FL14372785

Where as it appears to us, the Bishop and undersigned Clergy of the Metropolitcan
Diocese of Sydney that the right to assemble in such Diocesan Synod should be exercised accord-
ing to legal form; and it would also contribute, in our opinion, very much to the promotion of true
religion, and to the stability of the Church in this Diocese, that a Convention of lay-representatives,
to be elected from the several Churches by the members of their respective congreagations, (such
representatives being in full communion with the Church,) should be assembled periodically in
connexion with the Diocesan Synod of the Bishop and Clergy as herein before proposed,

Know All Men therefore, that We the Bishop and Clergy aforesaid, having been
by summons assembled together for the purpose of taking the premises into consideration, have
after mature deliberation in the fear of God and in fulfilment of our own ministerial duties,
Agreed, that it is expedient that a humble Petition to her Most Gracious Majesty should be
prepared for signature by the Bishop, the Clergy, and the Laity of this diocese, setting forth the incon-
veniences and disadvantages which they labour under from the obstacles which exist to the
assembling of such Synods and Conventions as aforesaid, and praying Her Majesty by her royal
interposition to grant or obtain (as the case may be) such relief from the said obstacles, as in Her
Majesty's judgement shall be best, for enabling the Petitioners to assemble together in Synods and
Conventions, and as shall make it lawful for them to debate and consult for the better ordering of
the affairs of the United church of England and Ireland within this Diocese, and to pass, by the
votes of the said Bishop and Clergy, and Laity elected as hereinbefore described, such regulations,
rules, or canons, as shall be thought necessary, fit, and convenient for the honour of Almighty God,
the good and quiet of the Church, and the better government thereof; to be observed, performed,
fulfilled, and kept by the said Bishop and his successors, and the rest of the whole Clergy of the
Diocese of Sydney, and by all other persons within the same so far as lawfully, being Members of the said Church, it may concern them.

RESOLVED:—

THAT the following be the Form of Petition adopted for presentation to Her Most Gracious Majesty;
and that, the same, having first been signed by the Bishop, and the Clergy now present, be circulated in all
parts of the Diocese, for the purpose of obtaining the signatures of such of the Clergy as are not here in
attendance, and of all lay members of the United Church of England and Ireland who concur in the prayer
of the said Petition.

To Her Most Gracious Majesty VICTORIA, by the Grace of God
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen,
Defender of the Faith.

The humble Petition of the undersigned, the Bishop of Sydney, Clergy, and lay
members of the Church of England within the Diocese aforesaid,

SHEWETH:—

THAT in the opinion of your Majesty's Petitioners it is necessary and expedient for the honour of
Almighty God, the good and quiet of his Church, and the better government thereof, that there should be
Synods of the Bishop and Clergy periodically assembled within this diocese; and also that the laity,
acting by representatives duly elected by the congregations of the several Churches, should meet in Con-
ventions simultaneously with the Synod of the Bishop and Clergy; and that the Bishop, Clergy, and laity,
being thus assembled, should be qualified and authorized to debate and consult, under proper regulations,
for the better ordering of the affairs of the United Church of England and Ireland within this Diocese;
and to frame and enact proper rules, regulations, and canons, not being contrary to any law of Church or
State, for the due ordering of the affairs of the said Church: maintaining nevertheless as heretofore its
integral union and connexion with the Established Church of England and Ireland.

The doubts are entertained whether the Supremacy of your Majesty, as under God the only
Govenor of this realm in all spiritual and ecclesiastical things or causes, having been expressly admitted
by all Bishops and Clergy when ordained or consecrated to their respective offices in the ministry, may not
prohbit their assembling as is desired, in a Diocesan Synod.

That the practice of assembling Conventions of laymen, elected in the manner herin proposed, to
take part in the management of ecclesiastical affairs, has not been heretofore recognized or appointed by
law or by any know custom of the Church of England.

That your Petitioners therefore submit with deference to your Majesty's royal consideration the
expediency of removing the obstacles which at this time appear to oppose the execution of the design
which they have presumed to lay before your Majesty; and they most humbly solicit of your Majesty to
establish by your royal prerogative, or to obtain by course of law, as in the opinion of your Majesty's
advisers shall be most proper, such a form of Church Government within this Diocese as may enable your
Majesty's Petitioners to accomplish their object of better providing for the security, and for the more
extended usefulness, of that Church which, during many centuries, has flourished under the auspices of
your Majesty's Royal Prodecessors.

And your Majesty's humble Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.