"Get your knee off our necks" and Cannabis

Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink

Monday 8th June 2020

Dear Pastor, there’s a lot going on in our world right now, right? I’m told over and over again that everyday Christian people really want to hear from their Pastor what you understand the Bible to say on these various matters and how we as Christians might respond to them. If an entertainer like James Corden will take 15mins or so to address Racism on his show shouldn’t we do the same in our pulpit’s? In fact why not play the whole piece (see below) in your service next week followed by few comments of your own. Your people will love you!

The website for all things on the Cannabis debate is https://saynopetodope.org.nz/. Much more to say on this matter in upcoming weeks.

George Floyd’s Memorial Service, 4th June 2020, Houston USA.

It’s such a moving occasion. Rev. Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy. It’s a superb sermon and I would recommend you take the 27 mins it takes to view it if you haven’t already. Note especially the 3 mins 15 secs of a stunning ‘riff’ that only Black American preachers can pull off starting at 7:30mins. Oh my goodness, it’s powerful.

Two days earlier James Corden did a segment on his Late Late Show broadcast from his garage while still in lockdown. It is a superb piece from a white man who has a huge platform. Have a tissue handy.

James Corden offers a message of support and love for those fighting for justice. After, bandleader Reggie Watts shares his perspective and experience of growing up black in America. And James shares British rapper Dave's moving performance of "Black" from this year's BRIT Awards.

MEDIA RELEASE – 8 June 2020 for immediate release

Alliance of Community Leaders & Organisations Launch ‘Vote NO’ Campaign

An alliance of community organisations and leaders (including ex-addicts, educators, ex-police, addiction counsellors, health professionals and community workers) have joined together to form Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ (SAM-NZ), and will work together to oppose any attempt to legalise cannabis in New Zealand in the upcoming referendum.

“We’re pleased to have such a wide-ranging group of organisations and experts from all areas of society to come together to argue against legalising the recreational use of cannabis, based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety,” says spokesperson Aaron Ironside.

“The use of cannabis is associated with increased risks of a number of adverse outcomes including educational delay, welfare dependence, increased risks of psychotic symptoms, major depression, increased risks of motor vehicle accidents, increased risks of tobacco use, increased risks of other illicit drug use, and respiratory impairment.”

“At a time when New Zealand’s mental health system is bursting at the seams, why would we go and legitimise a mind-altering product which will simply add to social harm?”

The New Zealand coalition has aligned itself with the prominent US group SAM which is led by Dr Kevin Sabet, a former advisor to three U.S. presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush and Obama Administrations) - the only drug policy staffer to have ever served as a political appointee in a Democrat and Republican administration.

“Our NZ coalition is stoked to be aligned with such a credible organization as SAM. SAM’s Staff and Science Advisory Board is composed of world-recognised experts in research, addiction, and treatment who work tirelessly to advance public health and safety, and stand up to a powerful marijuana industry.”

There are NO copyright restrictions on this email update. Got some feedback about this Update, or anything in the news? Would you like us to cover a story then drop me a note at alan.vink@leadershipworx.org.nz Alan is Executive Director of LeadershipWorx and blogs here.

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.