What of the Future?

Te Ao Hou, December 1965, Page 51

What of the Future? Will these faiths survive? No man can prophesy, but plainly the answer must be ‘yes’ for a long time to come. The statistics show that since 1936 Ringatu has dropped steadily in proportion to Maori population, that Pai Marire and Te Whiti-ism have been declining rapidly in numbers as well as in proportion to the population. But two things should be said: firstly, of the larger denominations among Maoris — Anglican, Ratana, Methodist, Catholic and Latter Day Saints—only the last two have grown in proportion to population since 1936. Secondly, many more people accept the teachings of these faiths than have indicated their allegiance in the census. Some belong to the orthodox churches of European origin; others have probably declined to state their religion. (In 1936 5% of Maoris objected to stating their religion, while in 1961 13% objected). Whatever the future holds for them, let us salute these venerable faiths as their centenaries pass or draw near, for each of them has in the past contributed much to the spirit of the Maori people, and in their ceremonies still they preserve the memory of important events in the history of the New Zealand nation.