Why prayers at union meetings?

I'd like to congratulate NZNO on a well organised delegates' convention in Auckland in June. The need for rank and file activism came through deafly in the presentations and discussion. A highlight for me was hearing from the delegates in the aged-care sector, who work in appalling conditions, and seeing the broad support they had from the other members present.

However, there was something that did concern me at the gathering. NZNO is a secular organisation with no religious affiliation, yet the convention was opened with a Christian prayer.

While some people may think nothing of this, for atheists and non-Christians, this is an imposition and likely to offend. I expect there are many Christians, too, who feet that religion is a private affair and does not belong in union meetings.

More and more often religion is creeping into public occasions, as if the enlightenment had never happened. It is our collective strength we need to call upon, not divine intervention.

Daphna Whitmore, RN

Auckland

NZNO's chief executive Geoff Annals replies: NZNO meetings commonly open and close with acknowledgement of a spiritual dimension. I recognise that this does not rest easily with all members. However, equally, it is accepted and welcomed by others who consider spirituality to be a fundamental aspect of life and the wholeness of being. A spiritual acknowledgement within NZNO activities is consistent with an holistic nursing perspective and with NZNO's recognition and valuing of a Maori world view that gives precedence to the spiritual dimension. Neither of these demand a Christian perspective but given the predominance in Aoteoroa New Zealand of a Christian view on spiritual matters, most often the form of the spiritual acknowledgement used in NZNO meetings is a Christian one.