Parliament has no Prayer

There is a debate currently on in New Zealand as to whether a Christian Prayer should continue to be held at the start of Parliament sessions.

I am a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. I believe it is utterly unnecessary to change the present prayer or discontinue it from the Parliament. I understand that there is a reason for the same and the tradition need not change now. It may be a Christian prayer directed to Jesus Christ but I am sure it does not offend the later migrants to this beautiful country, whether they are Hindus, Muslims or Buddhists. The spirit behind it is that God be invoked at the start of an important day's work, and it does not matter which God it is addressed to.

As for the large number of people (stated to be about 35%) in New Zealand who are non-believers, I think most of them really don't care whether there is a prayer or not. The issue is being raised and blown up by a small number of people and is playing into the hands of Destiny's Church and similar hard-liners.

The new comers to any country have no reason to question each and every age-old tradition unless they impinge on their rights and well-being. It is enought that New Zealand is a tolerant and peaceful country; we are number 2 in the peace index, what an honour. As long as that continues and there is no prejudice on account of race, age, sex or whatever, a prayer need not be a divisive issue.

I am sure our Parliament can do with prayers of all kinds and wishes.