Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R). (Darron Cummings/Associated Press)
Last week I emailed an article to a group set up by NZ Christian Network to engage on the topic of secularism.
The article concerned a bill which was about to be signed into law by the Governor of Indiana in America protecting certain religious freedoms. The bill is apparently in line with the legal standard protecting religious liberty in all U.S. federal courts as well as 31 state courts.
So what’s the problem you might ask?
Well, the bill is being opposed by groups which say that if the bill becomes law it would effectively allow bigotry and discrimination. Specifically, they say it would allow people to discriminate against gays exercising their right to marry and receive services they are legally entitled to under law. Those in favour of the bill say it is necessary in order to protect their religious liberty and safeguard against being forced to support something they don’t believe in.
Now you might say, that’s just the way things roll in America. Culture Wars quickly come to the surface on all sorts of issues – sexuality featuring high on the list. And they often seem to pitch Christian conservatives against secular liberals in a battle-type scenario where it seems there are no clear winners.
Others would say, well there is a point to be made – religious freedom is a right, and we need to speak out to defend it, otherwise we will lose it, and then people will be forced to act in ways contrary to their religious convictions.
Then there are others who would say, the point that needs to be made is already well known – nothing further is gained from engaging in prolonged public debate, the state knows or should know the importance of protecting religious freedom, if the state removes such protection, let matters take their course.
We would really like to hear your thoughts on this. Without the chance to hear other people’s ideas, if the issue ever crops up in New Zealand, there’s a good chance that any public response will be divided and therefore more easily discounted.
WEA Secretary-General meets UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
New York, NY – March 12, 2015
New Zealand Christian Network is the NZ member and representative of the World Evangelical Alliance. With so many global issues that require a variety of groups to play their part, it is important to build relationships with other key players.
In the first week of his tenure, Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Bishop Efraim Tendero met with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss ways to strengthen partnership on issues of common concern. Bishop Tendero affirmed WEA’s commitment to continue working with the UN on global and national level to address subjects such as violent conflict, extreme poverty and corruption, and to strengthen inter-faith dialogue and the care for creation.
Amanda Jackson is the newly appointed leader of the World Evangelical Alliance Women’s Commission.
She recently blogged the following for International Women’s Day (March 8th).
International Women’s Day is still important. March 8th has only lost its relevance if we use it as a day to promote more privileges for ourselves. But by using it as a day to stand up for women around the world, who are living in poverty and oppression, it is hugely relevant.
New Zealand Christian Network calls New Zealanders to pray for New Zealand troops
New Zealand Christian Network director Glyn Carpenter is asking New Zealanders to join in prayer for safety for the troops being deployed to Iraq and the conflict with Islamic State.
“People have different views on whether troops should be sent or not. It was a very difficult decision and we are praying for the Prime Minister, and the government, and all our politicians.
“But we hope that all New Zealanders could be united in praying for the safety of those troops who will be deployed on this mission. Most of us can do little or nothing about what will happen over in Iraq. But we can pray. And we should pray – asking God to keep our troops safe.
“Even though they are not supposed to be in a combat role, this does not mean that this could not happen” said Carpenter.
“We ask people also to pray earnestly for a speedy end to this conflict with Islamic State, and to the horrific killings and terror attacks we see reported regularly through our news media. We pray for the safety of all those who are working to bring this about”. [ENDS]
New Zealand Christian Network is a broad-spectrum network of churches and Christian leaders, with a Board of Reference that includes leaders from all the main denominations. It seeks to present a biblically orthodox position on issues, reflecting the views of the majority of Christians in New Zealand. For queries or further information contact: Glyn Carpenter National Director, New Zealand Christian Network Mobile 022 1 847466022 184 74 Email glyn@nzchristiannetwork.org.nz www.nzchristiannetwork.org.nz
Family values – Who decides what is “public benefit”?
NZ Christian Network (NZCN) is encouraging people to support Family First in its upcoming High Court case with the Charities Commission.
“People may hold widely different views on Family First. Not all leaders in the Network would agree with everything they say” said NZCN national director Glyn Carpenter.
“But there are deeper, more important issues at stake here” he said.
“If, as has been reported, the charities commission position is that “traditional family values are ‘controversial‘ and of ‘no public benefit'” and that “it is in the public interest to remove the Trust...”, then we would ask the Charities Commission to publish a clear statement about how they measure what is ‘controversial’ and what constitutes ‘public benefit’.
“We will be writing this week to the Commission requesting this information and we will publish the response when we get it.
“Family First is by every common sense measure a charitable organisation, working to strengthen marriages and families in New Zealand. And there is strong evidence that supports the traditional family structure they advocate for.
“Some of the things they say may be controversial to some people. But that is probably true for every organisation in New Zealand. This position taken by the Charities Commission must be bound by sound, transparent principles which apply equally to all. We need to be very careful before we allow state power to be used to limit free speech”.
[ENDS]
New Zealand Christian Network is a broad-spectrum network of churches and Christian leaders, with a Board of Reference that includes leaders from all the main denominations. It seeks to present a biblically orthodox position on issues, reflecting the views of the majority of Christians in New Zealand.
For queries or further information contact:
Glyn Carpenter
National Director, New Zealand Christian Network
Mobile 022 1 847466
Email glyn@nzchristiannetwork.org.nz
www.nzchristiannetwork.org.nz
Amanda Jackson, newly appointed Women’s Commission leader for the World Evangelical Alliance
Amanda Jackson has just been appointed as the new leader of the Women’s Commission for the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). NZ Christian Network (NZCN) is the New Zealand member of the WEA.
NZCN’s national director Glyn Carpenter got to spend a lot of time with Amanda at the recent WEA ILF (International Leadership Forum).
“I had met her once before in Auckland and knew a lot about her by reputation when she headed up Micah Challenge for Australia”.
“Micah Challenge Australia was regarded as something of a benchmark for Micah Challenge groups around the world.
“She clearly has got great leadership ability, so we’re delighted she’s taking on this role” said Carpenter.
NZ Christian Network has three women on its board, who have started talking to key women leaders about setting up a Women’s Commission or network in New Zealand and the South Pacific.
