Mar2026
New team to support women in pastoral ministry
A new Advocacy for Women in Pastoral Ministry team has been established in the LCANZ, continuing the church’s work following the 2024 Convention of General Synod resolution. The move marks a transition from a single advocate role to a collaborative, team-based approach.
Oct2025
Resolutions from the Special Convention of General Synod 2025
On Saturday, 18 October 2025, 300 delegates gathered online for a Special Convention of General Synod established by resolution of the October 2024 Regular Convention. There was good participation from both pastor and lay delegates from across the church in Australia and New Zealand.
Oct2025
Synod backs church complaints and discipline process changes
General Synod has endorsed changes to the LCANZ’s complaints handling, appeals and ecclesiastical discipline system during a special online convention on 18 October. The proposal was the fruit of a seven-year process, which began with a resolution by the 2018 Synod.
Oct2025
Ordination statement approved by online Synod meeting
General Synod has endorsed a new doctrinal statement on the ordination of women and men in the LCANZ. Synod delegates met online in a special one-day convention on 18 October, to consider the statement and address other business carried over from last October’s Regular Convention in Adelaide.
Jul2025
Women’s ministry advocate appointed
As part of the implementation program of the ordination proposals from the 2024 Convention of General Synod, Dr Pauline Simonsen has been appointed as the LCANZ’s Advocate for Women in Pastoral Ministry.
Oct2024
Richly blessed: a message from Bishop Paul
by Bishop Paul Smith
This week our pastors from Australia and New Zealand have met at Concordia College, Highgate in South Australia, for their General Pastors Conference.
