October 21, 2025 – The Baptist Union of New Zealand (BUNZ), the national body representing Baptist churches and associated ministries, is today issuing a formal apology to those who experienced abuse and harm in its care.

The BUNZ apology recognises that grave failings were made in regards to its duty of care, and vows that meaningful reforms will be undertaken to ensure Baptist churches are places where abuse is not accepted.

It recognises that people were harmed physically, emotionally, sexually, and spiritually in Baptist contexts; that children, young people, and adults were not protected; and that action was not taken to address abuse that occurred.

“The abuse of any person is unacceptable, but for people to have been abused when they were at their most vulnerable and when they were being connected with a Christian community or ministry is a particular failure,” the apology reads.

“Jesus taught us that people in need deserve our utmost service and care. Our Associated Churches and aligned ministries failed to embody the love, safety, and justice that are at the heart of the Gospel we profess to follow.

“We recognise, too, that these abuses were not only acts of profound personal betrayal but also systemic failures in oversight, accountability, and compassion. For this, we are truly sorry.”

The BUNZ apology comes in the wake of the final report from the Government’s Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry (ACRCI) last year, which found widespread abuse had occurred in faith-based organisations across the country.

While the Baptist Union, nor any of its associated churches, were formally included in the ACRCI process, 16 disclosures were made about Baptist entities to the Commission. BUNZ acknowledged that abuse did occur in its care.

The BUNZ in turn commissioned a group of representatives from across Baptist churches – the ACRCI Response Group – to review the Commission’s reports, consider expert and survivor perspectives, and recommend what meaningful action should follow.

The group has been developing a comprehensive plan of recommendations, which it is now actively implementing, and were directly involved in crafting the BUNZ apology.

The apology takes particular note of those who were abused and harmed while in the care of Manurewa Children’s Home.

“Taking responsibility for children and young people in particularly vulnerable circumstances should have been met with the very best care, but we know that there were a number of people harmed in this home. You were failed, often many times over, and across an extended period of time. We apologise particularly to you.”

The apology also recognises that undue harm was caused by behaviours towards minority groups, including tangata whenua Māori, tangata Pasifika, women, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

“To these people, we acknowledge that you have been especially unfairly targeted. We believe that all people are made by God and loved by God, and you have at times been made to feel less than loved, and even despised. For this, we are sorry.

“We are committed to ensuring our ongoing response addresses any abuse or behaviours that cause particular people to be subjected to harm.”

This apology is not the end of the BUNZ response, but is instead an acknowledgement of the journey it is beginning in earnest, and marks a commitment to learning from the past, listening to people who have experienced abuse, and undertaking meaningful reforms.

The BUNZ honours the courage of those people who have come forward and shared their stories, saying their voices are “helping to bring about truth, justice, and lasting change”.

“We are committed to walking the long road of restoration with integrity, humility, and action,” the apology says.

“We, as the leadership of the BUNZ, acknowledge that all leaders of our Associated Churches and our ministries take responsibility for the harm that has been perpetrated. We acknowledge that the leaders in these roles in our Associated Churches and our ministries, and those who assume these roles in the future, will be held accountable for the safety of people in churches that are part of the BUNZ.

“We look forward in hope to creating communities where all people are safe, and where trust in our churches and ministries can be restored through the actions we take.”

The BUNZ invites anyone who experienced abuse through an associated church or ministry to get in touch by contacting complaints@baptist.org.nz.

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