Sydney Anglicans back down on proposal to ban Indigenous smoking ceremonies

From Australia-

The Sydney Anglican Diocese has backed down on a controversial policy banning smoking ceremonies on any property owned by the church following outrage from Indigenous leaders, school principals and priests who work closely with First Nations communities. 

ABC reports of the proposal, due to be debated on Monday night at the annual gathering of the Diocesan synod in Sydney's CBD, were greeted with anger by Indigenous leaders who likened the decision to assimilation. 

The reports have also shocked principals who have regularly held smoking ceremonies on school grounds and infuriated local ministers who told ABC News that there had been no consultation and that it would be deeply embarrassing and offensive to Indigenous friends and parishioners.

More here-

 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-22/sydney-anglican-church-property-smoking-backdown/10403548