Destiny leader says gay's ok, tells of taste for finer things

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki claims to have softened his previously hardline attitude towards homosexuality - and now talks to airline cabin stewards.

Tamaki - on sabbatical until August - reveals what he says is a new openness towards the gay community in a documentary due to screen on TV3 on Thursday.

Previously Tamaki has claimed to have exorcised the "homosexual spirit" from parishioners. But he now says he has adopted a greater openness and cites conversations he has had with airline cabin stewards as proof.

The documentary follows Tamaki for seven months with presenter Ross Jennings having unprecedented access to his palatial Auckland home - and his extensive and expensive wardrobe.

Tamaki confirms he is still considering standing for parliament this year and says, if elected, he would not try to have the Civil Union Act repealed. Destiny was at the forefront of protests against the Civil Union Bill in 2004.

The documentary portrays Tamaki's taste for the finer things in life, including American-made suits and his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which Jennings tells him looks like a bike "the devil might ride".

But he disputes accusations Destiny is taking advantage of less well-heeled parishioners. Although congregation members were obligated to tithe earnings to the church, Tamaki says they were not coerced and accusations of impropriety were off the mark.

Tamaki also faces criticism from former Destiny financial adviser Linda Stewart who questions the "moral and ethical spending of church money".

But Tamaki insists people who join his church often do better financially once they renounced alcohol, drugs and inappropriate sex.

* The documentary, The Life of Brian, screens on TV3's Inside New Zealand on Thursday.

- © Fairfax NZ News