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Prayer in New Zealand Parliament: Changes, Controversies, and Impact

Explore the debate surrounding the New Zealand Parliament's prayer, including recent changes, the role of religion in a post-Christian society, and the importance of supporting those in authority. Discover the opinions of MPs and the public, and consider the implications for the country's governance.

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Prayer in New Zealand Parliament: Changes, Controversies, and Impact

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  1. Prayer at start of Parliamentary Day1st Timothy chapter 2 verses 1-5

  2. A Prayer for Parliament was established in 1854 • The current version was fashioned in 1962. • Specific moves were made to change the prayer in the years 2000, 2007 and 2014 but rejected. 1. Should the Speaker have changed the prayer before consultation with MPs was complete? 2. Secondly, is it appropriate to remove references to the Queen and Jesus Christ from the prayer? Poll conducted by Stuff – 10,000 responses I like the new prayer - 17% I prefer the references to the Queen & Jesus - 50% There should not be a prayer - 33%

  3. THE CURRENT PRAYER Almighty God, Humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace, and tranquillity of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE NEW VERSION Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on New Zealand. Laying aside all personal interests, we pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility, for the public welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.

  4. 2013 Census 48% of Kiwis affiliate with the Christian religion 6% with a non-Christian religion (Largest is Hinduism 2%) 42% claim no religious affiliation (the “Nones”) 3.Is it even appropriate to open our Parliament each day with a prayer?

  5. “So we come back to the basic point of whether there should be a prayer at all. Most of the cultures represented in our contemporary society have some sort of invocation to commence their official proceedings, and many of us are well and truly used to karakia. It is therefore not unreasonable that Parliament, an institution of custom and tradition, should have a similar procedure. From my vantage point, I never saw the daily Parliamentary Prayer as a literal request for direct, divine intervention in the work of our Parliament (a few, invariably to be disappointed MPs did!) but more a pause for reflection about the awesome nature of the responsibilities to the country all MPs have. To that extent, that brief moment before the rigours of the daily sitting was no bad thing in my view.” (Peter Dunne)

  6. 4. How do we be the Christian witness that God wants today, in our post-Christian society? • Christians can express our views to MPs like anyone • Not be seen to only oppose but support the good • Accept that our role in society has changed – prophetic • Pray for those in authority

  7. I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2v1-5, NLT)

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