Divorce Reform Supported

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31499, 13 October 1967, Page 26

Divorce Reform Supported

(N.Z. Press Association)

DUNEDIN, Oct. 12. The Synod of the Dunedin Diocese today decided to back moves to make possible the remarriage ' of divorced persons in Anglican churches. At present divorced persons are not allowed to be re-

married in Anglican churches in New Zealand, although this is a result of church practice not canon law. The synod made the decision after a long and closelyargued debate in which many of the clergy and laity took part.

Its motion (approved by 22 clergy and 24 laymen, and opposed by 18 clergy and 13 laymen) requested synod’s representatives to the general synod (the synod for representatives from all dioceses) to promote or support legislation to make it clear, with necessary safeguards, that the marriage of divorced persons might take place according to the rites of the church. Before the synod was a report by a Christchurch diocese committee which recommended changes in the church’s attitude on the matter.

The convener of a Dunedin diocese committee of six that studied the Christchurch report, the Very Rev. T. J. Raphael, said his committee was also in favour of changes, with safeguards. Dean Raphael said the church’s present attitude could not be justified on grounds of biblical authority, reason or church tradition.

A change in the marriage discipline of the church would give clergy pastoral opportunities now denied to them.