Nearly 50% of the Wanganui region do not count themselves as Christian and the council is refusing to acknowledge that by insisting they read a Christian prayer at the beginning of every meeting to bless the decisions made on our behalf. This whole thing started when a councillor stood up for the rights of one of us who wrote to the mayor and asked that something be done about it. Now his personal beliefs are on public show and his kids are being targeted for it. This isn't right at all! One person shouldn't be left to deal with this! This is a human rights issue! If we dont speak out now - they're gonna think that they can take away our rights any time they please. I'm going to send the council a letter and I'd really like to urge you to join me. Please help me to speak out! Here is what I propose.......
We write to the Wanganui Mayor and quote Lesley Rudhall's original statement......
We write to the Wanganui Mayor and quote Lesley Rudhall's original statement......
"I object to anyone's religious beliefs being imposed on others. Religious worship has no place in a secular debating chamber that exists to serve all sections of the community, regardless of their religious beliefs, or indeed lack of them,"
That's all we gotta do - make sure they know that we will not go quietly into the night.
The mayors email address is: mayorandcouncillors@wanganui.govt.nz
Below is my own submission.....you are very welcome to use it.
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Dear Ms Main,
I am writing to you in support of the removal of the Christian prayer from the formal proceedings of the Whanganui District Council Meetings. Since the proceedings and decisions therein are conducted on my behalf, I do not feel that the prayer is appropriate as it does not respect my beliefs.
"I object to anyone's religious beliefs being imposed on others. Religious worship has no place in a secular debating chamber that exists to serve all sections of the community, regardless of their religious beliefs, or indeed lack of them,"
I would like to see the prayer either removed entirely or adjusted to a non-denominational affirmation.
Thank you for your time
.............................(sign your name here)
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