|PIC1|He said he was "surprised and honoured to be elected Chair. The work achieved since the inception of the Council in 1992 is testimony to the previous Indigenous members and leaders within the Anglican Church of Australia.
"The Joint Affirmation of Faith and Justice which was accepted unanimously at the General Synod last year is very important in the life of NATSIAC. We will continue to promote the need for the Church to assist, encourage and resource ministry in the Torres Strait Islands and the rest of Australia.
"I believe we Indigenous people have a significant contribution to make to Anglican spiritual life and worship, and it is my hope all Anglicans in Australia will appreciate and celebrate our culture within the life and worship of the church.
"My wish is that NATSIAC prayerfully set clear goals and directions for future Indigenous ministry in the Anglican Church guided by its members, and the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God.
"Key priorities highlighted at our meeting were the training of Indigenous leaders, ensuring all Indigenous clergy are able to receive stipends and superannuation, and encouraging cross-cultural training for Australian clergy and lay leaders."
The 27 NATSIAC members present elected Charles Loban, Torres Strait Islander priest, as Deputy Chair, Di Langham, Correctional Centre Chaplain in Cessnock (Newcastle priest) as Secretary and Gloria Shipp, Juvenile Justice Chaplain in Dubbo (Bathurst priest) as Treasurer; Bruce Boase, priest from Brisbane and Robyn Davis, laywoman from Bendigo were elected as Executive Committee members.
Bishop James Leftwich (North Queensland) and laywoman, Rose Elu (Brisbane) were elected as General Synod Standing Committee members.
Bruce Boase, Rose Elu, Di Langham, Petrine Saunders (St Paul's Community, Moa Island) and Shannon Smith (Darlington Point Parish, Riverina) were elected as members of the 2009 Anglican Indigenous Network gathering, to be held in Hawaii.
It was agreed the 2009 NATSIAC meeting be in the Diocese of Bendigo in October.