One of the prerequisites for these new recognised churches is that they have some distinctive characteristic based on socio-economic, occupational, age, ethnicity, or other grounds. The reason for requiring such distinctiveness, according to a Standing Report, is to address the pastoral implications of recognising independent ministries that operate within areas viewed as the responsibility of the local parish. Some submissions to Standing Committee criticised this element of the Ordinance, claiming that the distinctiveness of a church run on the homogenous unit principle model will break down over time if it is to flourish. Indeed, one of the biggest issues for ethnic churches is how to integrate their English speaking second-generation children into the life of the church. However Bishop Smith dismissed these concerns, saying most Anglican churches are organised on the homogenous unit principle anyway .
People say their churches are open to anyone.
If these debates are undertaken according to God s direction then Synod s display of Christian love will ensure Jesus is glorified and non-believers can come to understand that he is the One sent from God. There will be many important debates - the most contentious pieces of legislation being, the Ministry Ordinance 2000 and the Recognised Churches Ordinance. These two ordinances concern firstly, the issues of lay presidency and secondly the establishment of parishes without having to own property. These are very important issues. We believe that if such legislation is agreed to it will eventually lead to the Diocese of Sydney leaving the worldwide Anglican Communion.