Radical Presbyterian ‘has Place In Church' (Press, 2 November 1984)
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Summary: Radical Presbyterian ‘has Place In Church' (Press, 2 November 1984)
On 2 November 1984, it was reported that the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand will not be expelling Mr Rinny Westra, despite the controversy surrounding his radical views expressed in his recently published book, "The Faith of a Radical." The Church had accepted Westra's resignation as a fully ordained minister, but Church leaders, including the Rev. Allan Jones, the moderator of the North Shore Presbytery, affirm that Westra's unconventional perspectives still hold a place within the Church's discourse. Westra gained notoriety earlier in the year when he delivered an anti-nuclear speech at an Auckland Anzac Day service, leading to a walkout by angry war veterans. His book challenges traditional Christian beliefs, denying the deity of Jesus, his miracles, and resurrection, while also supporting homosexuality, lesbianism, and seeking solidarity with various movements such as feminism, Marxism, trade unions, and peacemaking. Rev. Jones acknowledged that while many congregants might be shocked by Westra's views, particularly traditional Christians, he believes it is crucial for members to engage with and contemplate the ideas presented. He noted the significance of thought diversity within the Church, mentioning that uninformed individuals often misunderstand the complexity of theological debates. Similarly, Rev. Jim Gunn, the Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery, downplayed Westra's influence on the broader Church, suggesting that his impact is comparable to that of Felix Donnelly within the Catholic Church. Westra himself expressed his commitment to remaining within the Church, stating that he is motivated by his religious identity and a desire to make Christianity more inclusive. He clarified that he does not entirely reject the Christian tradition but aims to adapt it to encompass a wider range of perspectives.
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