Laban Welcomes "A Theology of Children"
19 November 2009
Media Statement
Laban Welcomes "A Theology of Children"
A new resource produced by Plunket and Barnardos and written by Rev Nove Vailaau, "A Theology of Children" which provides guidance to Pacific parents within a biblical context, is a fantastic resource and deserves to be read widely, Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, says.
On Tuesday, Winnie Laban, also Labour’s Interfaith Dialogue Spokesperson, attended the launch of the publication in Porirua. It was a tremendous occasion and leaders from the various Pacific Island cultures and churches were present, including social service organisations and community leaders who work with Pacific families and children.
"The book promotes love, care and protection of all New Zealand children through positive parenting" said Winnie Laban.
"Religion plays a huge part in Pacific people's lives, with over 90 percent of Pacific peoples affiliated to Christian churches. For many of those people, parenting strategies will be guided by their faith and culture, and this resource provides a strong positive message about keeping children safe within the context of Christian faith.
"The resource quotes directly from the bible, for example; Numbers 14:18: 'The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in love'.
"The book also looks at children and parents in the context of Pacific cultures. Within Samoan and other Pacific cultures, children are gifts from our ancestors and products of sacred genealogies and it is important that they are kept safe," said Winnie Laban.
“Central to the book's message are the six principles of effective discipline; love and warmth; talking and listening; guidance and understanding; limits and boundaries; consistency and consequences; and a structured and secure world.
"This is a visionary piece of work and I wish to thank Rev Nove Vailaau, Plunket and Barnardos for their unwavering commitment to this project. This is a ground -breaking document for Pacific Island church leaders to use with their respective congregations and to preach the message of the "Theology of Children"."
ENDS