Persecution alleged in ‘God Squad’ dossier

Press, 21 September 1978, Page 4

Persecution alleged in ‘God Squad’ dossier

The alleged religious persecution of “God Squad” members would make a good test case for the new Human Rights Commission, according to an Auckland group, “Family Unity and Freedom of Worship.” The group, which describes itself as a "religious tolerance group, - ’ wants a commission of inquiry into allegations of religious persecution last year of the North Canterbury Christian sect, “The Full Gospel Mission,” dubbed the “God Squad.” A 50-page report on the

mission, including photographs, has been issued by the group and has been sent to the Ombudsman’s office, several member of Parliament, The Human Rights Commission and the news media, according to the secretary of the group (Mr R. Fraser, of Auckland).

The opening sentence of the report describes the Full Gospel Mission as “decidedly Christian in outlook and performance.” At the end it recommends that the Ombudsman’s office and the Human Rights Commission institute an inquiry “into ail the dealings dr actions against the Full Gospel Mission by government departments including the R.N.Z.A.F, 5.1.5., the police, the Education Department, the Civil Aviation Division, the Internal Affairs Department, and the Inland Revenue Department ... with emphasis on the disclosing of any files and reports relating to the Full Gospel Mission and its activities ... with a view to ascertaining the source of any malicious or incorrect reports that may be on file concerning the mission or its members.”

A furore developed around the Waipara sect in June last year when its property was raided by police, who said they were searching for Air ’ Force equipment. Later, charges alleging illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were brought against members of the secf in Christchurch and Lower Hutt. Most of the charges were dismissed, although some minor charges relating to storage regulations for powder and ammunition were sustained, and five members of the sect were fined a total of $3OO.

Mr Fraser said that the Full Gospel Mission has suffered a monetary penalty of $10,500 defending the charges brought against its members under arms and explosives laws last year. “A public inquiry, with the new legislation as the guiding principle, might help these people clear their name,” he said. “Mission members have held together despite some of the heaviest social pressure that can be mustered, and are still suffering ostracism and suspicion — any admirable qualities they may have being ignored.”