The Rt Rev Dr Peter Carrell (Bishop of Christchurch) introduced Bill#12 to Te Hīnota Whānui in Tonga this August, explaining how it sets common standards for what ministry conduct information bishops must share when their people move from one diocese or hui amorangi to another, or into a ministry role overseas. 

"These changes will improve attention to detail in sharing of information between bishops and ensure that all our bishops work consistently in the issuing of Safe to Receive documents." Bishop Peter said.

He explained that the Bill's changes to Title D Canon VI (of Safe to Receive Testimonials) came to General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui as recommendations from the Ministry Standards Commission (who deal with complaints), as well as from the bishops who prepare referral documents for clergy and lay leaders.

"This work has come out of the experience of people dealing with historic complaints across different hui amorangi or dioceses." he said. "And the changes have all been discussed and contributed to over the last 18 months by the House of Bishops." 

Bill #12 adds more detail and accountability to the existing "Safe to Receive" clauses under the Anglican Church's Title D Canon VI, and reshapes this Church's regulations on information-sharing to focus on an individual's "fitness to minister".

Two administrative forms are now embedded in the canon to shape what information must be shared between bishops. These forms apply to ministers moving to a new permanent role and (in a shorter format) to those ministers serving for more than one week in another bishop's rohe (for example in a "ministry swap" or supporting role). 

Among other details, the form requires listing of all former complaints relevant to a person's fitness to minister. These include:
– Details of any complaint received under Title D and full details of its outcome
– Details of any condition, limitation or restriction currently applying to the person’s role
– Any other matter known to the Bishop/Pihopa which is or may be relevant to the person’s fitness to hold office

Bill 12 also ensures the Anglican Church's Title D Canon VI continues to align with Aotearoa New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020, which ensures confidentiality for individuals' personal information and allows for sharing information only in particular circumstances.

With Bill 12's changes in place, the Anglican Church has initiated a new canonical responsibility for bishops to share information on a formerly licensed person's conduct, after they've ceased to minister in that bishop's hui amorangi or diocese.

Now, any bishop who receives a complaint (of previously undisclosed abuse) after they have already sent letters testimonial, must share that new information with the bishop whose authority the candidate is seeking or currently holding.

Bishop Peter was pleased to see the Bill passed, as it continues this Church's work to ensure our systems demand accountability to high standards of personal conduct in ministry.

"This will enhance our confidence that we have robust processes in place in our ongoing work on being a safe church." 

The updated 'Title D Canon VI on Safe to Receive Testimonials' will soon be available to view on the General Synod Office - Tuia website here.