A new report shows there is a sharp decline in the number of New Zealanders who identify as Christians.
In Faith and Belief in New Zealand, researchers found that only a third of the population believe in Jesus, down from 43% in the 2013 census, reports New Zealand talk radio network, Newstalk ZB.
There’s a deep respect and affection for Jesus and what He stood for. —Chris Clarke, Wilberforce Foundation adviser
Commissioned by Auckland-based Christian organization, Wilberforce Foundation, the study revealed that 20% of participants said they have spiritual beliefs, but don’t identify with any main religion, and 35% said they have no religion or spiritual belief. The rest answered that they identify with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Wilberforce adviser Chris Clarke said he sees several reasons why the Christian population in New Zealand is dropping. He observed that traditional churches do not appeal to you