NSW: Sydney Anglicans ask would-be ministers about sex history

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2004
NSW: Sydney Anglicans ask would-be ministers about sex history

Australia's Anglican Church is vetting the sexual past and preferences of would-be
priests in a bid to prevent misconduct among Sydney clergy.

While other churches welcome the questionnaire devised by the Sydney diocese of the
Anglican Church, civil libertarians have condemned it.

Sydney Anglican Archbishop PETER JENSEN says anyone wanting to become a new priest
in the Sydney diocese or transfer into its ministry will have to complete the questionnaire.

Abuse of children, homosexual relationships, sex outside marriage, use of pornography
and sexual harassment are covered in the eight-page confidential questionnaire.

It also probes involvement in the occult, misuse of drugs, maltreatment of animals,
criminal conduct including driving convictions, and financial conduct such as misappropriation
of funds.

New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties president CAMERON MURPHY says at the very
least it's an invasion of privacy.

AAP RTV mk/nf/jo/rp/psm/
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KEYWORD: ANGLICANS (SYDNEY)

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