Secular groups have praised some of the decisions Joe Biden has made. But, they are concerned the administration’s idea of interfaith outreach may tend to exclude nonbelievers. Non-religious groups have celebrated several of the new President’s actions. These include rescinding a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military; rejoining the Paris climate accords; Read more
The Salvation Army is concerned that cultural and spiritual wellbeing was not being considered alongside physical wellbeing, in the Health Response Bill. “This Bill worries us deeply. There is no allowance or trust for religious gatherings, which further indicates this Government’s low view of spirituality as a fundamental part of overall wellbeing,” Salvation Army Māori Read more
Juliet Chevalier-Watts is challenging the view that New Zealand is becoming more secular. She says religious belief appears to be just as important to society as it’s always been. Chevalier-Watts is a University of Waikato senior law lecturer who is a charity law specialist and is in completing a PhD in which she reviews religion Read more
Congregational meet-ups without the worship can boost wellbeing in the same way as going to church or attending other religious groups, a new study suggests. Whether at the temple, church or mosque, worshipping together has long been linked to better mental and physical health. Read more
The Easter trading laws aren’t working and need an overhaul, Prime Minister John Key says. “I don’t think the law is working terribly well, but I’ve always voted in favour of liberalisation of trading laws when it comes to Easter weekend,” Key said. The Retailers Association has suggested that shops should be allowed to open Read more