The 29th Provincial Synod of the Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa passed the following urgent motion, moved by the Bishop of the Highveld, the Right Revd David Beetge.

Whereas:

1. The British Government undertook before the sale of its gold reserves that it would manage the sale in such a way that the price is not adversely affected.
2. The sharp drop in the gold price after the announcement of the sale and again after the first auction clearly indicates that the sale is having an adverse impact on the gold price which has a very negative impact on jobs in South Africa and its neighbours but also on jobs and economic development in other African countries.
3. For this reason, the industry feels that it is justified in calling for a moratorium on the sale of gold reserves by Britain, the IMF and any possible sale by the Swiss Government.
4. A march will be held on Saturday, 17 July 1999, to the British High Commission and the Swiss Embassy, organised by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa and the National Union of Mineworkers, to protest against the actions of the British Government referred to above.

Now therefore this Synod supports the call of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa and the National Union of Mineworkers for a moratorium on the sale of gold reserves by Britain, the I.M.F. and any possible sale by the Swiss Government and assures those who will participate in the march of its prayers.