NATIONAL EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL: Steve Jourdain and Stuart Lange (Co-Chairmen), Cynthia Tracey (Administrator), Brian Brandon, Peter Bristow, Joyce Campbell, Peter Cheyne, Heather Coster, Peter Dunn, Keleva Faleatua, Mark Farmer, John Gullick, Ian Hyslop, Emma Keown, Martin Macaulay, Colin Marshall, Wilson Orange, Ann Owen, Rhys Pearson, Tom Phillips, Ralph Penno, Alistair Smales, Stuart Vogel.



Dear friends,

It has come to AFFIRM's attention that someone has been anonymously posting offensive anti-homosexual stickers to Presbyterian parishes.

We strongly deplore this action, with regard to both the methods used and the views expressed, and fully agree with the Moderator's rejection of this misguided initiative.

The stickers seriously misrepresent the issues. For us, the issue in the church is about responsibly and faithfully applying biblical standards of morality to church leaders. For others, they believe it is about justice. Whatever we may believe, debates must be conducted openly, and with a respect for others.  We cannot agree with the reduction of the issues before Assembly to the level of crude bumper stickers or hostile, fearmongering propaganda. Anonymous letters should be disregarded.

Contrary to what the stickers assert, we believe anyone is welcome in any Presbyterian Church. Love for others and a warm welcome are Christian non-negotiables.

Contrary to what the stickers imply, the motion before Assembly relates to all types of sexual impropriety.

Contrary to what the stickers say, the motion before Assembly is not about rejecting anyone, but about upholding biblical standards of morality for all who wish to be leaders and teachers in the church of God.

The forthcoming pre-Assembly AFFIRM-NAPEC newsletter will outline the issues before Assembly as we see them, on both the question of moral standards for those in leadership and several other very important matters.  (To receive such newsletters, email a request to <PresAffirm@xtra.co.nz>).

Please continue to pray for the Assembly, that grace and truth may prevail in all its deliberations.

Steve Jourdain and Stuart Lange (Co-Chairmen, Presbyterian AFFIRM)

PS. We think it timely to encourage people to re-read our founding "AFFIRMATIONS," which were the basis on which we were established in 1993. They are pasted below, and reflect the tone and stances that AFFIRM has always sought to maintain.