Anglican Communion News Service

The Bishop of Armidale, the Right Rev Peter Brain, has been elected to the Appellate Tribunal of the Anglican Church of Australia. He was elected in a postal ballot of members of General Synod's House of Clergy, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Bishop Bruce Wilson.

Bishop Brain said 'it was a bit of surprise' to be elected but it was also 'a great honour'.

"I ask that people might pray that I'll have wisdom in my decision-making if and when the Appellate Tribunal does meet," Bishop Brain said.

He is the second evangelical to be elected to the Appellate Tribunal - the Church's highest legal body - to fill recent vacancies. The Bishop of North-West Australia, the Right Rev Tony Nichols, was elected in November by the House of Laity. Also on the Appellate Tribunal are Justice Peter Young and Justice Keith Handley, both from Sydney Diocese, Justice Clive Tadgell from Melbourne Diocese, Justice David Bleby from Adelaide Diocese and the Archbishop of Adelaide, the Most Rev Ian George.

The Rev Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones, president of the Anglican Church League, welcomed the election of Bishop Brain along with Bishop Nichols. "Should the Appellate Tribunal be called on to consider matters, members of the Church can be confident they will execute their role in a way that is appropriate for the good of the Church," he said. "Bishop Brain is a very competent and fair person who is thoroughly committed to biblical truth as expressed in Anglican formularies."

Canon Ballantine-Jones said the election of the two bishops was significant because the Appellate Tribunal is 'like a High Court' for the Anglican Church.

"The Appellate Tribunal is important because under the Constitution it can make determinations as to the constitutionality of General Synod canons. Also it can be very influential in giving non-binding opinions because of the high regard many hold the Tribunal in," he said. Under the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia, it is the final legal arbiter in matters of doctrine and order.

The Appellate Tribunal recently ruled that lay administration (presidency) of Holy Communion was not contrary to the constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia. It is unlikely to consider the matter again in the near future.

Article from: Anglican Media Sydney by Jeremy Halcrow