Christians protesting against the promotion of gender identities should “ensure they do so respectfully and peacefully,” the national director of the New Zealand Christian Network (NZCN) said in a recent update by the organization. His statement follows media reports of Destiny Church, the world’s largest Māori and Polynesian church, disrupting both gay pride marches and drag queen-led story times for children in public libraries, also using the traditional Māori haka.
While certain media reported that some people felt intimidated by Destiny Church's protest, Charles Hunia, a spokesman for Destiny Church, dismissed such criticism in comments to Te Ao Māori news. He said that the protest was aimed at opposing the “sexualisation of kids” rather than targeting the rainbow community.
In his Feb. 20 viewpoint, titled A Christian Perspective: Drag Queens, Small Children, and Rough and Tumble Protests, Dr. Stuart Lange, NZCN national director and senior research fellow at Laidlaw College, acknowledged the widespread public discussion on the issue.
“As always, these matters are more complex and nuanced than much public commentary would suggest,” Lange wrote, adding that Christians in New Zealand hold “a wide range of viewpoints on all sorts of matters.”
“In this country, we have freedom of belief and expression, including lawful protest. In a free and very diverse society, all sorts of lifestyles and viewpoints are allowed, even though some others may find them objectionable. That liberty must be protected, for the good of all.”
Lange pointed out that most Christians believe in the biblical teaching of two genders—male and female—and uphold the “God-given sanctity” of heterosexual marriage between a man and a woman. However, he said this does not equate to hostility toward those with different beliefs or lifestyles. “They do not hate anyone and try to relate well to everyone,” he added.
At the same time, Lange said many Christians, along with others who do not share their faith, are concerned about the “continuous advocacy of rainbow ideologies in all parts of society” in New Zealand.
“Very reasonably, they also feel that having drag queens tell stories to children in public libraries is about indirectly fostering gender fluidity and cannot see that as appropriate for children’s well-being,” he wrote.
He added that the use of public funds to promote these rainbow ideologies via various public events have become a concern among a diverse group that includes not only followers of Jesus Christ but also secularists and others.
“Much discourse in public and social media completely overlooks such ethical and conscience issues,” he said.
Lange also noted that many Christians do not agree with the methods and actions of Destiny Church. However, he acknowledged that the church, based in South Auckland, has a “heart for righteousness” and has positively benefitted many people, particularly Māori, despite facing criticism.
“We also acknowledge Destiny’s willingness to engage in some public issues, on which many other Christians remain silent,” Lange stated.
While supporting the legal right to protest in New Zealand, Lange cautioned against using aggressive methods to express certain views in the public sphere.
“Freedom to protest remains a legal right in this country. At the same time, those Christians who take up protesting should ensure that they do so peacefully and respectfully, and without any hint of force or aggression. If not, it can be counterproductive and misused by some to distort public perceptions of Christianity.”
Lange cited Matthew 10:16 as a framework for peaceful protests: “Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
“Too many people in our society appear to want the freedoms and rights of those they disagree with to be curtailed and their voices silenced. But, for the sake of all, everyone must remain free to believe and express their views, from whatever quarter, providing they do so peaceably.”
