Outrage at Brian Tamaki's earthquake comments prompt Destiny Church protest
Sunday, 20 November 2016
A protest was held outside Rotorua's Destiny Church on Sunday over self-proclaimed bishop Brian Tamaki's claim the Kaikoura earthquake was caused by gay people.
Around 30 protesters sang, waved placards and awaited the arrival of Tamaki while a steady stream of parishioners entered the church.
Tamaki, who was believed to be speaking at the Rotorua church on Sunday, was not spotted arriving. Church staff outside declined to comment.
Protest organiser Dan Woodward said it was important the community took a stand against Tamaki's statements.
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'Rainbow youth have a lot to deal with, it's huge to question your identity at a young age, especially in an environment that may not be open,' he said.
Woodward said it was even more important as this year is the 30th anniversary since the decriminalisation of gay sex in New Zealand, and the protest had received strong support from the community.
'He's [Tamaki] the sound of one hand clapping,' he said.
Woodward also said Tamaki's views are not necessarily shared by church parishioners.
'We're not dissing the church. The members do great things in their community. We're just here to say, your leader went too far,' he said.
'We're not here to be confrontational - it's just to have a presence. There's no abuse from their side, so no need to be inflammatory.'
Former television presenter Tamati Coffey, who also attended the protest, said many people had been offended by Tamaki's comments.
'Putting the boot into gays and our community, we've got to stand up to it, we can't let that go unopposed,' he said.
'We're not hateful people. Let's shower them with love'.
There was only one sign of opposition to the protesters: a middle finger salute from a passing car.