Story: Interdenominational Christianity
Christian churches in New Zealand have a long history of co-operating with each other – sometimes through necessity, but usually with a common purpose. Interdenominational organisations include well-known aid agencies such as World Vision, and youth organisations such as Boys’ and Girls’ brigades.
Full story by Peter Lineham
Main image: Jesus March, 1972
The Short Story
A quick, easy summary
Read the full storyShared churches
In 19th century New Zealand Christian churches, or denominations, often built a church to share between them, as in many places there were not enough people. The different denominations, such as Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist, would take turns to run the church service.
Interdenominational organisations
There were several organisations, including the British and Foreign Bible Society, which raised money to distribute bibles and religious literature.
The United Māori Mission was set up in 1936, and later became the Māori Evangelical Fellowship.
Social issues
Interdenominational organisations became involved in social causes including:
- temperance – campaigning against drinking or selling alcohol
- pacifism
- overseas aid.
Youth work
Many youth organisations had a Christian basis, for example Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts, Guides, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
New Zealand state schools are secular, but from 1997 religious education programmes have been taught in some primary schools. There are interdenominational organisations in schools and universities, though these have declined in recent years, as New Zealand has become more secular.
Councils of Churches
In 1941 the National Council of Churches (NCC) was founded by seven Protestant denominations including Anglicans, Baptists and the Salvation Army. In 1989 it was replaced by the Council of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand, and included the Catholic Church. However, it closed in 2005.
Evangelical Christianity
Evangelicalism is the movement to attract new followers through a personal, ‘born again’, experience of religion. Evangelists from overseas have visited New Zealand, including Billy Graham, from the US, who had large crowds at his meetings in 1959. Evangelical missionary work included Missions to Seamen, and Open Air Campaigners.
Charismatic movement
The charismatic movement, which began in the 1960s, emphasised gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy and healing. In the 2000s some of the largest churches in New Zealand are charismatic. These ‘mega churches’ have congregations of up to 5,000.
