Since the photo of Judith Collins praying in a church was published there have been many points of view expressed as to the rights and wrongs and possible motives or otherwise. I must admit to feeling a little uncomfortable when I first saw it. I was unsure why to start with but came to the conclusion that the reason for my uneasiness was that I don’t think politics and religion are a good mix. Neither do I think politics and sport are a good mix. Neither do I think politicising COVID is acceptable or dressing up as a Muslim!
Turning first to Judith and the photo. My understanding is that, at the church where she went to cast her vote, she was asked by the Minister if she would like to pray. She accepted his invitation and proceeded to do so. The media pack followed her in. At that point, Judith had some choices; ask the media to leave and then pray, decide not to pray or pray with the media in attendance, which she did.
At this point, the questions arise as to why. In answering these we should first bear in mind that she did not invite the media in. So, did she decide her course of action knowing there would be photos, as a certain other person would have done, in other words deliberately going after the photo-op? If we decide the answer to that is yes then we are putting Judith on the same level as Jacinda in this regard. Personally, I think that is an insult to Judith.
Did she do it to politicise religion? That is something I wouldn’t agree with. There is an argument here as she has only recently spoken about her religious beliefs. I think this is a strategy she is employing aimed at taking votes off the New Conservatives. Some would argue this is politicising religion. If we accept the strategy being used, and she does no more than talk about the fact she is a Christian, then I think we can assume this is simply a subtle political ploy.
Judith, in my view, did not go out of her way to attract attention. She was simply deciding to accept an offer that was made to her. Certainly, she knew the media were there but if they weren’t such a tacky, tawdry lot, they would have respected the fact that praying is a private matter. To go in and photograph her at that time was a violation of her in her private space. If anyone is to blame, it’s the media for showing blatant disrespect.
Their only excuse could be that they are used to following another leader around dressed like a Muslim who does so knowing full well her media friends will be all over her. I am of the opinion that she dresses up for precisely that reason. Jacinda Ardern can’t see the shame in doing so. In all probability, she doesn’t know what shame is. Way back in March she turned COVID into a daily electioneering platform and backed that up by telling us we’re having a COVID election.
Judith is on a completely different plane. I have come to the conclusion that, unlike Jacinda, Judith would not deliberately seek to use the media for publicity on matters pertaining to religion. She has more class than that!
Judith keeps the faith. We must keep the faith in Judith.
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