Messages and Greetings

Text of motion: That; (a) this National Executive Council commends the Canadian Council of Churches and the Primate for the messages regarding the removal of the passport of Bishop Desmond Tutu.; (b) this National Executive Council expresses its very deep concern about the continued suppression of Christian witness in South Africa against the apartheid policies as evidenced in the imprisonment of the Rev. David Russell, and the removal of the passports of the Rt. Rev. Desmond Tutu and of the Rev. Allan Boesak. Such an action can only harm any attempts within the world community to try to be more understanding of the situation in South Africa. All of these persons are outstanding witnesses to the Christian belief in God's love for all men and for justice and peace between all, and we stand with them.; That this National Executive Council requests the Department of External Affairs to protest in the strongest terms the imprisonment of Father Russell and the removal of the passport of both Bishop Tutu and the Rev. Allan Boesak. CARRIED

Subjects: South Africa - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Apartheid - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Tutu, Desmond M. (Desmond Mpilo), 1931-2021; Boesak, Allan (Allan Aubrey), 1946-; Russell, David (David Patrick Hamilton), 1938-; Christianity and politics - Anglican Church of Canada; Christianity and politics - Church of the Province of Southern Africa