Open Letter To Political Party Leaders
New Zealand Parliament
(Sent 24 May 2007)
From: Bishop Brian Tamaki
Asia Pacific Interfaith Forum At Waitangi – 29 May 2007
On 29–31 May at Waitangi, the Prime Minister will present New Zealand as a religiously ‘neutral’ country to an
international audience by way of a ‘National Statement on Religious Diversity’ (NSORD) which has been crafted as a
guiding document for future reference on matters pertaining to nationhood and religion.
The Statement declares, “New Zealand has no official or established religion” and amongst other things contends that
schools should teach a diversity of religions. Of the eight principles contained in the NSORD no reference whatsoever is
made to New Zealand’s significant Christian heritage. Moreover, most of the principles outlined in the statement already
exist in New Zealand law. Which begs the questions, “why is such a statement necessary and what’s the motivation behind
it?”
I hold grave concerns that if this Statement were to be adopted by the Labour-led Government, which is clearly its
intention, then those ‘established’ elements of Christianity that currently exist within our constitutional, political
and social arrangements would have no basis to remain. Some examples include the Bible in our justice system, prayer in
parliament, Christmas and Easter holidays, our National Anthem ‘God defend New Zealand’ and Civic Oaths that acknowledge
a greater authority, to name but a few. Virtues and ethics based on Christian presumptions will come under even greater
scrutiny and risk being redefined. Examples include Christian traditions of truth and justice, rights balanced by
responsibilities, the nuclear family and parental rights.
Please understand I affirm the separation of church and state and an individual’s freedom of religious choice. Nor is it
my intention to impose the Christian religion on Society. However I, and many other New Zealanders believe the religion
of Christ, as declared in our prayer in Parliament, is the one true religion. I say this not to in any way to offend or
impose by personal belief on anybody, but contrary to what the proposed Statement on Religious Diversity says, New
Zealand does indeed have an established ‘Christian’ religion (meaning those things that have been set in place) that has
played a major role in shaping our national identity.
I do not believe it is in New Zealand’s best interests to minimise or deny our founding faith for the sake of religious
or political correctness. Matters pertaining to diversity, inclusiveness and tolerance are best approached when we are
secure in our own identity without fear of causing offence to individuals, groups or even countries of alternative
religious persuasions.
As such, I would expect that any statement pertaining to religious matters in the context of our country would honour
the founding faith of our nation so that future generations can enjoy the moral traditions, values, benefits and
freedoms that Christianity affords.
And since the Government has moved to formalise a statement on religion in our country (known as the Waitangi
Declaration), I intend to present a counter-statement (Waitangi Declaration) to the Forum that documents our Christian
heritage in such a way that it cannot be tampered with by future Governments. In fact, I hope a future Government would
be moved to officially recognise New Zealand as a Christian nation.
To that end, I will lead a delegation of church representatives at Waitangi to coincide with the Asia Pacific Interfaith
Forum on Tuesday 29th of May (next week), gathering at the Ngapuhi grounds at Waitangi by 12pm (midday).
I would like to extend an invitation to you or a representative from your party to attend. Event details can be viewed
on www.christiannation.org.nz.
Sincerely,
Bishop Brian Tamaki
Destiny Churches New Zealand
ENDS