Faith
New Zealand Acts to Protect Children Abroad
Faith Facts
- New Zealand suspended overseas adoptions after it was revealed that children suffered due to insufficient legal safeguards.
- The government is urgently moving an Adoption Amendment Bill to close loopholes that have allowed abuses, including cases involving convicted sex offenders.
- Christian organizations and child advocates praised the decision, emphasizing the biblical call to defend the vulnerable and pursue meaningful reform.
The New Zealand government responded to troubling revelations by suspending Section 17 of its Adoption Act, seeking to protect children from harm in international adoptions. Lawmakers are working quickly to strengthen laws and guarantee greater safety for children adopted from New Zealand by families overseas.
“The Government is suspending the recognition of unsafe international adoptions under the Adoption Act 1955 to protect children and young people from potential harm,” stated the Ministry of Justice.
The changes will temporarily halt recognition of unsafe overseas adoptions for citizenship and immigration, and grant officials greater discretion in exceptional cases. Some exceptions will remain for adoptions via the Hague Convention process and for families with unique circumstances.
Advocates such as ECPAT NZ highlighted the dangers of outdated legal provisions and called for solutions that both secure children and uphold family values, especially for those needing caring family environments in the Pacific. Christian groups like the Salvation Army and Tearfund New Zealand welcomed these moves, rooted in a commitment to justice and God’s call to protect the innocent.
“Every child deserves a safe, loving home,” declared the Salvation Army, aligning with the biblical call to defend the cause of the fatherless.
Now is a crucial opportunity for Christians and all people of faith to pray for and support policies that truly guard children, honoring God’s heart for justice, family, and compassion.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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