Greens and Greys

Journey with Molly Sinclair as she recounts her 1950s childhood on the West Coast, her move to Christchurch for teacher training, drama-filled OE in the UK and Europe, and as she returns to New Zealand in the mid-1960s. This engaging coming-of-age tale sweeps us along as she meets unexpected joys and setbacks. We also delve below the surface to confront small town and church attitudes to a gay brother, depression, sexual experimenting and sexual violence. Molly's faith evolves over time from traditional understandings to a mature liberalism.

Molly's heart warming story of growing up in New Zealand in the 1950s and 1960s parallels that of many Pasifika young people, as they grapple with what it means to grow up today, while staying loyal to their family, church and culture. They too face issues of morality, sex, sin, suicide, homosexuality and all sorts of other unmentionables.

In Greens and Greys we find that we can meet and overcome life's challenges, grow into a secure personal identity and develop a robust faith through trial, error and openness to learning.

Praise for Greens and Greys

"Thank you Rosalie for your passion for social justice. This book challenges us to think about complex issues that unfortunately are still very real today. It is thought-provoking and an ideal book for group discussion and dialogue. Each chapter brings to life questions and a reality we sometimes would rather avoid for fear of the unknown. We all have a responsibility to care and make a stand for life." Mataiva D. Robertson: Social Issues Convenor for Sinoti Samoa, Methodist Church of New Zealand

"Molly's story will take you through experiences spiritual and sexual seldom talked about openly, but so often struggled with in silence. The skilful and insightful choice of words - both descriptive and sometimes disturbing - creates images and recalls memories for people of all ages. This book is engaging, informative, entertaining and challenging." Rev Loyal Gibson

About the Author

Rosalie Reynolds Sugrue is a fifth generation West Coaster. Both her parents being fourth generation Coasters whose forebears came seeking gold. Rosalie's great grandfather, James Reynolds, was a local preacher from Cornwall who preached to miners on the beaches and helped establish the first Methodist church in Hokitika. His wife, Eliza, signed the petition that gave women the vote.

Rosalie's mother Elva Reynolds was a Methodist Deacon and also a lay preacher. Rosalie is a past president of the NZ Lay Preachers' Association, and the inaugural facilitator of the Methodist Lay Preachers Network 2004, serving as a co-facilitator until 2008. She has led hundreds of church services in New Zealand and the UK. She has also led rest home services, family services, cafe style worship, house blessings and devotions in many other situations.

A wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and author now retired Rosalie has worked as a psychiatric nurse, teacher and motellier.

She has been active in Jaycees, the Methodist Women's Fellowship, the Community of Women and Men in Church and Society, National Council of Women, the Churches' Agency on Social Issues, Victim Support and U3A.

She continues an active role as a lay preacher leading one to three services every month in a variety of churches.