Parish councillors from Benalla joined colleagues from across the region for a diocesan workshop led by Wangaratta Anglican Bishop Clarence Bester at the end of February.
The workshop at Cathedral College attracted 104 parish representatives and church officers from the diocese’s 23 parishes.
A church spokesperson said they were called together by the bishop to discuss their responsibilities, administrative, financial and insurance issues and to hear about the agenda for the next synod — the annual ‘parliament’ of the diocese.
“Each parish, from Picola in the west to Corryong in the east and Kilmore in the south, elects representatives to attend the synod,” the spokesperson said.
“Together with parish and diocesan clergy and administrative officers (attendees) consider and decide policy, management issues and church legislation.
“The synod also elects boards to advise the bishop and consider clergy appointments... and diocesan delegates to the Anglican Church of Australia national synod.”
Bishop Bester said the workshop was valuable and he was grateful for the strong, positive engagement of parish representatives, church officers.
“(Those included) Archdeacon Neil Hicks, registrar Julie Torpey, treasurer Norm Kenny, legal advocate Rachel Ellyard, and insurance and risk management adviser Neil Bull,” Bishop Bester said.
“There is no diocese without parishes and no parishes without parishioners.
“We’re all in this together and your participation is vital for the wellbeing and good governance of our diocese.”
This week marked the start of Bishop Bester’s fourth year as eleventh bishop of Wangaratta.