Church And The State (Press, 20 May 1982)

The Springbok tour controversy has highlighted the complex relationship between the Church and politics, drawing significant commentary from church leaders who collectively opposed the tour and voiced their concerns publicly. The demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience by some anti-tour groups raised alarms about the Church's potential endorsement of lawlessness, leading to inquiries regarding its responsibilities when in disagreement with the State. In response, a joint working committee formed by the National Council of Churches (N.C.C.) and the Catholic Church has endeavoured to clarify the Church's role in political matters. This undertaking is significant as it navigates a historically sensitive issue, with notable figures like Karl Marx and Thomas Paine having critiqued the intertwining of Church and State. The Anglican Church itself originated from a conflict between an English monarch and the Vatican. The committee's research into Church-State relations yielded no substantial justification for the belief that the Church should avoid political engagement. Instead, they issued a policy statement titled "Church and State," asserting that the Church is tasked with the ongoing and challenging responsibility of engaging with the Government in support of all people. The N.C.C. represents eleven mainstream denominations, excluding Catholic and Pentecostal churches, yet includes Catholic representation, making the statement broadly reflective of the official Church stance. The N.C.C. acts as the political voice for Protestant churches, while a similar commission serves the Catholic Church, often sharing views on several pressing issues. In recent months, both groups have challenged various governmental decisions, with the Springbok tour becoming the most publicised contention. Additional criticisms have been directed at policies concerning "Think Big," land sales, and defence strategies. The N.C.C. is also investigating the Treaty of Waitangi’s legal implications and its impact on Māori justice and rights. Despite divergent opinions within the churches regarding these positions, Rev. Angus MacLeod, the N.C.C. secretary, emphasises democratic decision-making in their policy formation. If consensus cannot be reached, public statements on certain topics, such as abortion or LGBT issues, are not issued. MacLeod identifies the inherent tensions within the Council, which arise from varying priorities, such as personal salvation versus engagement in political spheres, and differing political perspectives among church members. The biblical principle “Render unto Caesar” serves as the foundation of the N.C.C.’s political role, which is to advocate for the marginalized and voiceless, holding the government accountable. While the council may often critique the National Party more than the Labour Party, it maintains a non-partisan stance, focusing on societal improvement regardless of the ruling party. In concluding its statement, the working committee positions the Church as an influential entity among many in a secular environment, expressing optimism about its capacity to effect societal change. Rev. MacLeod views New Zealand as nominally Christian, asserting that the Church's perception of being threatened is overstated, supported by statistics showing a significant percentage of the population identifying with the Church.

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