Anglicans shut down discussion on gays

Opposition by Maori and Pacific Island members has shut down debate on the role of gays in the church at the Anglican General Synod in Christchurch this week.

Anglican Church New Zealand spokesman Lloyd Ashton told the Press newspaper that none of the members representing the Maori and Pacific Island tikanga (cultural streams) at the synod were yet prepared to speak openly about the issue.

All groups had been asked to comment on an international report by a commission set up by the Archbishop of Canterbury that questioned the principles of the Anglican community and its diversity.

Many denominations are struggling with disputes over homosexuality, including gay priests and bishops and same-sex unions, which have caused schisms all over the world, often split along cultural lines.

In New Zealand, Maori and Pacific Island churches are generally more conservative.

However, a conference motion tabled by Tauranga vicar Edward Prebble, urges Anglicans to continue talks with the gay community on its needs within the church, while making no decisions about gays' future roles.

"There are some conservatives who would shut down debate and decide right now, but we have to keep talking and make sure both ends of the spectrum are listening," Mr Prebble told the newspaper.

- NZPA