Churches unite to combat child poverty -

NZ Churches unite to combat child poverty

Friday, August 31st, 2012

Proposals to reduce New Zealand’s unacceptably high child poverty rates need to be urgently debated and discussed, say the leaders of the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Salvation Army and Assemblies of God Churches.

“The crucial issues that result in child poverty need to be discussed by New Zealand’s political leaders and the wider community as a matter of priority,” says Archbishop David Moxon of the Anglican Church.

“Our children are our nation’s precious taonga,” says Archbishop John Dew of the Catholic Church. “We as adults have a collective responsibility always to strive to do our best for our children. We owe it to our children to give them a voice in this discussion and the decisions that will follow.”

Churches contribute to responses to child wellbeing through their own programmes, says Presbyterian Moderator Peter Cheyne. “Both formally through Church social service agencies which are among the largest in the country, and informally through activities of parishes and groups, we in the Churches are responding to the needs of vulnerable members of our communities. We look forward to contributing our grassroots experience to a debate which should concern all New Zealanders.”

Assemblies of God leader Iliafi Esera said “Our advisors will be participating in any consultative process afforded by the Commissioner for Children’s paper. I am shocked by the health indicators surrounding our Pasifika children. We are thankful for the Commissioner and his initiative in providing opportunity for discussion and debate.”

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