Mainline Christians on Monday will take a stand against the telechurch politics of Brian Tamaki and the Destiny Church. Christians for Civil Unions, a nationwide network of Christians from mainstream denominations including Presbyterians, Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, and Methodists, has confirmed their attendance at the Rally for Human Rights at 11:30 in Parliament grounds. "We want the New Zealand public to realise that Destiny is not a representative Christian voice," says spokesperson Rev Dr Margaret Mayman. "Civil Union legislation is an issue of social justice which should transcend theological differences. It will provide legal protection and social support for many New Zealand families that are currently vulnerable." The Christians for Civil Unions network formed to counter fundamentalist Christian opposition to the the legislation and to present an alternative Christian voice in the public conversation about legal protection and recognition for same-sex and de facto couples. The group is concerned that while Destiny's rhetoric is aimed at the government, it is hurtful and damaging to many New Zealanders who are gay or lesbian, or who have gay and lesbian family members. "We will be at parliament as a peaceful presence, following in the footsteps of our founder Jesus Christ, and of Christian justice seekers who have gone before us like Rev Dr Martin Luther King Junior," says Margaret Mayman.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 21st August 2004 - 12:00pm