Known formerly as the Religious Faiths Network, it is now reorganised as the Faith Communities Network. This new name draws attention to the variety of faith communities in this country. The Network provides links between Amnesty International NZ and people of religious faith, and promotes among them the cause of human rights. While in this country the majority religion is Christianity, many religious minorities share similar concerns. The Network encourages interfaith relationships as a way to be more effective in the broader community, while also breaking down prejudice.

An occasional newsletter is circulated, which typically contains relevant news, notice of coming events, at least one case for Urgent Action and resources for meditation or prayer. The next issue has been drafted by the Coordinator and Team and is about to be cleared for distribution. It will go also to other interested persons and groups, with an invitation to affiliate to the Network and (for non-members) to join Amnesty International.

The Network is administered by a Coordinator and core Team who hope to broaden their current Anglican, Baha’i, Buddhist and Christian Science membership. Networkers around the country may affiliate as individuals or as faith-community groups. In both cases an e-mail address should be provided to the Coordinator for the purpose of communication. Networkers support the whole work of AINZ by encouraging their faith communities to join AI collectively, and other individuals to be members. They have a special interest where human rights are denied for religious reasons, and cases such as unjust imprisonment are regularly brought to their attention.

Network Aims

The Faith Communities Network of Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ

1. provides a channel of communication and formal link between Amnesty International NZ and communities of faith. This relationship is embodied in the Network whose members belong both to such religious communities and to AI. The Network affiliation may be held by individuals or by groups.
2. encourages people of faith to promote the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the working together to this end by people of different faiths. Differences in religious perspectives on HR need to be acknowledged, and addressed in dialogue.
3. is to liaise with and support the growth of HR-addressing religious agencies, and to seek to influence religious leaders, media and training institutions. Some of these have international links through which HR might be promoted and protected in other countries.
4. promotes individual and group membership of AI, and encourages the support of and campaigning on behalf of prisoners and others persecuted for their faith, including AI urgent actions. Special attention may be given to supporting the development of appropriate school curricula on HR and interfaith issues.
5. urges the observance by religious communities of special HR days such as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June) and the International Human Rights Day (10 December), and their support of AI especially during Freedom Week, July 30-August 3.
6. communicates with its members, and when convenient gathers in meetings, which may be distinguished from formal AI meetings so that appropriate religious observances may be made.

 

Join the Faith Communities Network

If you are a member of Amnesty New Zealand, download the form below, and send to fcn@amnesty.org.nz

Non-members of Amnesty, email info@amnesty.org.nz to join Amnesty (the first $20 of any annual donation you make) first and request membership of the Faith Communities Network (you can send the form below as well!)

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