NZ Interfaith Group

Extract from: Race Relations in 2007, to be published by the Human Rights Commission in March 2008.

 

8.  Hahi: Religion

 

National Interfaith Forum

 

The fourth National Interfaith Forum was held in Hamilton in February. The annual Forum provides a space for discussion, debate and sharing of knowledge on issues of religious diversity and encourages and facilitates connections between people of different faiths. Topics of discussion included experiences of people of different faiths, the public debate on broadcasting funding allocations reflecting religious diversity, the link between spirituality and the environment from a Māori perspective, and activities of interfaith councils and groups.  The Statement on Religious Diversity was also a major topic of discussion. The forum resolved to endorse the Statement as a basis for further discussion around issues of religious diversity in New Zealand and urged communities to engage with the Statement as a means of promoting further dialogue and understanding.

 

Alliance of Civilisations Symposium

 

The Alliance of Civilisations initiative is a global effort to bridge divides between civilisations, co-sponsored by Spain and Turkey and launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2005.  The Secretary General appointed a High Level Group of twenty members from a broad range of regions and backgrounds to oversee implementation of the programme.

 

The High Level Group published a report in November 2006.  It was divided into two parts: the first focused on the political factors underlying tension between societies, particularly in the Middle East, while the second contained recommendations for action in four main areas:

• ensuring that education gives people an accurate picture of other peoples and cultures;
• giving youth more opportunities to understand people from other countries and societies;
• encouraging the media to avoid stereotyping and overstating conflict and disagreement; and
• developing migration policies which avoid creating either resentment or fear.

 

The report provides recommendations within these themes for practical action involving states (at the national, regional and local levels), as well as international organisations and civil society.

 

The Prime Minister convened a High-level Symposium in Auckland in May to discuss the report and consider its implementation in New Zealand and in the Asia-Pacific region. It was attended by Ministers, Chief Executives, community leaders and experts from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and was the first regional meeting to be held anywhere to discuss the report.  The Symposium was supported the report, in particular its rejection of the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ theory,  but considered that its implementation needed to have regard to the particular context of the Asia Pacific region, which differed in particular respects from that of Europe and North America. The Waitangi Regional Interfaith Dialogue, which took place the following week, offered an opportunity for a broader range of community leaders in the region to consider the outcomes of the Symposium.

 

The Government plans to complete an Alliance of Civilisations action plan for New Zealand in 2008.  

 

Asia Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation: Building Bridges

 

Faith community representatives from 15 South East Asian and Pacific nations met in Waitangi for three days in May for the third Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue.  The two previous dialogues took place in Cebu, Philippines in March 2006 and Yogyakarta, Indonesia in December 2004.  Representatives of a wide range of New Zealand faiths and denominations were able to attend.

 

The regional dialogue process is sponsored by the governments of Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines.  The sponsoring governments were represented at the opening of the Waitangi dialogue by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and Andri Hadi, representing the Indonesian Foreign Minister who was unable to attend.   

 

The theme of the Waitangi dialogue was Building Bridges, and discussion focused on practical actions to increase interfaith cooperation for peace, justice and security.  The resulting Waitangi Declaration and Action Plan focused on actions relating to youth, education and the media, as well as strengthening cooperation between governments and faith communities.  The New Zealand delegation identified six areas within the Action Plan of particular relevance to New Zealand.  These were:

 

·         Identifying clear points of contact within government for relations with faith communities and interfaith cooperation, including the interfaith network facilitated by the Human Rights Commission.

·         Strengthening interfaith dialogue and addressing concerns within religious communities, making use of the Statement on Religious Diversity 

·         Establishing an Asia Pacific regional interfaith network and database.

·         Education about religions, with a focus on developing resources for the new school curriculum which has a high-level focus on diversity.

·         Tertiary education institutions and religious diversity, including student exchanges, research and establishment of an Islamic Studies Centre. 

·         The media and religious diversity, noting the work done by the Journalism    Training Organisation and the review of the Press Council.

 

New Zealand Hindu Conference

The first New Zealand Hindu Conference was held at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Auckland in May on the theme of 'The contribution of the Hindu community to the national life of New Zealand'.  The conference was organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand, a newly constituted group, and included workshops and presentations relating to the economy, environment, culture, social life and health. The Hindu Council’s other activities through the year included hosting a Matariki (Maori New Year) celebration at the Hindu Heritage Centre and a rangoli (Indian art form) workshop at Apumoana Marae, Rotorua, in order to develop stronger relationships with Tangata Whenua. The Hindu Heritage Centre also conducted Te Reo Maori lessons at the premises. The Hindu Community is the second largest religious group in New Zealand after Christianity.

