A controversial New Zealand church movement advocating strong patriarchal leadership and prosperity theology, led by Bishop Brian Tamaki.
Destiny Church is a Pentecostal Christian movement founded in 1998 by Brian and Hannah Tamaki in Rotorua, New Zealand. Initially named City Church Auckland, it began with just 20 members in a commercial warehouse in Pakuranga, Auckland, and has since grown to encompass multiple locations across New Zealand and Australia. The church is known for its controversial teachings and practices, attracting thousands of members and considerable public attention.
Brian Tamaki, who leads the church alongside his wife, is characterized by his charismatic and radical preaching style, which has been a significant factor in the church’s growth and media visibility. The church launched Destiny TV in 2001 to broadcast its religious programming across New Zealand, further expanding its reach. Historian Peter Lineham has noted that the church’s progression parallels movements like the Ratana movement of the 1920s, reflecting deep tensions within New Zealand society.
Destiny Church has been actively involved in both social and political arenas. Notably, the church organized the “Enough is Enough” march in 2004, opposing civil union legislation, which drew thousands of participants and sparked significant media criticism. The church has also ventured into politics, founding several political parties, including Destiny New Zealand in 2003 and Freedoms New Zealand, which attempted to enter Parliament in the 2023 general election.
The teachings of Destiny Church emphasize a strict adherence to what they interpret as biblical principles, advocating prosperity theology, which suggests that faith, positive speech, and donations will lead to personal wealth. This has encouraged a culture of tithing among its members, including a significant annual “First Fruits” offering. The church’s patriarchal focus links femininity with weakness and stresses the importance of male leadership, which has led to controversies and accusations of it being cult-like. Tamaki’s leadership demands high levels of respect and obedience from followers, which has been documented in protocols detailing how to interact with him.
Controversially, the church has faced criticism for its stance on social issues like homosexuality and abortion, and for Brian Tamaki’s comments linking natural disasters to sin. The church’s relationships, such as its former connection with the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the USA, have also been pivotal, with Brian Tamaki referring to Eddie Long of the New Birth Church as his spiritual father until their affiliation ended in 2010.
Destiny Church has initiated social programs like the “Man-Up” initiative, targeting family violence, depression, addiction, and suicide, which has been recognized for its positive impact on individuals and families. Plans for expanding their facilities include developing a “Destiny City” in South Auckland, which would house church headquarters, educational facilities, and social help programs. This ambitious expansion reflects the church’s vision of creating a self-sufficient community centered around its religious and cultural beliefs, continuing to influence various aspects of New Zealand’s social and cultural landscape.
image via Newshub
