12 September 2006
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Rt Rev Garry Marquand, has condemned stickers that have been sent anonymously to those attending the Church’s General Assembly.
Representatives from across the diversity of the church, including more conservative groups, have condemned the offensive actions of the anonymous sender.
“They seriously undermine the respect that we have sought to preserve in our discussions on this sensitive issue, and they are also contrary to the accepted processes of the Church. To operate in this way is to be condemned,” said Mr Marquand in a letter that was sent to every Presbyterian parish on 5 September.
General Assembly 2006 is being held in Auckland from 28 September to 2 October. It faces a decision on whether to confirm the ruling of the 2004 Assembly that the Church may not accept for training, license, ordain or induct anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside marriage. The ruling does not apply to people trained, licensed, ordained or inducted prior to 2004.
The stickers have no connection to official Church mailings preceding this month’s General Assembly. Church address information is widely available, with 1000 copies of the most recent Yearbook in circulation.
/ends
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand communications manager Amanda Wells on 04 381-8285 or 027 5353-020
More on General Assembly 2006
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