Canons and Rules

One of the functions of the General Synod is to make Canons and Rules relating to the order and good government of this Church including Canons in respect of ritual, ceremonial and discipline. The Constitution, Canons and Rules of the Anglican Church of Australia are published after the General Synod Session in ‘The Green Book’.

Canons affecting the order and good government of a diocese require adoption in that diocese for it to come into effect. Not every Australian diocese has adopted the legislation listed below. To clarify whether any particular Canon has effect in a diocese, please contact the General Synod Office on (02) 8267 2700.

Constitutional amendment coming into effect on 29 January 2027

The Eighth Session of the General Synod passed Canon 6 of 1989, the Constitution Alteration (Title of the Primate) Canon 1989 (the Canon).

For the constitutional alteration as set out in the Canon to come into effect at least three quarters of the diocesan synods of the Church, including all metropolitan sees, were required to assent by ordinance.  These conditions have now been satisfied in respect of the Canon.

As required by section 67(2) of the Constitution, the President of the Synod has determined there are no conditions which would prohibit the Canon from coming into effect and that it will come into effect on 29 January 2027.

The Canon alters the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia so that “A Primate who is not also a metropolitan has the same title as a metropolitan.  The title shall confer no rights, powers or jurisdiction”.  The effect of this is that on and from 29 January 2027, the current Primate whilst in that position, who is not otherwise a metropolitan, will be referred to as Archbishop Mark Short, Primate of Australia and Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn.