Anglican Church springcleaning its image

Press, 20 October 1987, Page 29

Anglican Church springcleaning its image

PA Auckland The Anglican Church is spring-cleaning its image — though not without dissent — with a multimillion dollar fund-raising programme and an independent review of diocesan management. The $5 million fundraising venture for the Bishop of Auckland’s Foundation was announced recently along with a revolutionary review of diocesan management, organisation and assets. The review could result in the selling of some Church-owned land and one property may be sold after negotiations later this month. Bishop Gilberd’s programme will raise funds for youth ministries, more clergy for areas of rapid

urban growth and new initiatives in the field of racial partnership. It could also be expanded to include the problems faced by the aged. Already $1.15 million has been received with $500,000 given by one donor. Bishop Gilberd said he had received a few "tough letters” about the programme. "Some people feel the Church should only accept donations from Christians. Some are of the opinion that this programme gives the Bishop too much power to say where the work of the Church should be focused.” Another complaint concerned the Church’s perceived anti-rugby stance.

“I am very pro-rugby. I just have problems about who we play with,” Bishop Gilberd said. In spite of criticisms, there was strong support among the laity and nearly all the clergy, he said. About $500,000 of the fund will go to an expanded youth ministry and another $500,000 will go towards improving communication within the diocese and between the diocese and the wider community. More than $1 million is marked for clergy and lay leaders.