Synod Accepts Report On Homosexuality (Press, 16 October 1979)
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Summary: Synod Accepts Report On Homosexuality (Press, 16 October 1979)
On 15 October 1979, a significant discussion took place at the Christchurch Synod regarding a report on homosexuality presented by the Anglican Diocesan Committee. Following over two hours of debate, the Synod members largely supported the committee's resolution, which called for the removal of legal penalties for homosexual acts between consenting males. The committee's chairman, the Rev. C. G. Brown, led this initiative. In the course of discussions, a motion was proposed stating that the Synod opposed discrimination against individuals based solely on their homosexuality. However, the Synod agreed to pass this motion with an amendment that omitted the phrase "or homosexual behaviour." Additionally, the Synod reviewed a report on unemployment prepared by the diocesan world development committee, chaired by the Rev. M. D. S. I. Cocks. The report highlighted the challenges posed by reduced demand for labour due to increasing technological advancements. The committee pointed out that new technologies could result in long-time employees losing their jobs and being unfairly labelled as bludgers. To address unemployment, the report suggested several solutions, including overseas borrowing, lowering living standards, and enhancing productivity. It recommended that government aid focus on pairing relevant New Zealand skills and resources with people-centred projects that would provide the most benefit. To further tackle the issue of unemployment, the diocesan development committee established two sub-committees. One sub-committee was tasked with compiling a list of speakers who could address unemployment in New Zealand, while the other was to prepare a diocesan seminar that would ultimately generate a discussion booklet on the topic. Mr Cocks detailed these initiatives, indicating a proactive approach to both addressing unemployment and fostering dialogue within the community.
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