New Zealand bishop opposes Easter shopping
September 07, 2010
A New Zealand bishop is opposing legislation that would permit shopping on Easter Sunday. Similar bills have been defeated repeatedly in recent years.
“We support the bishop of Dunedin Diocese, Bishop Colin Campbell, and his clergy in affected parishes in the area, in their opposition to the latest attempt to change Easter trading hours,” says Michael Smith, CEO of Caritas Aotearoa.
“Churches, unions and the wider community have been forced over and over to defend the rare collective opportunities for rest in the three and a half shop-free days at Easter, Christmas and Anzac Day,” Smith continued. Anzac Day (April 25) is the day on which Australia and New Zealand honor those who have died in military service.
“These days have become important times of family and school reunions, unveilings, hui, sports tournaments, festivals and other community events, all of which would be put at risk by an extension of shop trading,” Smith added.
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