Who presides at Holy Communion has become a legal issue in the Anglican Church of Australia. Traditionally those ordained priests and bishops have presided. Now the Diocese of Sydney has argued that deacons be allowed to preside. The Sydney decision has been challenged and the matter has gone before the Australian Anglican Church’s legal court, the Appellate Tribunal.

In my view, this is a sad situation because diaconal presidency at the Lord’s Table is not essential for the Gospel to be lived and proclaimed. This unnecessary and avoidable dispute diminishes our Christian unity and Gospel credibility, and diverts energy from the mission of the Church. A time of weeping.  

See article in SMH by Linda Morris Legal challenge brewing over Holy Communion row.