Dr Clifford is noted for his astute political skills and wasted no time in declaring that the NSW Council of Churches would continue to be an important player in NSW public life.
"The Council has an important role to play in NSW public life and the prophetic voice of the churches is needed more than ever before," said Dr Clifford.
Dr Clifford's first action as president was to reiterate the Council's position on a number of social and moral issues including the 'sanctity of marriage'.
"I look forward to continuing the Council's advocacy of social and moral issues with a focus on the sanctity of marriage, alcohol-related violence, and gambling reform," he said.
The NSW Council of Churches outlined its position on these important social issues in a statement following Dr Clifford's election.
"The NSW Council of Churches believes that marriage laws should not be extended to include same sex couples.
"On alcohol, Council supports measures to reduce alcohol-related violence and encourages stronger regulation of the sale and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises.
"On gambling, Council supports mandatory pre-commitment technology and a $1 bet limit for poker machines. The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) supports these reforms conditional upon pilot testing of mandatory pre-commitment to ensure the most effective outcome is achieved."
Dr Clifford was president of the 88 year old NSW Council of Churches from 1995-1997. He is the Principal of Morling Theological College in Sydney and a Vice-President of the World Baptist Alliance. The Council represents the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Baptist churches in NSW & ACT, Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW), and the Salvation Army (Eastern Territory).
