For the first time, on New Zealand’s national day, Waitangi Day (6 February), at the dawn service, a verse of scripture from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ will be read tomorrow morning.
Dr Shane Reti, a Member of Parliament, said, “I have the privilege of giving the reading on behalf of the Opposition, and have chosen Mosiah 18:21. 'And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye… having their hearts knit together in unity and in love towards another.”'
Waitangi expresses the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between Māori and Europeans with the words ‘He iwi tahi tatou,’ ‘Together we are one nation.’
Reti said, “This scripture reinforces togetherness and unity.”
He continued, “The Book of Mormon stands alongside other theological texts of wisdom and it is timely for it to take its place on our national day. I am just the humble vessel privileged to deliver it.”