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High Commissioner
Nigerian High Commission
26 Guilfoyle St,
Yarralumla 2600
tel:(02)6282-7411, fax:(02)6282-8471
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CHURCH'S SILENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN NIGERIA
(sent on Sunday, 31/01/2007)
To the Most Rev. Dr. Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney
We, Rev. Karl Hand, minister of Metropolitan Community Church & co-convenor of Community Action Against Homophobia Blue Mountains and Bryn Hutchinson, co-convenor CAAH-BM, are writing this as an open letter on behalf of Community Action Against Homophobia Blue Mountains. We strongly urge you to respond to the current homosexual law reform in Nigeria which may come into affect in under two weeks. CAAH-BM is an organisation which takes action on Human Rights issues which affect gay, lesbian, and transsexual people.
As you must be aware, in Nigeria, the Anglican Diocese is supporting the government in the introduction of strict laws which take away the basic human rights of homosexual people, and proposes mandatory sentencing for such offenses as expressing homosexual feelings in a letter, or renting property to homosexuals.
On the issue of the current crisis in the Anglican Communion over homosexuality, you have been quoted as saying: “it is conceivable that Sydney would look more to Nigeria or some other place for the chairmanship of the board.” (Sunday: Religious Turf Wars, November 23, 2003).
Many of us who are respectfully aware of your moral and spiritual critique of homosexuality are hoping that you would nonetheless be opposed to this clear human rights violation. We remember the bold stance you took in 2002 over the refugee crisis, calling the Australian government to repentance, and demanding that the grace of God be shown to refugees. For this reason, we are deeply concerned that you have declined to comment on this issue, and wonder why a seeming double standard is being employed.
In short: You have challenged the Australian Government to be gracious, and called the Anglican communion to repentance. Will you not now stand up for the people of Nigeria?
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With deep respect,
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Rev. Karl Hand. Co-convenor CAAH-BM, MCC Good Shepherd Western Sydney
Bryn Huchinson Co-convenor CAAH-BM
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