Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Anglican Church defends holding synod in Fiji

Updated at 3:39 pm on 6 July 2012

The Anglican Church is defending its decision to hold its biennial synod in Fiji, saying it is actively encouraging a return to a duly elected parliament.

Strict guidelines from the Fijian military regime meant permits had to be obtained to hold the synod in Nadi, which is being attended by 160 senior church members from New Zealand and elsewhere in the Pacific.

The event comes as the Law Society of England and Wales has reiterated its concerns that Fiji has no rule of law, and no freedom of expression.

Archbishops David Moxon, Brown Turei and Winston Halapua say the church is trying to keep open the lines of communication with the present Fijian administration.

The synod begins on Saturday morning and will include discussions on same sex marriage and ordination.

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