PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOP BRIAN TAMAKI

Asia-Pacific Interfaith Forum – Counter Rally
Tuesday 29th May

8 May 2007

Rally to oppose religious treason - Waitangi

Bishop Brian Tamaki of Destiny Churches New Zealand confirmed today his intention to hold a peaceful rally at an Asia Pacific Interfaith Forum being held at Waitangi on Tuesday 29th May.

The Forum, hosted by the Prime Minister, aims to incorporate a National Statement on Religious Diversity that declares, “New Zealand has no established or official religion.”

Bishop Tamaki questions the right of the Prime Minister to present any statement at an international forum that disregards about 150 years of Christian heritage and describes New Zealand as religiously neutral, especially considering over half of New Zealand’s population have a Christian affiliation.

“I affirm freedom of religious choice and certainly don’t wish to impose Christianity on society, but our Christian heritage is laced right throughout our constitutional, political and social arrangements and is very much a part of our national identity. We should not have to deny our Christian heritage to make other religions feel accepted,” said Tamaki.

Planning is currently underway for the event, which will incorporate the Destiny haka team and is open to the general public.

“It’s often said that religion has no business meddling in politics. Now we’ve got the State meddling in religion. Make no mistake - the proposed National Statement on Religious Diversity is a politically motivated document that would be incredibly dangerous in the hands of an anti-Christian Labour Government. I equate it to religious treason. So I will be at Waitangi to send a clear message to Government to honour our Christian heritage,” he added.

An event website will be launched in the next couple of days.

ENDS

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