Sexual harassment claims ‘exaggerated’

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 6

Sexual harassment claims ‘exaggerated’

PA Wellington Reports of sexual harassment ‘within the Anglican Church are exaggerated, says the Archbishop of New Zealand, Brian Davis. He said he was disappointed this was the issue highlighted from a recent conference of women priests, when many other positive aspects came out of it. " : ' i,.'

A spokeswoman for ordained womgh- Ms Liz Robinson, had said'past week’s conference showed many women priests

were subjected to sexual harassment from male clergy. Bishop Davis said in his nine years as a bishop and three as archbishop he had not heard of complaints by women. “I haven’t had a single case of sexual harassment reported to me either directly or indirectly,” he said. He was a strong supporter of ordained women within the church andihad a lot to do with them, inclu«g ordaining a good number of them himself. He

believed he would have - heard something, at least indirectly, if there were a problem. Obviously the church was not perfect and there would be times when women were not treated with the respect they deserved. But they should be, and indeed were, mature enough ; to deal with that as it Bishop , Davis said. It was disappointing the confidence expressed atjLjie conference about the role o/women in the church and how it was develop-

ing was not reported. One of the conference organisers, the Rev. Susan Adams, from Auckland, said sexual harassment was discussed during a conference workshop. She was unable to give details of what incidents were mentioned.

Sexual harassment was not a problem peculiar to the Anglican Church. If it occurred it would be as a reflection of harassment faced by women in force generally, she said.*}