In an historic move, the Anglican diocese of Newcastle and the Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are embarking upon a joint approach to the management of professional standards in the Hunter Valley. Mr Michael Elliott will begin with the Anglican diocese as Director of Professional Standards today, while continuing in his role at the Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Christian Today reports.
Mr Elliott's dual role allows the two dioceses to work together to ensure a comprehensive approach to the issues of professional conduct, the paper says.
In April 2008 the dioceses signed a covenant committing them to a series of joint initiatives ranging from the sharing of church resources to an annual Bishops' Dialogue. This professional standards role is an example of the ecumenical covenant in action.
Anglican diocesan Business Manager, Mr John Cleary said this appointment is a significant one in the life of both dioceses.
"It reinforces the unity of our churches in the Hunter region as well as our shared commitment to professional standard protocols."
Ms Helen Keevers, Manager of the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle's Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit, Zimmerman House, where Michael Elliott will be based in both roles, said, "Michael's appointment to both dioceses is quite an historic development.
"I am not aware of any other example of our churches combining their approach to professional standards in such a concrete way. We hope this arrangement will be of great benefit to both our churches and most importantly to the people of the Hunter region," Ms Keevers said.
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(Source: CTHN)