Statement on Queerphobia and Xenophobia

We condemn the actions of senior cabinet ministers who continue to use racist and xenophobic language in Parliament, demeaning immigrant communities. We strongly denounce Destiny Church’s attempts to disrupt the Pride Parade and incite violence at a children’s event, all under the guise of faith. Additionally, we deplore the misuse of the Haka—an Indigenous expression of diversity and resilience—being distorted as a tool to spread hate and homophobia.

The global rise of ultra nationalism and the religious right, particularly within Christian fundamentalism, has had devastating effects on vulnerable communities. However, we are encouraged by the courageous public voices across different communities who challenge these supremacist ideologies with acts of care and solidarity.

As a theological institution of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, we stand firmly in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ and migrant siblings. We acknowledge your pain, fear, grief, and anger, as well as the times when we have failed to stand alongside you in the fight against discrimination. We reaffirm our commitment to celebrating diversity and rejecting harmful theologies and ideologies that undermine the dignity of any person.

We echo the words of the President of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, spoken at Waitangi:

The prophetic voice of our nation that we seek is not always found in the speeches of politicians or church leaders. But perhaps it is best reflected in the everyday people of Aotearoa—the people, Māori and non-Māori, tangata whenua and tangata tiriti..

In their name, we call upon the Coalition Government to practice MERCY, urge faith communities to embrace JUSTICE, and invite all people of goodwill to embody MANAAKITANGA, transforming our communities into sanctuaries of inclusion and affirmation.

We remain committed to ministries of disruption and healing, engaging through worship, song, preaching, writing, research, and protest, to build a more just and compassionate society.