In the last couple of weeks, there has been some public concern about words spoken in a video by Bishop Brian Tamaki on Facebook. Asserting that in India the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has fostered a purge of Christians and church burnings, Brian Tamaki said: ‘I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat’.

Was Bishop Brian really advocating what he said? Is it possible he was just speaking rhetorically, tongue-in-cheek, and in effect asking: ‘How would they like it if we did here what they do to our fellow Christians over there?’

Inevitably, however, Mr Tamaki’s words came to the attention of leaders of New Zealand’s Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities, who expressed considerable alarm – as did Race Relations Commissioner, Dr Melissa Derby. They felt that his words contributed into a growing and disturbing wave of prejudice and hostility towards Indian and other immigrants, which upset many and made them feel less safe. They also feared Brian Tamaki’s words could dangerously prompt someone to take his suggestions literally, and then to act on them. Obviously, that would be a highly tragic outcome, and counter-productive in all respects, both here and overseas.

In response to all this, a number of points…

1. As Christians, we firmly believe in the one true and living God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), as revealed in Christ and the scriptures. We do not need to feel threatened by those who hold to other religions, or to none. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, and to share the love of God in Jesus with everyone, both in word and in action.

2. Jesus calls his followers to love others, not to take revenge. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love those who hate us, and to seek reconciliation and peace. Vengeance is not endorsed by Jesus.

3. The largest religious allegiance in New Zealand is Christianity. But New Zealand has never been a wholly Christian nation. Christians in New Zealand are now a minority. Our society is a pluralistic and increasingly secular society, allowing freedom of religion (or non-religion) to everyone. If this country becomes more Christian again, it will above all be a work of the Spirit of God.

4. From a Christian perspective, cultural, ethnic, and religious minorities are all welcome in New Zealand, and should be treated with respect and goodwill. We are all human beings, we are all made in God’s image, and we – or our ancestors – were all migrants from somewhere else.

5. Christian faith transcends culture. The largest faith community in New Zealand is Christian, and Christian faith is held here by people of every ethnicity and culture. Many migrants (including Indians) who come to New Zealand are themselves strongly Christian. Many other immigrants to New Zealand come to faith in Jesus. Love and friendship shown by Christians can often be part of that.

6. It would be great in New Zealand if both Government and media paid much more attention to violence and injustice towards Christian communities in multiple overseas countries, if they advocated on their behalf, and if they made it significantly easier for persecuted Christians to enter New Zealand as refugees.

As Christians, members of New Zealand’s largest faith community, we need not only to love God and have great zeal for his honour and glory, but also to love our neighbours, showing God’s love in Christ to all.

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.