General Synod over funding the Family and Culture Commission resulted in a no vote that declined to fund the program, which campaigns against Domestic and Family Violence, with $189,000 for 2027, with CPI increases for the years beyond. The motion would have continued the program established at the last synod four years ago.
In a very Anglican debate, those opposed to funding the Family and Culture Commission all began by thanking the commission for their work.
Those supporting the commission argued passionately about Australia’s rate of family and domestic violence, with upwards of 30 women killed by their partners this year. Those opposed argued that the church is cash-strapped, and that the church should be focused on its dioceses rather than central programs.
Bishop Genieve Blackwell of Melbourne, mover, asked the synod “not to lose much-needed momentum to equip dioceses to carry out the Ten Commitments developed by a Family Violence Working Group.
The Ten Commitments seek to reduce Domestic and family Violence
Acknowledge and lament: The church admits and laments the presence of family violence within its own communities.
Ensure safety: Leaders commit to conditions that foster safety and protect the vulnerable.
Consistent teaching: Teach equality, respect, and freedom from violence.
Affirm relationships: Base human connections on mutual respect and grace.
Acknowledge experiences: Recognise the different realities and backgrounds of all people.
Gospel of love: Direct all actions through love, justice, and truth.
Support cultural change: Actively work to shift harmful social norms.
Train staff: Educate leaders, pastoral workers, and parish members.
Hold to account: Leaders and staff maintain personal and professional accountability.
Regular review: Continuously review and improve these safety practices.
Craig Roberts, Sydney, opposing the expenditure: “We need to maximise resources in the churches where DFV takes place. $200,000 will not shift the dial.”
Darrell Parker, Bishop of North West Australia, spoke against the funding: “Every ministry dollar we spend is a ministry dollar we cannot spend somewhere else,” going on to describe the exhaustion of the people in his much-stretched diocese.
Bishop John Roundhill of Brisbane: “this is a real live problem for us and it is something we can do together.”
Gillian Harrex, General Synod treasurer, explained that the standing commission had prioritised funding the First Nations bishop.
Kate Beer, Ministry Development officer of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne: “We risk the stumbling dioceses that can’t do this work.”
Right of reply from Genieve Blackwell: “the 2014 viability report was challenging us to reimagine the shape of the church.”
The vote: 93 yes, 102 no.