KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Jayson
As a Christian I don't want to see Christianity being declared the state religion. New Zealand is not a Christian nation. It might have been founded on such principles but has long ago moved away from them. Christianity is a personal decision based on the revelation of what Jesus did on the cross. How can such a faith then be forced on everyone in this country? Each individual is to choose whether they accept what Jesus did or not. Why are we so threatened by having other faiths here that we seek to block them? Isn't it part of the freedom of living here. My faith needs to be mature enough so that I can engage with other faiths without fear.
John (Wellington)
Over the course of human history organised religion appears to have done far more harm than good. A large part of the reason is that religion has been hijacked by political and economic priorities - which is exactly what "Bishop" Tamaki and associates appear to be doing. It is clear, and worrying, that "leaders" such as this thrive on bigotry and intolerance.
Not Taking Any Crap (Auckland)
bsolutely not. Religious fundamentalism is the cause of or excuse for most of the conflicts in the world. This is one of the most secular and diverse countries in the world and it should remain so. Religious fanatics can bite me.
Non Secular
England has a state religion - Anglicanism; Scotland - Presbyterian; the Vatican City is a small city state in Rome, Italy, embracing Catholicism; Iran has a theocracy embracing Shi'ite Islam. Does Brian Tamaki want us to make Destiny Church our state religion, with him playing the role that the Queen of Britain and NZ currently plays as head of the Anglican Church? Or perhaps he wants to style himself along the lines of an Ayatolah as they do in Iran? Turkey is a secular state with a Muslim majority. They don't have the social catastrophes we see in less secular states. NZ is the same. We get by without the need for an official state religion because most of us respect other peoples right to have their own personal views, including keeping your Jesus personal. A state religion under Tamaki will force beliefs down my throat that I find abhorrent personally.
John Bee (Wellington)
I'm resigned to this self-promoting 'rubbish' like Destiny that dupes folks low in the pecking order to boost its numbers and use religion [a term having about as much to do with spirituality-cum-God as currently the law has with justice] to serve its own undivine and very limited agenda. New Zealand is a small nation seen from outside and can be made to look quite dopey by such esoteric chest thumpers ... as the saying goes, empty vessels make the most noise.We're a fairly tolerant society, the majority of us - I'll repeat that: the majority of us; not vociferous minorities that feel self-important only as a noisy group that can attract attention from impoverished media.Who says we're Christian? Christians, practising or lipservice, form by far the greatest segment of Kiwi society, but no denomination is a 'state' religion, as in the UK. What do these posturing fellas want?
Moheka
I'll keep this short, over my dead body will this country be a Christian country. And Maori beliefs in their gods were here before those damn missionaries. There are plenty reasons why the state should not adopt this, examples of the Inquisitions of Europe come to mind. Is this Brian Tamaki's own watered down version of that?
Craig
Helen Clark is simply stating the fact that NZ has no official state religion - what's controversial about that? Destiny Church finds this fact offensive simply because it undermines their political and purportedly moral power base.
Tony
How many types of fishes in the sea? How many types of culture/people in this world? Most religion believes we are all created by God and He gave us the freedom of Choice. Why then must man who knows less than God wants to dictate otherwise? Could this "choice" not in his greater scheme of things? Different strokes for different folks-different shoe sizes-there are many roads to My Kingdom as there are many Rooms in my Father's Mansion. All religion teaches tolerance,humility,love etc. What is there lacking on your part? After all the greatest enemy is oneself-did you not know this? Jesus Christ was in His time a very humble and tolerant as the clothes He wears and also His travel arrangements-the donkey.The places He stays in His travels huts-born in a stable. Can anyone tell me what He owns? The clothes on His back? Be Happy-Be Tolerant.That's Life Mate.
Joshua
New Zealand was not founded on Christian principles - Christianity was brought to these shores almost 500 years after New Zealand was first settled, the arrival of the missionaries started the systematic destruction of Maori society by marginalising Maori spiritual and cultural beliefs. All religions should be respected and tolerated, we live in a liberal society where freedom of choice is still highly valued. We have much to learn from all religious beliefs so open your minds and your souls may flourish.
Richard
I get tired of religious debates. Mainly because people like destiny church remain ignorant to others belief systems and rights. Honestly Destiny church reminds me of some of the worst televangelists in the states. ripping off poor people so that the heads of the church can live a luxury life. New Zealand is not a Christian culture, it is a multi racial, multi belief system culture, and these people like destiny church are just acting like little children throwing a tantrum, spreading hatred because they don't like that people do have other belief systems. Pity they didn't have the intelligence to understand that every belief system believes in the same basic principals and the same God. Grow up children, there is enough violence and hate in his world, than more, coming from supposed people who are meant to believe in love thy neighbour,, etc.
