Aotearoa New Zealand Anglicans affirm all religions' rights

Anglicans linked with the Centre for Religious Diversity and local interfaith groups have endorsed the 2026 Statement on Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand, released last week by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commission. 

Bishop of Auckland, the Right Reverend Ross Bay sees the Statement as an essential starting point for Aotearoa New Zealand's legal and practical approach to religious diversity.

"I support the statement because I see it as an important document as part of our work of building social cohesion in our increasingly diverse society." he said after endorsing the Statement that came out on Monday 6 July.

"This land is shared by many people from varied backgrounds and we need to work hard on a basis by which we can coexist in harmony and respect." 

Anglicans oppose religion-targeted hate speech and violence

As he endorsed the fourth religious diversity statement, Bishop Ross joined Archbishop Justin Duckworth and Wellington Anglican priest the Rev Scottie Reeve to express his concern at verbal attacks on Indian New Zealanders' religious communities.

"I note the recent comments made by the leader of Destiny Church which incited suspicion, blame and potentially violence towards people of other faiths." he said.

"While this was unrelated to the revised Statement itself, it acts to reinforce the importance of having principles in place in our society which establish a base for our life together across difference." 

Anglicans nationwide endorse religious rights and freedoms

Alongside Bishop Ross, Anglicans in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Dunedin have endorsed the Statement through their local Interfaith Councils which gather Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bahá ʼí and other faiths together for dialogue and peacemaking. 

Anglicans and teachers in Anglican educational institutions have also endorsed the Statement as members of the Religious Studies Teachers’ Association of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Anglicans promote religious harmony

First released twenty years ago in 2006, the Aotearoa New Zealand Statement on Religious Diversity was first coordinated and produced by an interfaith coalition led by the Religious Diversity Centre, whose founder and Chair is Anglican religious studies teacher Jocelyn Armstrong KSO. The Religious Diversity Centre's Trust is co-chaired by another Anglican, well-known Māori theologian, Prof. Jenny Te Paa Daniel.

Affirming the rights and responsibilities of all religious groups 

The latest Statement on Religious Diversity was coordinated by Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby in consultation with religious groups around the country. It affirms the human rights of people of all faiths and none, and highlights legal rights including: 

Equal treatment before the law

The Statement affirms that the state has a duty to treat all faith communities, and those who profess no faith, equally before the law.

Freedom of religion and belief

The Statement affirms that everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand has the right to freedom of religion and belief, and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religious or ethical belief. 

Safety and security

The Statement affirms that faith communities and their members have a right to safety and security. This includes being and feeling safe physically, socially, psychologically and spiritually as a person of faith. 

Freedom of expression

The Statement affirms that the right to freedom of expression is vital for democracy and should be exercised with responsibility for the impact of that expression on others. 

Recognition and accommodation of religious beliefs

The Statement affirms that recognition and reasonable accommodation for the diverse beliefs and practices of faith communities in education, work and public service environments enables equal participation in society for all.

Education for understanding and respect of diverse faiths

The Statement affirms that Aotearoa New Zealand education should promote understanding and awareness of different faith, religious, and spiritual traditions in Aotearoa New Zealand, reflecting the diversity of local communities and wider national context. 

The Statement also emphasises the need for religious groups to enter into relationships of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with Government and state institutions. 

Growing diversity calls for update

grows in Aotearoa New Zealand, with 51.6% of people now identifying themselves as having "no religion". 

In 2026 Christianity remains the largest faith community in Aotearoa New Zealand, at 32.3% of the total population and 77.5% of the nation's religious communities.

'No religion' and Christianity are followed in population size by Hindu Dharma with 2.9% of Aotearoa's people, Islam with 1.5%, Māori religions and movements 1.3%, Buddhism 1.1%, Sikhism 1.1%, Spiritualism and New Age religions 0.45%, ‘other religions’ (including Bahá ʼí, Theism, Zoroastrian and Jainism) 0.2%, and Judaism 0.1%.

PDF Download of Statement on Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand

To download the 2026 full fourth edition Statement on Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand with accompanying notes, click here for the PDF link from TikaTangata.org.nz