Religion in Aotearoa New Zealand more varied than ever Census 2013 figures revealed considerable changes in the nation’s religious diversity.34 There has been a rise in the number of people with no religion, with more than four out of 10 New Zealanders, declaring themselves non-religious. For the first time in over a century, Christians are not the clear majority. The number of Christians has dropped, with 1.9 million people affiliated with a church, down from over 2 million in 2006. The Anglican Church has been overtaken by Roman Catholicism as Aotearoa New Zealand's most popular religious community. While Christianity may be decreasing, other religions, such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam have all grown significantly. There are now 89,000 Hindus in Aotearoa New Zealand, a rise of 16,000 since 2006. These religious communities are active and thriving and look set to continue to change the shape of religious diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Parliament acknowledges religious diversity Members of Parliament passed a motion affirming that the rights and dignity of all New Zealanders should be upheld, regardless of their religious faith or ethnicity. This motion about respecting religious diversity was put forward following anti-Muslim comments made by NZ First MP Richard Prosser in an article in Investigate magazine. The motion was passed without debate and acknowledged the responsibility of all New Zealanders to act with justice, equity, and respect. Interfaith gatherings promote tolerance In 2013, members of many faiths gathered at interfaith events across the country in the spirit of understanding and cooperation. Highlights included a regional interfaith forum in Hamilton organised by the Waikato Interfaith Council (WIFCO). The forum brought together 70 delegates from around the North Island. Discussions focused on strengthening links between interfaith groups and supporting young Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 people to engage in interfaith activities. There was also an opportunity to hear about the Semarang Action Plan which was agreed at the Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia in 2012. During the regional forum it was agreed that an annual National Interfaith Day should be established and work is underway to achieve this important goal. It was a busy first year for the new Dunedin Interfaith Council which hosted an official welcome for the Dalai Lama at St Paul’s Cathedral. The new council is now preparing to host the 10th National Interfaith Forum in June 2014. A national group of interfaith youth leaders, including representatives from Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Baha’i, Quakers, and the Sri Chinmoy movement, led a range of interfaith activities during the year. One highlight was an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama who offered words of encouragement to the youth delegation and advice on how they can work together in harmony within their faith communities and in the global interfaith movement. During the year, several gatherings of religious leaders took place, including an inaugural meeting of the Religious Communities Leadership Forum, a new initiative bringing together leaders from various religious organisations to share spiritual ideologies and discuss religious diversity. Media and religion – action needed Media and religion was the key issue for discussion at this year’s Religious Diversity forum. Held as part of the New Zealand Diversity Forum in Wellington the event provided an opportunity to explore issues such as freedom of expression, media responsibility and the reporting of religion. The forum was hosted by the Victoria University of Wellington Religious Studies Programme in partnership with the Commission. Speakers included Professor Paul Morris; NZ Herald columnist Dita De Boni, blogger Anjum Rahman and Reverend Jenny Chalmers. The forum discussed the need for improved guidance for religious communities on media complaints procedures as well as measures to make it easier for media to access advice and input from religious communities. 41