I, Glyn Carpenter, of Birkenhead, Auckland, National Director of
New Zealand
Christian Network (also known as Vision Network of New Zealand), solemnly and
sincerely SWEAR:
1. I
am
the
National Director of
New Zealand
Christian Network (visionnetwork).
2. New Zealand Christian Network (visionnetwork)
is a broad-spectrum network of churches and Christian leaders, with a Board of
Reference which includes leaders from all the main denominations. It seeks to
present a biblically orthodox position on issues, reflecting the views of the
majority of Christians in New Zealand.
3. New
Zealand Christian Network (visionnetwork)
believes that the objects of Liberty Trust are biblically orthodox and their
activities advance the Christian religion.
4. Liberty Trust has provided much orthodox Bible teaching to help the public
understand, believe and follow the Bible.
5.
Liberty Trust has applied the principles of the Bible to lend to
help many people in need. If there is a poor man …freely lend him whatever
he needs. Deut 15:7
6. The
church throughout the ages has been concerned with helping people with the
necessities of life, including shelter and housing.
7. Jesus had much to teach about finance including sowing and reaping, stewardship,
saving, giving, sharing and lending to those in need.
8. Liberty Trust is following a teaching from the Bible which says that
lending should be without interest “He does not put out his money at
interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these
things will never be shaken.” Ps 15:5
9. The Church has a history of teaching people to avoid usury (eg First
Council of Nicaea canon 17 in 325CE). At the time "usury" simply meant interest
of any kind.
10. Liberty Trust
has enabled believers to follow the Bible’s commands to avoid indebtedness which
can impact negatively on community. “You will lend to other nations but will
borrow from none” Deut. 28:12. “The borrower is slave to the lender”. Prov 22:7.
11. The
activities of Liberty Trust have had a positive influence on the public of New
Zealand.
