Labour on notice

Church groups representing thousands of Christians are mobilising to create a political force aimed at mortally wounding Labour at the next general election.

Emergency post-Civil Union Bill talks have been held between the leaders of virtually all Christian denominations, representing about 400,000 regular church-goers and up to two million New Zealanders who identify themselves as Christian. Some of the most motivated are the conservative Pentecostals, who have come out in support of the Destiny Church's rigid stance against homosexuality and in defence of the traditional husband-wife-led family.

A new pan-Christian political movement is a possibility, although a powerful and co-ordinated lobby group that could influence mainstream parties is preferred. Some have also set their sights on United Future, which is seen as having let them down by supporting the Government this term.

The Government says it is not worried, claiming it stands on its record, especially in providing for young families. Cabinet minister Trevor Mallard said: "This year's Budget has done more for families with children than any other budget in my lifetime. And I am confident that mainstream churches who look to essential Christian values understand that."

However, despite these claims, unprecedented political discussions have been under way in Auckland this month between the leaders of evangelical and Pentecostal churches and most Protestant denominations via the Vision Network, a collective of church leaders. The Network has also been in discussions with the Catholic Church about a united way forward. "Next year they (church leaders) are going to really engage with all the political parties and ask why they think we should still take them seriously," said Network director Glyn Carpenter.

Talks will culminate in New Zealand's fourth congress of the churches in May, in which more than 260 leaders of all denominations will meet.

Mr Carpenter said a pan-Christian endorsement of a particular party was unlikely.

However, other leaders are hoping for a new united Christian party and have begun preaching against the Government and warning Christian party Future New Zealand that their only hope of survival is to pull out of United Future.

"Many Christians got behind Future New Zealand but that won't happen this time," said Luke Brough, pastor of Howick's 2000-strong Elim Church. "There is a lot of disappointment and a lot of anger that United Future has propped up this Government while it's passed through a lot of legislation that's anti-New Zealand.

"We are still looking for somewhere for that support to go to."

Mr Carpenter said churches were still looking at whether the Christian Heritage Party and Destiny were good alternatives.

Anthony Walton, Future New Zealand founder and until last week United Future deputy, warned against creating a solely Christian political party.

"The real problem with using the word Christian is that no one party will ever represent all the churches in the country.

"What are they going to enforce? Old Testament law, or New Testament law? And is creating law the most appropriate way to enforce that? I don't think so."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY