Hospital centre a chance for us to come together

AT the risk of being misunderstood completely, I want to say how pleased I was that Dr Stephen Packer ( ODT, 21.10.20) has been clear about the planned multifaith centre in the new Dunedin Hospital.

I have been saddened by the response of an exclusive group of ministers and others.

The arohanui that Dr Packer refers to is indeed a core tenet of the Christian faith — it absolutely transcends creeds and belief systems.

The eminent psychologist Henri Tajfel some years ago published a very significant paper in the Journal of Social Psychology entitled, ‘‘Experiments in Intergroup Discrimination’’.

His conclusion was that the most important principle of social order we construct for ourselves is ‘‘we’’ and ‘‘they’’, and once someone has become a ‘‘they’’ we are dismissing them.

Fear has no place in this journey. The Christian Church is experiencing increasing marginalisation and irrelevance for many.

This opportunity to share with others the ministry for those in care and in need is without price.

Giving succour to others is a commitment and privilege for all, and that we can do it together is an exciting prospect and, dare I say it, a witness and model to others about how our living together on this earth should be.

Dr Peter Strang

Dunedin

Cr Vandervis

THERE are two sides to every story. Cr Lee Vandervis is obviously a target for council staff and councillors considering the number of times he has been accused of ‘‘bullying’’ staff and shouting at people. But has anyone looked into staff behaviour to see if the problem comes from the inability to do their job correctly and in a timely mode?

It would appear that many of Lee’s outbursts are as a result of frustration at staff not producing required information quickly. Just remember, he has views and ideas shared by many ratepayers in Dunedin.

Rod McKenzie

Andersons Bay

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