Group encourages prayer vigils against same-sex ‘marriage’ bill

by NZ CATHOLIC staff
A group called NewZealandersforMarriage is encouraging communities throughout New Zealand to organise prayer vigils in support of traditional marriage and against the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill.
A press release from the group says:

Dear fellow Christians and Church leaders,
A wonderfully successful inter-denominational prayer vigil was held in the grounds of Parliament on the evening of March 27, 2013, in relation to the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Bill. It coincided with the committee stage of the Bill, which was debated in Parliament that night.
The committee voted by majority to pass the Bill without amendment and refer if back to the House for its third and final reading, which is scheduled for April 17. Thereafter, if passed, the Bill will become law.
The time is short, but we think the Lord is calling his people to replicate the call to prayer, following the model of the prayer vigil at Parliament, in every community and every electorate nationwide, before the third reading.
Specifically we are suggesting that, working with other local churches or with your own church, by denominational streams or otherwise, prayer vigils be organised for Sunday (afternoon or evening) April 14, 2013; just three days before the Bill has its final reading.
We suggest that the vigils be held outdoors in parks, near war memorials or even in church grounds, so that a public witness of our deep concern for the future of our nation is given from one end of the country to the other.
With that in mind, we offer a complete “resource kit” which can be downloaded and used as a template for the vigils.
It includes:
A slightly modified version of the programme that was used so successfully at Parliament.
Some general background comments.
Our statement of purpose.
A transcript of the reflection on marriage given by Archbishop John Dew.
A transcript of the definition of marriage given by Pastor Rasik Ranchord.
The text of the readings from the Song of Songs showing the words of the bride and the bridegroom and a short introduction. This is to be read by a married or engaged couple.
All of this information can be downloaded and printed from our website at the following link: http://www.newzealandersformarriage.org.nz
We hope you will respond to this initiative, which we believe the Lord is calling us to at this critical time in our nation’s history.
May his Holy Spirit be with you, strengthen and guide you, as you consider this call that he has placed in our hearts.

Sincerely in Christ Jesus our Lord,

New Zealanders’ For Marriage
http://www.newzealandersformarriage.org.nz

fb-share-icon
Posted in ,

NZ Catholic Staff

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *