It would appear that there are two categories of adopted Citizen in New Zealand. First, those that with right hand raised to heaven and left hand holding the Christian Scriptures swear the Oath of Allegiance: to be faithful to the Queen, to observe the laws of the country, fulfil the duties of citizenship, and do so with the help of God. Second, those that declare the Affirmation of Allegiance: declaring their allegiance to the Queen, their commitment to observe the laws of the country and to fulfil the duties of citizenship. (Are there really two classes of citizen?)
Approximately half the people in the room swore on the Christian Scriptures, and called on the help of the Christian God. The allegiance to the Christian God was not obscure, it was explicit. But amongst these candidates for citizenship were Hindu's, Muslims, Buddhists and probably adherents of other religions.
If we have a mandate for multiculturalism then we must be willing to respect and honour the cultural foundations of others - and that includes their faith and religious allegiances. Why were the Hindus not allowed to swear on the Bhagavad Gita, or the Muslims on the Qur'an? Is this an innocent Cultural Christianisation, an unspoken (and unforced) expectation that many who do not really understand the English adhere to because that's what you do to be a Kiwi?
Given that there is obviously a choice: Swear by the Christian God on the Bible or Affirm your commitment by your own will to be a good citizen, why do we only allow the pronouncement of allegiance, and call for help to one God.
If we are serious about celebrating cultural diversity, and accepting all cultures into our family then why does there appear to be an agenda for a dominant christo-centric citizenship? (Interesting that both the most recent past Prime-Minister (Helen Clarke) and Prime-Minister John Key affirm their atheism publicly and loudly - and yet, like all those present at the ceremony sing a prayer to God in the National Anthem.)
Personally, I believe that the Creator, the God of the Christian Scriptures is the One True God, but I am never going to have the opportunity to influence another if I demand an allegiance to my faith and culture as a prerequisite to a relationship of trust. Multiculturalism is messier (and more exciting) than that and demands respect for all cultural mores not just the ones that I feel comfortable with.
