5 April 2005

Statement in Parliament - Jim Anderton MP, Progressive leader

As a Roman Catholic, the values of the universal church have guided me in my life from a young Catholic youth worker in the 1960s to being a Cabinet Minister today.

Whilst many may now debate aspects of the church's approach to issues such as the role of women in society, the overwhelming impression left in my mind, and the mind of many I am sure, is the role that Pope John Paul II played to promote and to secure peace throughout the world.

The second impression is the value that the late pope placed on the recognition of different faiths and the need to work to eliminate conflict between faiths in the pursuit of peace.

And finally, New Zealanders will recall the role that Pope John Paul II played in achieving the peaceful transformation of eastern Europe from totalitarian to democratic rule.

May he rest in peace.

ENDS

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