Laban comments on Parliament’s prayer

Parliament’s prayer should reflect the religious diversity of our society, says Mana MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.

Laban is responding to reports today that the prayer is under review.

“New Zealand is a society of many faiths and beliefs. As a Christian, I believe we need to discuss having a prayer that is inclusive and reflects our country’s religious diversity,” said Laban.

“I believe that the Parliamentary prayer should be expanded to include mention of other faiths as well as Christianity.

A Christian prayer has been read at the start of each Parliamentary sitting since 1854.

“New Zealand 153 years ago was a much different place to today. I believe we need to discuss having a prayer that reflects today’s diverse society,” said Laban.

Laban has spent the week representing the Government at the 3rd Regional Asia-Pacific Interfaith Dialogue, where a National Statement on Religious Diversity was discussed.

“In the spirit of the Statement on Religious Diversity, I believe we should continue this discussion and work towards a solution that is inclusive and acceptable to all,” said Laban.

Samoan translation:

Manatu o le Faipule ia Luamanuvao e uiga i le Tatalo o lo’o fa’aaogaina I le Palemene

Saunoa le Faipule o le itumalo o Mana Luamanuvao Winnie Laban o le Tatalo o lo’o fa’aaogaina e le Palemene i le amataga o fonotaga o se tatalo ua selau lima sefulu tolu tausaga o fa’aaogaina ma e tatau ona atagia mai ai ma fa’atāuaina ai so’o se tapuaiga ma so’o se talitonuga o lo’o iai i lenei atunu’u o lo’o tatou aumau ai.

O nei saunoaga ua faia e le afioga I le Faipule o lo’o fa’asino I aiaiga ua faia nei e uiga I lenei talosaga.

Toe saunoa le faipule “O Niu Sila o lo’o tele talitonuga ma tapuaiga, o a’u o le Kerisiano, ou te talitonu e tatau ona fa’atalanoa le mataupu lenei ina ia mafai ona tatou fa’atāuaina tapuaiga eseese I totonu o lenei atunu’u”.

O lenei vaiaso atoa sa fa’atasi atu ai le afioga I le faipule ia Luamanuvao Winnie Laban e fai ma sui o le malo Niu Sila I le fonotaga lona tolu o le tu’ufa’atasiga o tapuaiga I totonu o nu’u o Asia ma le Pasifika.po’o le 3rd Regional Asia Pacific Interfaith Dialogue.

ENDS

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