October 31, 2011

Church leaders are calling on all political parties to acknowledge their shared responsibility to provide a just share of Aotearoa New Zealand's wealth and resources for all its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

This includes adequate income for everyone, fair taxation policies, access to good health care, affordable housing, and provision for sustainable living.

The church leaders state: "These are not privileges but part of the common heritage of humanity. Social welfare is part of a greater picture of social, economic and environmental priorities and decisions about spending. Caring for others makes us better people and strengthens our community."

Rodney Macann, group spokesperson and national leader of Baptist Churches of New Zealand, said, "It's not every day that church leaders join together with a collective voice on an issue, which proves how strongly we feel about the importance of the state's role in providing for all members of society."

Bringing ethical questions to the proposals of political parties, the church leaders ask: "How are the most vulnerable faring in this society? How will particular policies affect them? What decisions will be made about land? How efficient is our economy in producing wealth and income and ensuring its benefits are shared with all citizens?"

Basic principles that support these questions include: fair treatment for all members of society with particular care for the most vulnerable; strong, safe communities and well-protected children; and spreading the taxation load fairly and proportionately across all sectors of society.

Although acknowledging that the best development is that in which people face their issues and find solutions, the church leaders state that people cannot develop alone. "While churches are called to bring leadership for a strong ethic, underpinning fairness and responsibility, the role of government action remains essential for a fair society."

Macann urges all New Zealanders to think about their values, especially during the General Election campaign. "No matter what your faith or beliefs, consider your values, and then consider what direction you think our government should take to ensure a fairer future for all New Zealanders."

The statement is signed by:
Rodney Macann, national leader, Baptist Churches of New Zealand
John Dew, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington
David Moxon, archbishop, Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia
Desmond Cooper, president, Methodist Church of New Zealand
Peter Cheyne, moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Donald Bell, territorial commander, Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga
Ken Harrison, general superintendent, Assemblies of God in New Zealand

Episcopal News Service
Anglican Taonga