Anba Tadros, Metropolitan of Port Said and Papal Delegate to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, issued a recent statement explaining to the congregation the reasons behind reviewing the Diocese’s Church Constitution and Property Trust Act.
The statement noted that the need for amendment of the Church Constitution and Property Trust Act of the Diocese of Sydney had been requested and blessed by Pope Tawadros II, in accordance with recommendations by a papal committee that visited the Diocese of Sydney in November 2019. The government in Sydney, too, strongly recommended amending the constitution to establish a board of trustees instead of a sole trustee. The proposed amendment would provide, the statement said, greater stability for the future of the Diocese of Sydney from both a financial and management perspective.
Following early feedback received from the congregation and discussions held with the Diocese’s clergy, the statement said, revised drafts of the Church Constitution and Property Trust Act would soon be circulated in both English and Arabic. The period for further feedback was extended until Monday 7 December.”
The Interim Board of Trustees also issued a statement to the congregation informing that; “As agreed between the Interim Board of Trustees and HG Bishop Daniel, and with the support of His Eminence Metropolitan Tadros, a review of the Church Constitution and Property Trust Act for our Diocese was conducted.
In keeping with our commitment to transparency the documents and recommended amendments are now being shared for feedback.
It is worth highlighting that the only major change to the Constitution is a move from a sole Trustee structure, to a seven-member Board of Trustees. HG Bishop Daniel will be appointed as one of those Trustees.”
Watani International
17 November 2020