Church leaders share concerns, hopes with PM

In a briefing paper to the Prime Minister, the Christian leaders said they were going to pray with him, share what they are seeing in their communities and discuss how to support a “thriving Aotearoa”.

The leaders questioned how “spaces for genuine dialogue between diverse people and perspectives in Aotearoa” might be supported at a time of growing strains on democracy and social cohesion, and related increases in polarisation.

The church leaders also asked how the focus and mana required by Te Tiriti could best be enabled by political leaders and churches.

Positive bipartisan efforts towards addressing modern slavery were acknowledged, but the briefing paper also asked how people could better engage in legislative changes, especially when vulnerable communities are affected.

Among key challenges named by the church leaders were homelessness, housing stability, cost-of-living pressures and barriers to education or employment for young people.

“A healthy economy is vital; your leadership has highlighted this goal,” the paper to the Prime Minister stated. “We desire to see an economy that upholds the wellbeing and dignity of all people in our communities.

“How do we know that we are creating a just economy where all can flourish?” they asked.

The church leaders said protecting the environment is “an issue dear to the heart of many thousands of Christians”, noting that “humanity is living beyond many of our planet’s boundaries”.

“We desire to see each generation working towards leaving a healthier environment for the next,” the leaders stated, asking “How do we as leaders work together to actively play our part in this?”

FULL STORY

A responsibility to People and Place: A paper for dialogue (New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services)