The Diocese of Sydney of the Anglican Church of Australia has become the first to authorize lay persons and deacons to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The diocesan synod voted Oct. 19 to endorse lay presidency for a five-year trial period.

Voting in secret ballot, clergy voted 122 to 66 and lay persons 228 to 124 to approve the measure. The resolution will allow suitably trained lay persons and deacons to be granted permission by the archbishop and parishes to preside at the Eucharist. Unless the synod approves the bill again within five years, the trial period for lay presidency will be revoked.

The Most Rev. Harry Goodhew, Archbishop of Sydney, has 28 days to assent to the resolution or to override it.

"In considering this matter, I need to reflect on it from every aspect before I take my decision," Archbishop Goodhew said. "I cannot ignore the strength of support for the matter in the synod, but at the same time I must keep in mind my constitutional responsibilities as a diocesan bishop of the Anglican Church of Australia. I must also consider the implications for this move for the Anglican Communion throughout the world, and the strain which this might place upon our relationships as a diocese with other parts of the Anglican Communion."