+Wellington backs clergy protest
- Alan Burnett
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
This article was originally posted to the Anglican Taonga Website. The original can be viewed by clicking here.
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Wellington's Anglican Bishops have spoken out in support of their clergy protesting at the office of Government Minister Hon. Nicola Willis, as they call for parliamentary sanctions against Israel for killing civilians in Gaza.
The Anglican Bishop of Wellington Archbishop Justin Duckworth and Assistant Bishop of Wellington Anashuya Fletcher have spoken out in support of their clergy who are protesting at the offices of Finance Minister Hon Nicola Willis today.
Five Wellington Anglican clergy (Rev Chris Kirby, Rev Andy Hickman, Rev Paul Fletcher, Rev Martin Robinson and Rev Mel McKenzie) have chained themselves to the door of Nicola Willis's offices today, as they demand that the Coalition Government approves sanctions against Israel for its starvation and bombing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Catholic Monsignor Gerard Burns has been protesting with the Anglicans all day, while more Anglican clergy, including Bishop Anashuya, have arrived to stand in solidarity with them as they look toward fasting and pray at the Government Minister's office all night.
Earlier today in Pakuranga, Anglican priests Rev Richard Bonifant and Rev Wilson Chan entered the offices of Minister in the Coalition Government, Hon Simeon Brown, to set up a prayer vigil for Gaza together with two Baptist pastors. As they were praying silently they were removed from the offices by Auckland police.
The Wellington Bishops' public comments on the protests follow below.
We stand in solemn solidarity with clergy across the Diocese who have taken a courageous and principled stand in calling for sanctions against Israel in the hope that our government will take stronger diplomatic action to end the devastating war in Palestine."
“As followers of Christ, we cannot turn away from suffering,” said Most Reverend Justin Duckworth.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).”
We affirm the actions of clergy who, guided by faith and conscience, have spoken out against this horrendous war. Their voices reflect the Gospel’s call to stand with the vulnerable and to seek peace rooted in justice.
Rt Reverend Anashuya Fletcher added, “These clergy are demonstrating moral leadership in calling for political action to end the suffering, starvation and slaughter taking place in the Holy Land.
“We cannot be silent when innocent lives are being destroyed.”
As Bishops of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, we urge the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to consider the actions available to them. These include:
Imposing targeted economic measures against those violating international law
Recognising the State of Palestine as a step toward a two-state solution
Supporting international accountability mechanisms to investigate war crimes
Implementing travel bans on foreign leaders complicit in violations
Affirming the findings of independent human rights monitors
“We call on our leaders to act with moral courage,” said Bishop Justin. “Diplomatic tools must be used to uphold human dignity and international justice.”
We affirm the words of Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem, whose leadership and witness continue to inspire our prayers and our action. His call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of humanitarian aid must be heard and heeded.
We also echo the urgent plea of the Archbishops and Primates of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia, who have spoken with moral clarity about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.
“In times like these, we are reminded of the biblical call to seek justice and pursue peace.” said Bishop Anashuya.
“Let us be a nation that chooses compassion over silence, justice over indifference, and peace over violence.”
Most Reverend Justin Duckworth
Rt Reverend Anashuya Fletcher
Anglican Bishops of Wellington
They didn't get a meeting with Nicola Wilis (who is not the foreign minister), and they have left after 32 hours.