The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane is an Australian nonprofit organization functioning as the governing body for the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane. It holds a statutory corporate status under legislation dating back to the 19th century and plays a central role in the administration and advancement of the Anglican faith in Southern Queensland.

Background and Legal Status

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane was formally established as a body corporate by virtue of the Religious Educational and Charitable Institutions Act 1861 and subsequent confirmation through the Anglican Church of Australia (Diocese of Brisbane) Property Act 1889. This legislation recognized the corporation’s corporate rights to hold property and manage assets on behalf of the Diocese. The corporation is empowered to acquire, hold, and manage church lands and finances according to the trust deeds and canonical laws governing the Anglican Church in the region.

The corporation is governed by the Bishop of Brisbane and his successors, along with elected representatives of the clergy and laity. These representatives form the Synod, which is the legislative and deliberative assembly responsible for diocesan governance, including budgets, church legislation, and other matters of church administration.

Purpose and Activities

The Corporation’s primary purpose is to advance the Anglican faith within Southern Queensland through a range of ministries and activities. It fosters worship, teaching, and service within a safe and welcoming environment where the message of Christ’s love is central. Programs under its auspices extend to both children and adults, supporting faith formation and community support consistent with Anglican doctrine.

The corporation also oversees the management of diocesan property and financial resources, ensuring they are used to support the mission and ministry objectives of the Anglican Church in Brisbane.

Governance and Synod

The governance structure revolves around the Synod, which meets at least annually. The Synod debates and decides on critical issues impacting the diocese, including the approval of budgets, church laws (canon law), and the election of various committees and representatives. It also selects delegates to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia, which convenes nationally to discuss church-wide matters.

Inclusion in National Schemes

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane is recognized in national frameworks such as the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional abuse, as part of the Anglican Church group. This inclusion reflects its responsibility and accountability in such matters.

This organization stands as a key institution in the religious and community landscape of Queensland, combining corporate governance with spiritual leadership to fulfill its mission within the Anglican tradition.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d00ca20a-2caf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e6d3e820-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [3] https://www.anglicanchurchsq.org.au/synod [4] https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions/corporation-synod-diocese-brisbane [5] https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1889-acadbpa