Emmerson cartoon

Recent events in this country have shown the vulnerability of those who choose to exercise their right to worship with freedom. Indeed, many of our churches have had an armed police presence outside during Easter services. Churches did not request this, but the police felt it necessary because of the ongoing level of threat, with places of worship as a likely target. Over Easter weekend in Sri Lanka, bomb attacks on churches have shown that these actions are not limited to one faith.

We are at a delicate point in our social history. Faith can be a source of further division, or part of the power to unite. Muslim people were present at Auckland’s Anglican Cathedral on Easter Day because of the friendship and respect that we have for one another. They handed out Easter eggs to worshippers after the service. In a few weeks, our cathedral will host Muslim friends for a meal during Ramadan when they break their fast for the day. These are examples of the power of faith to unite across difference, and to build understanding and respect. It has greatly saddened me that this was so disrespected by the Emmerson cartoon at the holiest time of the year for Christian faith.

Ross Bay, Anglican Bishop of Auckland

I am absolutely disgusted by your cartoon of the crucifixion and comparing this to capital gains tax.

In view of what recently happened in Christchurch, where the Muslim faith was embraced it seemed like New Zealand was finally moving in the right direction in becoming respectful towards religion. Unfortunately this does not include respect towards Christianity as it seems an acceptable thing in New Zealand to mock the Christian faith. I cannot see our Muslim, Jewish, Hindu brothers and sisters and members of any other religion accepting their religious beliefs being mocked in such a way.

Audrene Samuel, Hastings