wfn.org | ACNS3504 Synod challenged to dialogue by activist disruption

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3504     |     ENGLAND	|     12 JUNE 2003 

Synod challenged to dialogue by activist disruption

by Matthew Davies

The second day of the Church of England General Synod was subject to an
unexpected interruption when gay and human rights campaigner, Peter
Tatchell, gate-crashed the floor and led a protest against "homophobic
apartheid". Some members of the synod walked out calling for immediate
reinforcement in security, whereas others welcomed the protest and
applauded the group, further demonstrating the church's divide on issues
in human sexuality.

Mr Tatchell's main request was for the church to talk, listen and
understand the alienation that the gay community feels in light of
recent events concerning Canon Jeffrey John and the See of Reading. He
said, "If you want an inclusive church you must listen to those who are
being prejudiced against."

There have been mixed feelings about whether or not the synod should
introduce an emergency agenda item in order to debate the issue.
However, it was decided last night that an addition would not be
appropriate and that a "period of reflection" was necessary. The
protestors left peacefully before the synod resumed its agenda.

Other peaceful campaigns were led outside the meeting by groups such as
the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) and Changing Attitude, an
organisation working for gay and lesbian affirmation within the Anglican
Church.

[A photo of the demonstration outside the General Synod meeting is
available at http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/index.html]

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