 

Islam Awareness Week

 

Islam Awareness Week is an annual event organised by Federation of Islamic Associations New Zealand.  It was celebrated in August with the theme of 'Unity in Diversity', recognising the many cultures from around the world that have come together under the banner of Islam.  It aimed to increase New Zealanders’ awareness of Muslim diversity, beliefs, values and practices and to provide an opportunity to engage with Muslim communities throughout New Zealand.  Events were held throughout the country, including lectures and exhibitions, Muslim women story telling and Mosque Open Days for the public to experience Muslim culture.  The annual Harmony Awards were presented as an introduction to the week, which this year included an additional media category. 

 

Religion and Schools

 

Religion and Schools was the topic of the interfaith forum at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August.  The forum discussed teaching about religion in schools, and the provisions for religious instruction in primary schools.  Speakers included Victoria University Religious Studies Professor Paul Morris, Auckland University Law Professor Paul Rishworth, Secretary of Education Karen Sewell, Human Rights Commission Principal Policy Analyst Sylvia Bell and a range of school representatives.  It was noted that the new schools curriculum would provide for students to learn about cultural diversity, including religious diversity.  The Human Rights Commission provided a draft of Frequently Asked Questions about Religion in Schools, addressing the complexities for Boards of Trustees complying with the provisions of both the Education Act and the Human Rights Act and Bill of Rights Act in determining policies about religious instruction and observance in schools.  The forum highlighted the need for:  

 

·         further research into the actual choices made by boards of trustees in relation to the teaching of and about religion and religious observances within NZ schools,

·         guidelines on these issues and

·         teaching materials on religious diversity and more generally for teaching about religion.

 

Building Bridges

 

Building Bridges is a programme coordinated by the Office of Ethnic Affairs which focuses on integration, public awareness and dialogue relating to the Muslim community.  The following initiatives were undertaken by  OEA in 2007 in partnership with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand:

 

·         Youth Awareness and Positive Dialogue:  a pilot project with schools to explore and raise awareness about Muslims amongst young people. The aim was to create an atmosphere for positive discussion and dialogue around what Islam and Muslims are about.

·         Visibility: an educational resource which aims to create dialogue on the benefits and challenges of diversity. This resource will include material on stereotyping of Muslims.

·         Media: targeted training provided to Muslim community leaders and representatives. The training included prominent journalists and media representatives.

·         Youth Leadership:  a training programme to develop the leadership potential of young Muslim New Zealanders. This programme included four sessions; identity and self-esteem, intergenerational conflict, civic participation, and NZ environment and connecting with it.

·         Conference of Imams:  a first national meeting of Muslim religious leaders in November to discuss issues of leadership and integration.

 

Speaking Tour by Dr Lois Wilson

 

‘When Freedoms Collide’ was the theme of a series of public meetings held in May during the visit to New Zealand of the Very Rev Hon Dr Lois Wilson, a Canadian specialist in human rights and religious diversity.  The meetings provided an opportunity for interfaith discussions within the framework of human rights and coincided with the Asia Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation. Meetings took place in Orewa, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Napier, Kapiti Coast, Dunedin and Christchurch. A highlight was a panel discussion on the Statement on Religious Diversity at the Auckland Cathedral which attracted over 300 people.

 

Statement on Religious Diversity

 

The Statement on Religious Diversity was completed in March, taking into account the discussion at the Hamilton Interfaith Forum and subsequent submissions. The Human Rights Commission, with the support of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO, published Religious Diversity in New Zealand, a small booklet containing the Statement and some accompanying background and commentary from Professor Paul Morris reflecting the comments received during consultation on the statement.  The booklet was distributed in May and provided to delegates to the Alliance of Civilisations Symposium and the Waitangi Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation.  Members of the Destiny Church staged a demonstration outside the Waitangi meeting to express their opposition to a reference in the statement about the separation of church and state, arguing instead that New Zealand should be a Christian state.   

 

Following publication, the statement was used to promote further discussion on religious diversity by inviting faith communities and other organisations to endorse it. Endorsements were received from Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand, Bishops of the Anglican and Catholic Churches, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, the Islamic Women’s Council, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New Zealand, the Waikato Interfaith Council, the Auckland Council of Christians and Jews, the Wellington Council of Christians and Jews, the Council of Christians and Muslims (NZ) Inc., the Christchurch Interfaith Council, the New Zealand Council of Christians and Jews, the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Auckland Interfaith Council.

The Human Rights Commission continues to seek endorsements as well as suggestions for amendment from faith communities and other stakeholders and the Statement will be reviewed in time for the 2009 New Zealand Diversity Forum.

 

Statement on Religious Diversity

New Zealand is a country of many faiths with a significant minority who profess no religion. Increasing religious diversity is a significant feature of public life.