Westie
Firstly let me point out I am not a Christian. I was bought up in a religious cult called the Jehovah's Witness.However I now prefer to practice Wicca which otherwise known as Witchcraft. I am sure Bishop Tamaki, if he ever gets to a position of absolute power in NZ, would have me and others burnt at the stake for following what I feel is my preferred belief system. Can you imagine a country lorded over by a man who expects his followers(or even the whole population of NZ) to tithe about 12 per cent of their income to his Church??? NZ would become similar to Nazi Germany if that was ever the case. If so God Help NZ in place of God Defend NZ as the national anthem.We are a nation of various belief systems. None should hold any preference above the other. Neither should one belief system try forcing its doctrines upon others without their free will.Lets just hope Brian Tamaki will be long forgotten trouble maker in 5 years time.
The Facts
Whatever your opinion is on this matter it will not change the fact that this nation's heritage is rooted in Christianity. Christianity does not force people to join their faith. Western civilisation has prospered under Christian influence and this cannot be denied.You only need to view the tensions and issues arising in Europe (esp. London and Paris)where secularism has become the state religion (as is happening in NZ). Religions that use hate methods such as terrorism have begun to dominate, and the victim mentality where people rely on the state to solve all its problems, is rife in these secularist states. So get the facts, study your history, and follow the path of our current secularist and socialist government interfering into the future and you will realise that the supposedly sweet pill of religious neutrality is really a disguise for further societal breakdown. Christianity supports family, caring for others, and ownership of the ramifications of how we live... .this is and has been good for our country. Beware of the seemingly innocuous decisions such as those being made yesterday in the forum. They will have ramifications.
Mawera (Whakatane)
New Zealand has become a melting pot, largely due to our having opened our doors to anyone who meets the very criteria; and some who don't. We have become an inclusive society that celebrates differences. We have no right to dictate personal choice or discriminate on the basis of religion. If we start dictating religion which is a very personal choice then where does it end? It would be like saying we are a rugby nation and to hell with netball, cricket, sailing. Christianity is not my choice of religion but I don't condemn anyone who has Christian beliefs... or Buddhist, or Hindu or Muslim. What ever helps people to sleep at night is their business. There are better ways to identify ourselves then by religion.
Helen (Auckland)
Absolutely we should have a recognised State religion, This country was founded on Christian beliefs and (until labour came to power) was run on Christian beliefs and values.I can accept and tolerate the fact that not everyone is a Christian or even has any religious views but a lot of us do.It is a lie to think that we don't have any state endorsed religion, after all Evolution, the big bang and other such atheist views are taught everyday within our schools. This is just as much a religion as any other - and is compulsory to learn and not once in my 5 years at high school was creation ever taught or even discussed, and atheist must accept this is what I know and believe to be true. If we had another state religion - Christianity our children would have the opportunity to learn both view points and make an informed decision. What they believed would become theirs and their parents decision Not Aunty Helens.
Graeme
To say that NZ recognises all religions is wrong. If we did recognise all religions than we would also recognise all religious holidays. A more correct statement should be that we respect all religions rather than recognise them.We are a country founded by mostly Christian settlers.
Happy (Mt Eden)
We definitely need to establish our country as an established Christian society. It is our identity, and is not subject to change by immigrants whatever their religion. Incoming peoples practice their religion freely, with respect, and we require nothing less from them. But pause for a moment - how would people of any other religion react if we moved to one of their countries in large numbers? Would they be so tolerant to allow us to reject their traditions and beliefs? I think not. Recently in Palmerston North a Muslim stated he was offended by a Cross on top of the clock tower and wanted it removed! The audacity of this is an insult to our Christian heritage, and to our country hosting him and his family.Get real - we are a Christian society with laws grounded in good Christian principles. Don't deny it.
Derrick Moore
The Destiny church is once again rearing its head and showing New Zealand how far from reality their leaders and followers are, small minded bigots.He needs to get over himself. Religion and belief in a higher power is a personal choice and should not be thrown at others that do not believe the same. What would Mr Tamaki propose to do about this proclaimed issue? Would he have all non-Christians removed? Would he have them all stoned to death would he round up his fanatical followers and forcibly remove non-Christians to "Re-education camps". What is Mr Tamaki's problem? Everyone else gets along and is happy to work, socialise and co-exist with people of differing faiths, ethnicities and beliefs, why can't he?
Sid
New Zealand should be a christian country. We should also burn down all the schools and universities that teach that rubbish about evolution.
