A Diocesan Appointments Committee was created by Diocesan Synod in 1968 (64th session) at the recommendation of the Diocesan Strategy Committee. It was resolved that "there shall be a Diocesan Appointments Committee consisting of the Archdeacons, Bishop's Examining Chaplains, and three laymen of at least five years standing in the Diocese to be elected by the Diocesan Council". The duty of this committee is to advise the Bishop upon questions of clerical appointments and offers of services. The applications have to be addressed to the Bishop, but the appointment of a clergy to a parish has to be made by the Bishop in consultation with the Canonical Committee. The Bishop reserves the right to present names for consideration. After considerable discussion, the existing Canon 5 was repealed in 1970 (66th session of Synod) and substituted by the following: "There shall be a Diocesan Ministry Commission consisting of the Bishop, [as Chairman], the Director of Parish Affairs, and two Clergy and three laymen elected by Synod for two-year terms". The Diocesan Council has the authority to fill by appointment any vacancy that may occur between Synods. The terms of reference of the Commission are the following: advising the Bishop for all the clerical appointments and assignments in the Diocese; reviewing all the assignments once every five years; assessing all resignations and requests for leave of absence. The Diocesan Ministry Commission was replaced in 1986 (80th session of Synod) by the Bishops' Advisory Committee on Appointments. Canon 5 was amended and new articles were introduced relating to the termination of clerical appointments and the Bishop's Advisory Committee assistance in respect of chaplaincies and other clerical and lay assignments under Bishop's jurisdiction.