Editorial: A predator church not acceptable

OPINION: Yesterday the Destiny Church website was headed with the slogan "a carnal church cannot give birth to spiritual things."

It's a quote from Bishop Brian Tamaki. A viewer can also download messages and have them delivered via i-tunes.

This is indeed a church for our times.

But Bishop Tamaki has come unstuck. Many of his congregation in the outpost of Brisbane have found his methods pernicious, particularly the amount of money people are expected to give to the church. While Bishop Tamaki may find a carnal church not conducive to faith, others find greed doesn't cut it either.

The minister has established a serious church in New Zealand. Destiny has been at the forefront of popular movements, especially those who want more conservative social mores.

It is a church that has attracted many urban Maori as well as conservative churchgoers from all sectors of society.

It is a church that expects a lot from members, and tithing has made considerable money for Destiny. The money has been used to fund a lavish lifestyle for the church leaders, not uncommon among religious leaders around the world.

But it seems they have been pushing it in Brisbane, where much of the congregation is ex-pats. Most people who leave New Zealand for Australia do well. They are both removed physically from the influence of the church hierarchy in New Zealand and better equipped to question the demands of Destiny.

It was a logical step for Destiny to try its luck in Australia.

The church originally did very well in Auckland and other major cities around New Zealand. Bishop Tamaki and Destiny found favour especially with urban Maori probably sick of negative images about themselves.

Brian Tamaki, his wife Hanna, and deputy Richard Lewis were urbane, well dressed and charismatic. They appealed to a wide range of people. And they have been controversial.

The "Enough is Enough" campaign and march on Parliament. Seven hundred Destiny church male members pledging themselves as sons of Brian Tamaki. The title of Bishop.

And then there is the tithing and lavish living.

Churches throughout history have tithed. Some have robbed their parishioners blind, while filling church coffers. A wealthy church in the past has been expected.

But this is now, and the immense affluence of Destiny Church's leaders – or appearance of wealth – has struck a raw nerve.

As recent events in Brisbane have demonstrated, the church's management would probably say – if you don't like it, you can leave. Ninety members did.

Has a double standard been applied to Destiny Church? The answer is yes. Many people just don't like the confidence of the church and its leader Brian Tamaki.

But should they be free of scrutiny? The answer to that is no. Churches are in too powerful a position to prey on people.

- The Marlborough Express