Sydney Synod ends with abortion and alcohol resolutions

Anglican Diocese of Sydney
Media Release     21/10/08

The 2008 Synod of the Sydney Anglican Diocese has ended after passing a strong resolution on abortion on the final day.

The motion was moved by Wollongong specialist Dr Michelle Gajus Read.

The motion read:

Noting recent renewed debate about abortion around Australia, this Synod
affirms "

(a) pregnancy and childbirth are part of God's good plan for humankind,
(b) pregnancy is the privilege and responsibility of both the mother and the father of the unborn person,
(c) the sanctity of life, even of the unborn child,
(d) supports legislative and social changes which would reduce the number of abortions in Australia, and
(e) encourages and applauds health professionals who, for reasons of conscience, do not promote, aid or assist in ending the life of the unborn, except where the mother's life is gravely at risk,
(f) recognises the need of those who have knowingly participated in ending the life of the unborn, especially women who have had abortions, to hear the wonderful news of forgiveness in the death and resurrection of Christ,
(g) encourages all Christians equally to make known Jesus' love for all unborn human life and judgment of those who end it, and his offer of forgiveness
for those who have done so.
Synod requests that the content of this motion be forwarded to the following persons " the Prime Minister, the Federal Opposition Leader, Senator Guy Barnett of Tasmania, the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition and the bishops of
each of the Anglican dioceses of Australia.

The motion passed overwhelmingly on the voices.

Dr Gajus Read, who had moved the motion, was unable to be present for the vote but her speech was delivered by Canon Sandy Grant.

In it, she referred to laws passed recently in Victoria which allow for abortion on demand up to 24 weeks gestation and up to full term with the consent of 2 medical professionals.

“Even more distressing for me , as a medical practitioner, who’s worked in hospitals in Melbourne as well as Sydney and Wollongong, the legislation also requires that medical practitioners with conscientious objections to abortion to refer a woman seeking one to another practitioner who doesn’t have that objection.”

“Now of course, we live in a fallen world. Things are not perfect and I realise that there are things such as illnesses, rape and incest. However, I note the bill passed by the Victorian Government allows for abortion for up to 24 weeks gestation for any reason at all.” said Dr Gajus Read.

She referred to reports that a large number of abortions were performed for ‘lifestyle’ reasons.

“I think this is terrible. Why? Because these human beings are not being allowed to live at all because their parents think that they will interfere with their lifestyle.  We want to recognise that God is a loving God and that this sin is not an unforgivable sin. We want to show compassion for those who have been traumatised by the choices they have made in the past. Nevertheless we want to discourage and reduce the number of abortions performed in Australia” she said.

Later, the head of the diocesan youth ministry, Reverend Zac Veron, moved a motion applauding the recently reported plans for the NSW Cabinet to consider a range of drinking laws designed to address the problems brought on by alcohol
abuse.

The motion encouraged law makers to consider research which highlights the relationship between crime and extended liquor trading hours, when determining their response to community calls for an immediate cutback in licensing hours in
NSW.

The motion acknowledged the good gift of alcohol (Psalm 104:15 “wine that gladdens the heart of man”) but encourages politicians to examine other initiatives to limit the curse on society brought on by alcohol abuse and its effect on the road toll, families and teenagers.

“Synod further requests the Archbishop to write to the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and Police Commissioner to encourage them to pursue this matter vigorously and to assure them of our support as they do so.”

At the same time, the motion acknowledged the struggles of many people in society with alcohol addictions.