Presbyterians angered at anti-gay move

Anti-gay bumper stickers sent anonymously to Presbyterian Assembly's members have angered its leaders.

The stickers, which say "Gays aren't welcome in our church, help us let New Zealand know" and "Gays are a cancer in our church, let's keep them out of leadership", were sent to 500 members nationwide.

Members vote this month on a ruling to exclude homosexuals and those in a relationship outside marriage from becoming ministers or elders.

The church has 430 parishes which more than 40,000 people visit each week.

Wellington's St Andrew's on The Terrace minister, the Rev Margaret Mayman, said she was ashamed the church had been compromised in such a way.

The lesbian minister was also concerned for homosexuals outside the church. "They are really shocking sentiments for any community to deal with but that's particularly so for a Christian community."

Executive secretary Kerry Enright said police and the Human Rights Commission had been contacted about the stickers. However, the commission said little could be done about the situation under present laws.

Moderator the Rt Rev Garry Marquand condemned the mailout in a letter to parishes, saying the message was "contrary to the accepted processes of the church".

- NZPA