At its annual meeting, the church's synod in Western Australia voted in favour of changes to state law so doctors could prescribe medicinal cannabis, which would be administered under supervision.

Medicinal cannabis has a high proportion of cannabidiol, which has a range of medical benefits, and a low proportion of the intoxicating tetrahydrocannabinol.

Uniting Church WA acting general secretary Rosemary Hudson Miller said some of those at the synod shared personal experiences.

They described how loved ones with chronic or terminal illnesses had found morphine inadequate for managing pain and had also suffered side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

"The current laws mean that family and friends choose, at some personal risk, to provide cannabis to relieve symptoms and pain, rather than watch the agony of suffering," she said.

WA Health Minister Kim Hames said there was evidence that cannabis and its extracts were beneficial in treating a range of conditions, but more research was needed.

Continue reading

In a submission presented to regional leaders at the Pacific Conference of Churches 10th General Assembly in Honiara, the Solomon Islands this week the Church acknowledged that it has had a part in damaging communities by importing alien cultures into the region.

"At times the church has acted in collaboration with political and economic powers, undermining healthy Pacific economic systems that valued creation and people," the submission said.

"It has sometimes treated people in ways that do not reflect their inherent dignity in Jesus Christ and has not taken opportunities offered by Pacific countries to learn how to be more thoroughly Christian."

Source

Island Business

It could be months before the full extent of the theft becomes clear, as accountants look into exactly how much money has disappeared.