Disciplinary and complaints trial framework approved

The LCANZ’s General Church Board (GCB) has provisionally approved a trial framework for a new LCANZ disciplinary system and complaints handling process.

The resolution, made late last year, is subject to the approval of General Synod, at its convention in October 2024, as amendments to the LCANZ Constitution and By-laws are required.

The new framework addresses the findings of the Review of the LCANZ’s Ecclesiastical Discipline, Adjudication and Appeals, and Provisions, Policies and Processes.

This review was requested by the 2018 General Synod and its findings were received at the in-person sessions of the 2021–23 General Synod held in February 2023.

In the new framework, roles and responsibilities are more clearly separated and defined than in the previous model, with the intention that disciplinary processes are as transparent, effective and fit for church purposes as possible.

A key change to how disciplinary matters are addressed is the separation of the LCANZ’s Professional Standards team from the process of substantiating accusations against church workers (including pastors), employees and volunteers. Under the new system, the team will still be the intake point for formal complaints, but a Complaints Triage Committee will review each complaint and determine whether an investigation is appropriate in the circumstances. Upon approval of the new framework by General Synod, applications will be invited from active members of the church who consider that their gifts are suited to serving on the committee.

To enable a trial of the new system to commence immediately, however, an interim Complaints Triage Committee has been appointed:

• Michael Bowden, LCANZ HR Manager
• Dianne Eckermann, retired, formerly Lutheran Education Australia Director of Leadership
• Dr Nigel Long, Secretary of the Church.

The provisional Complaints Handling Policy and Complaints Handling Procedure are now available on the LCANZ’s website www.lca.org.au/policies