Tag: diversity

Upholding Religious Freedom and Respect for All

Dave Moskovitz

Joint Statement from New Zealand Faith Communities

As leaders and representatives of diverse religious communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, we are united in our concern about the messages promoted during the public protest held on June 21, 2025 by Brian Tamaki and his followers against immigration and the spread of non-Christian religions in New Zealand.

The right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy. However, we are saddened to see rhetoric that appeared to diminish the place of some faiths in New Zealand’s multicultural society. Our religious traditions may differ, but we all share a common commitment to compassion, dignity, and the peaceful coexistence of communities.

New Zealand’s strength lies in its diversity, including its religious diversity. The freedom to worship, or not to worship, is a value we all cherish. We believe that no one faith should be positioned as having greater legitimacy than others in the life of our nation.

We encourage dialogue rather than division, and understanding rather than suspicion. In times of tension, it is especially important that we come together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.

We remain committed to working together across our faiths to uphold these values and to support the inclusive, respectful society that we all seek to build.

Endorsed by:

New Zealand Jewish Council
NZ Central Sikh Association
Hindu Foundation NZ
Somaliland Society in New Zealand Incorporated
Wellington Abrahamic Council

Public Event: Diversity within our religious communities (now with audio)

Dave Moskovitz

Here is the audio from this event, which you can download, or listen to right here:

The Wellington Abrahamic Council is pleased to invite you to a unique event which explores the beautiful diversity within each of our religious communities.

WhenWednesday 15 June 7:00 pm
WhereSalvation Army Newtown Centre
4 Normanby St, Newtown
SpeakersJewish: Mona Williams, Yuval Zalk, Yoel Samson
Christian: Maya Bernardo, Ben Cola, Rota Stone
Muslim: Mohamud Mohamed, Weng Ng, Jean Khan

Free event, all welcome, no RSVP necessary.

All of us are guilty of stereotyping people from other religions. But each of our religious communities is surprisingly diverse, not only in our ethnic origins, but also in our beliefs and how we practise. And within that amazing diversity, there is a common core of belief and practice – not only within our own religions, but also within our family of Abrahamic religions.

Come along to this event to listen to these diverse perspectives, followed by a panel discussion, Q&A, and plenty of time to mingle over a cup of tea.   

We look forward to seeing you there, face to face.

You can help us with publicity by inviting your friends to come along to this event with you or downloading our attractive flyer, printing it out, and posting it in your place of worship.

For more information, contact Dave Moskovitz, dave@abrahamic.nz, 027 220 2202

Religious Diversity Workshop for Young Adults 18-35

Dave Moskovitz

When: Thursday 31 October 2019 4-9pm
Where: Wellington Islamic Centre, 7 Queen’s Drive, Kilbirnie

Tickets are mandatory for this event. You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Religious Diversity: Encountering other religions

The Religious Diversity and Anti-discrimination workshop is designed to facilitate safe and productive interreligious encounters between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim young adults (18-35).

Workshop Participants will:

  • Share experiences of religion, ethnicity and culture within a safe environment
  • Explore the meaning, impact and issues of religious diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Address local manifestations of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination related to religion
  • Develop skills for creating inclusive intercultural environments.

The workshop will be highly interactive, fun, and challenging. It will be led by two facilitators trained and accredited by the internationally acclaimed Belieforama Programme. It is provided by the Religious Diversity Centre of Aotearoa / New Zealand in conjunction with the Wellington Abrahamic Council.

Please help us by promoting this event to young adults in your synagogue, church, or mosque.

Image credit: Aia Fernandez