At the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Governor Hobson affirmed, in response to a question from Catholic Bishop Pompallier, "the several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also Maori custom shall alike be protected". This foundation creates the opportunity to reaffirm an acknowledgement of the diversity of beliefs in New Zealand.

Christianity has played and continues to play a formative role in the development of New Zealand in terms of the nation's identity, culture, beliefs, institutions and values.

New settlers have always been religiously diverse, but only recently have the numbers of some of their faith communities grown significantly as a result of migration from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These communities have a positive role to play in our society. It is in this context that we recognise the right to religion and the responsibilities of religious communities.

International treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief - the right to hold a belief; the right to change one's religion or belief; the right to express one's religion or belief; and the right not to hold a belief. These rights are reflected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and Human Rights Act. The right to religion entails affording this right to others and not infringing their human rights.

The following statement provides a framework for the recognition of New Zealand's diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, with government and with other groups in society:

1. The State and Religion

The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no official or established religion.

2. The Right to Religion

New Zealand upholds the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religious or other belief.

3. The Right to Safety

Faith communities and their members have a right to safety and security.

4. The Right of Freedom of Expression

The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy but should be exercised with responsibility.

5. Recognition and Accommodation

Reasonable steps should be taken in educational and work environments and in the delivery of public services to recognise and accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices.

6. Education

Schools should teach an understanding of different religious and spiritual traditions in a manner that reflects the diversity of their national and local community.

7. Religious Differences

Debate and disagreement about religious beliefs will occur but must be exercised within the rule of law and without resort to violence.

8. Cooperation and understanding

Government and faith communities have a responsibility to build and maintain positive relationships with each other, and to promote mutual respect and understanding.

 

Faith in Parliament

 

Parliament’s Standing Orders Committee considered a petition to amend the wording of the parliamentary prayer but MPs voted to retain it. The petition asked that the House continue to open its sittings with a prayer, but with amended wording so that it would no longer be specifically Christian.  The Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, who chairs the Committee, suggested a survey to determine if there was a mood among Members favouring a change. Seventy-four members or 84 percent of respondents said that the prayer should continue to be recited at the beginning of each sitting. The Standing Orders Committee said the survey showed the prayer was a tradition that Members generally wished to retain in its current form.

 

Parliament continued to recognise faith communities and the events which are special to them. This included parliamentary functions events at Parliament to celebrate the end of Ramadhan (Eid) and Diwali.

 

Interfaith Networks

 

The Human Rights Commission continued to facilitate a national interfaith network. Te Korowai Whakapono, including monthly electronic newsletters on interfaith dialogue and cooperation around the country. 

 

A new Interfaith Council was launched in Christchurch in April. It joined other Interfaith Councils that undertake activities and projects throughout the country. The Auckland Interfaith Council organised a series of public seminars on life cycles including the beliefs of different faiths about birth, youth, maturity, death and seasons. The aim was to provide a space for people of different faiths to discuss important events in people’s lives. Cities and regions that have interfaith Councils include: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Bay of Plenty, Hibiscus Coast, Waikato, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Kapiti, Nelson, and Wanaka. There is also an Abrahamic Interfaith Group in Dunedin.

 

Sikhs and Aviation

 

In a submission to a parliamentary select committee considering the Aviation Security Bill, the Sikh Centre said that Sikhs feared they would be unfairly targeted by security profiling as a result of the Bill. The submission followed a number of incidents involving Sikh airline passengers, including a Sikh man being removed from a Qantas flight in Queenstown and Sikh priests being required to deposit their swords with the pilot of an aircraft flying from Auckland to Hawkes Bay. The submission highlighted that Sikhs can be unfairly targeted because of a lack of understanding of the religious importance of the turban and the kirpan. The Sikh centre suggested protocols that could be adopted by relevant authorities and made offers of assistance for training. The Centre’s concerns were included in the Select Committee’s report back to Parliament, and the Civil Aviation Authority’s expressed its willingness to undertake an information campaign to avoid unnecessary confrontations, including the need for law enforcement officers to consider religious sensitivities when carrying out searches.

 

“My God” Television Series

 

Pacific Crews Production Company produced a second 10 part television series, My God, which screened on Television New Zealand from August to October 2007. The half hour programmes, hosted by Chris Nichol, explored and celebrated the spiritual diversity of New Zealanders. Each programme focused on the life and spiritual beliefs of one NZ personality. Participants were selected for their unique perspective on life, each representing one of NZ’s many and diverse religious groups. The programmes featured Hindu actor, All Black Bull Allen from the Destiny Church, Druid Chris Mullane, Anglican writer Jo Randerson, Helen Smith from the Church of Scientology, Christian Judge Andrew Becroft, Rationalist Dame Barbara Goodman, John Maihi from the Ringatu faith, Buddhist Joycelyn Foo and Unitarian Universalist Derek McCullough.