THE Sydney Anglican Church has revived its radical push to let church elders preside over Holy Communion despite strident opposition from Australian Anglicans and the worldwide church and at the risk of antagonising international churches it has courted to stop the consecration of gay bishops.<\/p>\n
A committee of church officials has urged the Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen, to amend the licenses of senior lay people and deacons to enable them to preside over Holy Communion, a right at present restricted to ordained priests and bishops.<\/p>\n
The principal of Moore Theological College, John Woodhouse, a leading advocate of lay presidency – an issue of contention in the Australian and the worldwide church – has suggested the diocese could make use of existing church laws.<\/p>\n
This would avoid the diocese having to apply for special legal authority of the national church which would likely be voted down by opposing dioceses.<\/p>\n