This handbook has its origins in the An Anglican Pastoral Handbook, now fully revised and extended. In it, several groups of Anglicans, representative of the wide diversity existing within the diocese, have brought their skills and insight to the various areas of pastoral ministry, Christian initiation, marriage and funerals.Two events affecting pastoral practice have occurred within the Anglican Church of Australia in recent years: the ordination of women as priests in 1992, and the authorisation in 1995 of A Prayer Book for Australia. Now very much accepted in the life of this church, the consequent flow-on from these events are reflected in this handbook, as are merging practices within Australian society, notably in marriage and in the ways death is marked. New diocesan policies affecting practices, in particular the use of inclusive language, the Code of Good Practice for Clergy, extended communion, marriage outside church buildings, and the use of memorial gardens are touched on in this handbook.While prepared for use in the Diocese of Melbourne, this handbook will have application in many other parts of the Anglican Church.A Pastoral Handbook for Anglicans was prepared during 1998-2000 by the Revd Dr Charles Sherlock, working with a representative group of Melbourne clergy.