wfn.org | Southern African Anglicans say 'no' to gold sales

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa

MEDIA TEAM REPORTS

Bishop David Beetge, proposing the Motion on the sale of gold
likened it to 'economic abuse'.

The Motion was carried unanimously at the Provincial Synod of the
Church of the Province of Southern Africa when brought as an
urgent motion.

Bp David said that in one mine in his diocese 5000 miners would
be losing their jobs.  This affects all their families, many of whom
came from neighbouring countries.  Much of this gold was bought
at $35 an ounce. He asked why it was not re-valued as it would
cover the debt owed.

Much of the debt was incurred because of the sale of arms to
African countries.

This in turn developed the arms industries in those countries.

The Revd Rob Jobling told Synod that he had heard on the news of
Wednesday morning that Tony Blair would not see the South
African delegation and that other Ministers were 'not available.'

Bp David Nkwe said that his Diocese (Klerksdorp) had been known
as the Golden West.  Now there are only mine dumps and empty
houses. "We have suffered and continue to suffer as parishes close
down," he said.  "Stillfontein has become a Retirement Village."

In closing Bp David Beetge paid tribute to the lead the Archbishop
has taken in his stance on debt relief.

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Item submitted by the CPSA Provincial Synod Media Team
Synod meeting in Durban, Diocese of Natal, South Africa

Tel  +27 (31) 260 2445  --  Fax  +27 (31) 260 1633
http://www.cpsa.org.za/ -- cvd@letterbox.com
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