Christian Stands For Sydenham (Press, 28 October 1974)

In a meeting held on 28 October 1974, Mr T. C. Fouhy, the Christian Independent candidate for the Sydenham by-election, emphasised the need for a strong Christian voice in New Zealand's Parliament. He claimed to be the first candidate to run for a parliamentary seat on a purely Christian platform, advocating for Jesus Christ as a fundamental part of his campaign. Mr Fouhy argued that many New Zealanders desired a clear stand on controversial social and political issues, suggesting that politicians had neglected their responsibility to acknowledge a higher moral authority, namely God. At 67 years old, Mr Fouhy, who is a developer by profession, expressed his belief that the moral decay and complex problems facing New Zealand could not be resolved through traditional means such as political analysis or economic policies. Instead, he asserted that the key to true change lay in a cultural shift towards spirituality and a heartfelt commitment to God. He critiqued contemporary notions of freedom, stating that it had been distorted into a justification for permissive social laws. He insisted that true freedom involved the choice to follow God's commandments. In his campaign, Mr Fouhy pledged to oppose practices he viewed as immoral, such as abortion, homosexuality, and the introduction of sex education in schools. He described abortion as a form of foeticide, deeming the act of ending a viable pregnancy as an "ugly" practice that undermined the essence of humanity. Regarding homosexuality, he called for existing laws to be upheld and tightened, warning that the acceptance of homosexuality could lead to societal destruction. He was equally critical of proposals for sex education, suggesting that they stemmed from ignorance and only exacerbated the very issues they aimed to address. Overall, Mr Fouhy's campaign platform highlighted a desire for moral guidance and a call for New Zealand to reconnect with foundational Christian values. He encouraged individuals to reflect on their choices and to seek redemption and virtue in their lives, framing his candidacy as a vital step towards restoring these principles within the political landscape.

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