DESTINY CHURCH NEW ZEALAND
PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE
22 October 2008
Bishop Tamaki Responds to Discriminatory Comments by PM Helen Clark
Background
In an interview on Radio Waatea this morning, Helen Clark said, "I think probably most people in Maoridom will be
thinking what is going on here? This is not an Urban Maori Authority. This is a cult. It's ridiculous, as is, in my
view, any suggestion of a treaty claim by Black Power or the Mongrel Mob. It's not real. It's not serious."
Statement from Bishop Tamaki
On behalf of Destiny Church I wish to respond to comments from Prime Minister Helen Cark labelling the church a 'cult'
and on par with the Black Power and Mongrel Mob.
As Destiny Church approaches the eve of celebrating 10 years as a movement (A Decade of Destiny), we will be launching
our new status as an Urban Iwi Authority. This enables us to build far greater capacity around the services we provide
to our people, as up to this point, our community work has been entirely self-funded, without any government support
whatsoever.
I am immensely proud of the track record of Destiny Churches in helping a great many Maori and Pacific people improve
their position in life, not only for themselves but also for their families, their children and our communities. This is
the essence of what we have done and will continue to do. Indeed, there are many men who were once part of the gang
culture Prime Minister Clark has referred to, but who have turned a new chapter in their lives to take responsibility
for themselves and their families.
Our church is underpinned by the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith: a faith and lifestyle that is shared by a
great many New Zealanders and evidenced by the many churches, Christian organizations and denominations that are a part
of our landscape and heritage.
To be branded as a 'cult' by our Prime Minister is not only racist and discriminatory but is hurtful to me, but is
hurtful to the many thousands of Destiny Church members who have served and continue to serve our people and our
communities selflessly. It is also a slight on New Zealand's Christian community that shares our values and aspirations.
To that end, I will be seeking an apology from the Prime Minister for her discriminatory comments towards the members of
Destiny Church.
ENDS