Methodists oppose tour

Press, 7 November 1984, Page 28

Methodists oppose tour

PA Blenheim The Methodist Church has come out strongly against the All Blacks’ touring South Africa next year. About 400 delegates from throughout New Zealand voted overwhelmingly

against continuing sports contacts with. South Africa at the church’s annual conference in Blenheim. “Heeding the call of our Christian partners in the South African churches, affirming our conviction that

apartheid is a heresy, and aware of the great significance in South Africa and elsewhere of continuing spirting contacts” the conference adopted a number of resolutions. Among these were calls

to the Government to use all practical means to persuade the New Zealand Rugby Union not to proceed with the tour. :i At the same time, the conference called on the union not to accept ari'in- ■ vitation to send a team to South Africa in 1985. A majority vote from delegates also carried another resolution urging local churches to get together with, rugby players and officials “in creative ways” to face questions relating to the tour. £ A separate resolution was passed warmly congratulating Bishop Desmond Tutu on being awarded the Nobel Peace prize and assuring him and the South African Council of. j Churches of strong support from New Zealand Methodists in the search for? a “just peace within South Africa.” Other -foreign policy matters considered at yesterday’s conference session included commendation for the Government over its refusal to grant access to nuclear-armed ships or aircraft. The conference also endorsed Mr Lange’s call for talks between various groups in New Caledonia, and expressed, to both the French and New Zealand Governments, support for the self-determination and independence of the Kanak people. The conference also called on the Government to ratify before next July the United Nations convention on all forms of discrimination against women.