Charles
Brian Tamaki is talking about NZ being a Christian nation. Where was Christianity before the treaty in NZ? The Maoris had their own religion but Christianity took over these fundamental values of their way of life. So Brian Tamaki you need to look at where NZ is today. We are a multicultural and multireligious nation and not a whole and sole Christian nation. By the way I am a Christian. Love and Peace to all.
Johann
I don't understand the mindframe from which someone would want to declare their country to have a state religion. Religion should be something personal, a spiritual connection. What good could it possibly do this country to declare a religion except make people of other faith's feel like second class citizen's; from the sounds of it that is what Bishop (he doesn't deserve that title, but then again who does) Tamaki wants, and I don't understand how any god fearing/loving person could possibly adopt that standpoint.
Ninya
Surprisingly, I find myself somewhat agreeing with Mr Brian Tamaki. Historically, it is perhaps correct to say that we "... formerly recognise New Zealand as a Christian nation". However, as over 1.3 million of us (one third of the population) professed "no religion" in the 2006 census, it is abundantly clear that New Zealand is now formally a secular nation.
Sarah (Howick)
If we did have a state religion, it ought logically to be the religion of our head of state, Anglicanism. Brian Tamaki is not an Anglican so I don't see what he stands to gain from that. I also don't see what the country as a whole would gain, spiritually or morally, from having a state religion. People need to come to Christianity (or any faith) of their own accord, because the religion touches their hearts and minds, not because it is imposed on them by others.
Pilot P
New Zealand can not allow state religion because of the fact that we are a multi-cultural society. The diversity of people in New Zealand are so vast and different it is almost 'wrong' to have an official religion. In regards to the election, people will be voting for the wrong reason, and all the landmarks New Zealand has achieved in our current society, such as the civil union, will be erase and we will find ourselves walking backwards into the future. The values we have in life and how we live have changed, to better or worst, since two thousand years ago. We can not live by the same rules as people did two millennium past- We need to advance not recede.
SB
Funny how Brian Tamaki and his cronies were so opposed to the Smacking Bill as it imposes upon our freedom of rights, yet they want to restrict other religions in New Zealand, which I think is an even bigger breach of freedom of rights. To move forward as a country, we need to accept and tolerate and celebrate differences, not restrict them. This is not the 19th Century, it is clear from looking into our history and other Western and even non-Western History that religious fanaticism is more often than not detrimental to a countries development. Not to mention that there are thousands of New Zealanders who have 1st, 2nd, 3rd (and so on) generation who are not Christian yet have their own religious practices which they have carried out harmlessly for years. Brian Tamaki, you and your Church are a much greater danger to our society then any of your rants and claims, get over yourself!
Vallivero
How the hell does Brian Tamiki have the right to take away peoples basic human rights? I am not a religious person at all but I do believe that people should feel free to believe what they want wherever they want, as long as its not enforced or effect anyone else. This man has some serious megalomania.
Michelle B
Frankly, if NZ is declared to be a 'Christian Nation', where our laws/legal system, and discussions on rights are all based strictly on Christian principles (as in adherence to the Bible), then this is not a place I want to live. I am very patriotic. I love my country. But I do not want to be here if religion is institutionalised - and if one particular relgion is seen as the right one, while the others are relegated to pesky things that 'other people' bring in. We live in a multi-cultural country. This means that this is also a multi-religion country(and even when it was bi-cultural that did not give a single relgion). I do not find my national identity threatened by this. But maybe that's because my national identity was never based on my relgion, but rather the country that I am proud to live in.
Brett Le Mouton
I don't believe NZ has any state religion. Keep the separation of church and state, unless we want something similar to the situation in the US. NZ consists of Christians, yes, but a lot of us aren't. Let people worship whatever Gods they want, it really doesn't concern anyone else. It certainly isn't going to "defile" NZ. In my opinion, Brain Tamaki's brand of far fetched fundamentalism is more likely to defile this country.
Adam Taylor
The Destiny following does not depict the core Christian principles I have known since a child. The hatred and anger I have seen expressed from this group lead by their megalomaniac leader, does not reflect the kind of Christianity I know. Christianity has and does play a part in all types of things from our judicial system, public and private events and the list goes on and on, however NZ is part of an ever changing world and I believe we need to express a certain level of understanding and respect towards other religions, even if they do not marry up with our own beliefs. Brian Tamaki and his followers do not represent me as a Christian! Anyway, it's election year next year, I guess he will take any type of media attention he can get. Better get his hair colours done too!
