Archbishop promises vigilance on morality

The new head of the Catholic Church in New Zealand says he will be just as trenchant in taking on the Government over moral issues as his predecessor.

Archbishop John Dew succeeds Cardinal Tom Williams as Catholic Archbishop of Wellington. Cardinal Williams, known for his outspoken views on moral issues, once described New Zealand as a "moral wasteland" and politicians as "modern barbarians".

He was the head of a church during years which brought changes that were an anathema to Catholic beliefs, and he fought against prostitution law reform, liberalisation of abortion laws, and the legal recognition of same-sex couples.

He has stepped down from the role he held since 1979 having reached the retirement age of 75 for diocesan bishops. But Archbishop John Dew intends to keep fighting those battles.

"One thing is to keep building on the incredible work done by Cardinal Williams. I would certainly hope to speak out on some of the moral issues that face society, to get people to stop and think 'What are the basic Christian or human issues that are involved?'" he said.

Archbishop Dew said he would take a strong stand on the issues such as the euthanasia and abortion debates and agreed with Cardinal Williams' objections to the Civil Unions Bill.

The moral code is the same, but he is taking over a church with a different face from 30 years ago - the increase in immigration has kept congregation sizes steady as well as making them more diverse.

Having worked as administrator of a parish in the Cook Islands, Archbishop Dew said he was thrilled to see those traditions gradually moving into New Zealand.

"In our cathedral we have had special Samoan services, Tokelauan paddle dancing, various traditions from the Philippines. Those communities give an amazing richness, particularly to our ceremonies and traditions."

Archbishop Dew was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington in 2004, giving him the right to succeed Cardinal Williams. The archbishop will be formally installed on April 7, but is already doing the duties of the cardinal.

Cardinal Williams, an archbishop since 1979, retains membership of three Vatican bodies and is eligible to vote in papal elections until 2010.