Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has launched an all-out assault on the decision to play the call to prayer across the country today.
Tamaki, a man familiar with offending communities, says it was offensive to Christians.
Regardless of faith, this was a moment thousands of Kiwis observed.
The Muslim call to prayer was heard in Christchurch, and, across radio and television, including here on Three. Many saw it as a warm gesture to Kiwi Muslims after a week of tragedy.
Tamaki though told Newshub he was "deeply offended".
"You don't think about what how it offends us and hurts us, that you just roll in without another outside religion, that would never give us the tolerance or freedom to speak in a Muslim country. You try it, they'd take your head off," Tamaki said
This follows a series of tweets from Tamaki, who took exception to a line in the prayer referencing Allah as "the only God".
He criticised Jacinda Ardern for abusing her powers, and says it was offensive to all true Christians.
And despite it only being a week since the massacre, Tamaki says he couldn't wait any longer.
"That’s a week, I've waited a week, that's very gracious of me," he told Newshub
Tamaki's no stranger to controversy. Last year he supported outspoken league star Israel Falou, who tweeted his anti-gay feelings.
At the time Tamaki tweeted about it using the hashtag "#crybabygays".
History professor Peter Lineham says the latest drama is straight out of Tamaki's playbook.
"At times where other religious groups have claimed some sort of role in New Zealand society he has regarded himself as the person who should stand out and defend them, Lineham," told Newshub
Lineham says hearing the call to prayer doesn't mean Kiwis have converted to Islam.
Tamaki himself says his church has done work in Christchurch this week helping the community.
It's his tweets though and not their hard work, now making headlines.
Newshub.