Christopher James
As an atheist, I am just as offended as any other minority religions that I should be categorised into the "Christian" community. I believe that we are multi-cultural and therefore multi-religious, including non-believers and others.
Star
Come on G: here's a list of Muslim Leaders who happen to be women:Begum Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh's Prime Minister in October 2001.Begum Sheikh Hasina was in power as Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001.Benazir Bhutto was Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996.Megawati Soekarnoputri was President of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004.
Will Destiny Church be protesting again when the Dalai Lama speaks at Vector Arena in June? Brian Tamaki's unwelcoming style is an embarrassment to Kiwis who wish to show Nobel Peace Prize Winners like the Dalai Lama that his opinions and perspectives are respected and he is free to share them here whether he is Buddhist or Christian.
Brigid Kelly
New Zealand was founded on Christian principles, like most things in the 19th century. It was also founded on racist ones - like most things in the 19th century. The world has changed a lot since then, and largely for the better. I think it is entirely fair that Christianity continue to hold its special place in some Kiwis' hearts, but not at the expense of other people's right to honour God in their own way. I am 100 per cent sure that Brian Tamaki is not without sin, so he should stop throwing stones forthwith.
Elima
If Helen Clark claims that we do not have a state religion, then why is it that we have national anthem that pleads for God's help in defending New Zealand? She cannot deny that the "God" referred to in our anthem is a Christian God and not Allah or other gods of other beliefs.
maxim (Auckland)
Christ's teachings and Christianity are not always consistent it seems. There are many gates entering the garden of creation and many paths to 'get there'. (Or is that here?) Getting there is to be as one with all of life, to have tolerance and allowing for all the diversity of the Divine "I AM" expressing as love or as.... the choice is as ever our own to make. Maori want sovereignty; and ask for tolerance of this choice. All people if you dig deeply enough want this same thing, they merely have different ways of describing this. The Destiny Church does not in my opinion seem to show much tolerance or allowance for the wonderful diversity of our New Zealand culture. This is no longer a bi cultural country. We are richer for this diversity; we have more choice and can compare our 'ways' with those of others to see what is truly of value.I wonder what Christ would say about these activities, they seem to be full of anger and the desire to have others 'do as I do' in my view.
Arhu (Eden Terrace)
We should keep the status quo of no state religion. God is the leading cause of death, wars have been and are being fought over whose religion is right - as a race, humanity can do better. In my opinion, the sooner we cast off the shackles of all religious doctrines and focus on the key ideas of being nice to each other and accepting all of life's diverse people as equals, the sooner we can concentrate on helping 3rd world nations and eliminating poverty, instead of pouring billions into wasteful endeavours.
Demaris
It's a shame we have a leader that embrasses all other religions and immoral ideas, but seems to turn her back on Christianity. Christianity is based on a personal relationship with a personal God, no other religion can claim this. It is no surprise to hear of Helen's proposal regarding a secular society of no particular religion. What will happen to our proud anthem God of nations? Will it be come gods of nations? I feel proud to sing my national anthem and I wonder how anyone can sing it and not think about the meaning. Spiritual War and Strife is what we now face today in our own country. I have agreed with Destiny Churches values, but have not always agreed with the way they go about it, in this instance I fully agree with their stance to keep NZ a Christian nation. It's about all we have left to fight for.
Nga Puhi Girl (Hokianga)
I think Brian Tamaki is speaking utter rubbish in saying that we are a Christian Society or should be! People should be able to practice their own religion openly. Helen Clark is right in saying that we are a multi-faith society. Lets face it New Zealand is not a Christian Society and will never be.
I wonder
As usual Helen seems ok with the idea of working against New Zealanders in an attempt to welcome the world to our door step. She and others of her ilk may be comfortable living in a bland UNocracy - I prefer the traditions we have built this country on.The worry is as a nation we seem more concerned with the form of the All Blacks.Mr Tamaki's comments usually creep me out but this time he's not too far from the truth so I hope he keeps agitating - the country may eventually thank him for it.
G
New Zealand was definitely founded on Christian principles. If Ms Clark wishes to embrace all religions of the world then she should resign from public life, as many Muslims would be offended at a woman holding such a prominent position in Government. She should also look into other religious sensibilities that she is offending, then decide whether she wants to reject Biblical Christianity.
Lyn Connolly
Warm memories of our Christian colonial roots aside, the Destiny protest expresses ignorance and hatred toward non-Christian faiths. Fundamentalism is a danger in any religion, and we should be wary of these hostile words. If any religion is to defile our soil, it is the Destiny religion of hatred and intolerance.
Chris Lucas
We should be seen as a Christian nation.
