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Jacinda Ardern’s Beliefs and Background
The question of Jacinda Ardern’s religious beliefs has been a subject of speculation, with curiosity about her identification as a Christian or a Jew.
While limited information is available, her Wikipedia page notes her agnostic stance, expressing in January 2017, “I can’t see myself being a member of an organized religion again.” This aligns with the agnostic viewpoint, considering the existence of God as unknown or unknowable.1
Early Religious Background
Ardern’s early religious background was rooted in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand. However, she made a significant decision to leave the church in 2005 at the age of 25 due to conflicts with the church’s teachings, especially regarding gay rights.
Jacinda Ardern’s Religion: Unraveling the Mystery
Lack of Clear Information
Despite the interest surrounding Jacinda Ardern’s religion, media sources have not provided substantial facts on this topic. However, information available on Ardern’s Wikipedia biography indicates that she identifies as agnostic.
Agnosticism Defined
Agnosticism, as Ardern has expressed, is a belief that nothing is known or can be known about the presence or nature of God. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to understanding her spiritual beliefs.
Ardern’s Journey with Religion
Jacinda Ardern’s connection with religion has undergone shifts over the years. Raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, her religious journey took a turn in 2005 when she was 25 years old.
Departure from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
In 2005, Ardern made the decision to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her departure was rooted in a conflict between the church’s teachings and her personal views, particularly her strong support for gay rights.2
Agnosticism Acknowledged
By January 2017, Ardern openly identified as agnostic. During this time, she articulated that she couldn’t envision herself being a member of an organized religion again.
Personal Insights
Adding a personal touch to the discussion, Jacinda Ardern shared a glimpse of her wedding on her Instagram handle. This provides a unique perspective into her life and values, even though it doesn’t explicitly define her religious beliefs.
Ardern’s Family and Background
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, on July 26, 1980, Jacinda Ardern comes from a well-established family. Her father, Ross Ardern, served as the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Niue and as Niue’s police commissioner. Her mother, Laurell, worked as a school catering assistant, and she has an older sister, Louise.3
Early Political Involvement
Jacinda Ardern’s political journey began at the age of 17 when she joined the Labour Party. Influenced by her aunt, Marie Ardern, a dedicated Labour Party member, she assisted in campaigning during the 1999 general election for New Plymouth MP Harry Duynhoven.
Notable Facts about Jacinda Ardern
Dame Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern, with a New Zealand nationality, graduated from the University of Waikato in 2001 with a Bachelor of Communication Studies. After university, she worked as a researcher for Phil Goff and Helen Clark.
At 27, in 2008, she was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), serving a two-year term until 2010. Ardern received various prestigious titles in recognition of her significant contributions.
Political Career
Jacinda Ardern, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, played a crucial role in the country’s political landscape. As the 40th Prime Minister, she rose to prominence on October 19, 2017, following an agreement between the New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, and the Labour Party. Her tenure lasted until January 25, 2023.
Early Years in the Labour Party (2008-2020)
Jacinda Ardern’s journey in the Labour Party began in 2008, marking a steady rise through the party rankings over the years:
- 2008-2011: Ranked 20
- 2011-2013: Ranked 13
- 2014-2017: Ranked 5
- 2017-2020: Ranked 1
- 2020-Present: Continues to hold the top rank
- In the 2011 and 2014 general elections, Ardern contested the Auckland Central seat, facing defeats but with reduced margins. Notably, she participated in the 2017 Women’s March in opposition to Donald Trump.
- In February 2017, Ardern achieved a landslide victory in the Mount Albert by-election, securing 77 percent of the votes. This success led to her unanimous election as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in March 2017.
- On August 1, 2017, Ardern assumed the role of Leader of the Labour Party. The September 2017 general election saw her retaining the Mount Albert electorate and forming a coalition with the New Zealand First Party, making her the Prime Minister.
- In the 2020 general election, Ardern secured another landslide victory, maintaining the Labour Party’s dominance in the House of Representatives.
Personal and Political Views
Ardern’s Stance on Controversial Issues
Jacinda Ardern is known for her outspoken views on contentious issues:4
- A commitment to a carbon-free New Zealand government by 2025.
- Implementation of a ban on assault rifles, semiautomatic weapons, high-capacity magazines, and related parts.
- Opposition to the prosecution of Cannabis users in New Zealand.
- Advocacy for a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Achievements
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Academic and Political Milestones
Jacinda Ardern’s achievements extend beyond her political career:
- Bachelor’s degree in politics and public relations from Waikato University.
- Elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth in 2008.
- Became the youngest sitting Member of Parliament in 2008.
- Emerged as the youngest leader in the history of the Labour Party.
- Membership in the Council of World Women Leaders.
- Attained the position of the world’s youngest head of government at the age of 37.
Recognition and Awards
Jacinda Ardern has received notable recognition and awards:
- Participation in a gay pride march as the first New Zealand prime minister in 2018.
- Forbes magazine’s ranking as the 38th most powerful woman in 2019.
- Inclusion in the Time 100 list in 2019, with a short-listing for Person of the Year.
- Awarded Harvard University’s Gleitsman International Activist Award in 2020.
- Topped Fortune magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders list in 2021.
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Wedding of Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
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On January 13, 2024, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern married her longtime partner, Clarke Gayford, in a private ceremony. The event marked the culmination of almost five years of engagement, with a postponement attributed to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ceremony Details
The details of the wedding were closely guarded by the couple, but it is reported to have taken place at a luxury vineyard in the scenic Hawke’s Bay region, situated 200 miles from New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
The exclusive guest list included family, close friends, and a select few of Ardern’s former lawmaker colleagues, among them her successor and former prime minister, Chris Hipkins.
Protest Incident
Before the ceremony, a small group of protesters gathered outside the venue, expressing opposition to vaccination. The police intervened as the protesters plastered a wall with anti-vaccination posters. One protester was observed holding a sign that read, “Lest we forget jab mandates,” on the outskirts of the property.
Marriage to Clarke Gayford
Recent headlines feature Ardern’s private wedding to Clarke Gayford on North Island, adding a personal touch to her public persona.
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Ardern and Gayford’s Journey
Relationship and Engagement
Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford, aged 43 and 47 respectively, began dating in 2014 and got engaged five years later. However, their wedding plans for the southern hemisphere summer of 2022 were disrupted by the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Ardern’s government, limiting gatherings to 100 people.
Leadership and Global Recognition
Ardern, who became the leader at the age of 37 in 2017, quickly became a global icon of the left.
Her leadership style garnered praise worldwide, particularly for her handling of New Zealand’s worst-ever mass shooting and the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, she made history as the second elected world leader to give birth while in office, bringing her infant daughter to the floor of the United Nations General Assembly later that year.
Challenges and Departure
New Zealand, under Ardern’s government, implemented some of the strictest coronavirus mandates globally, leading to rallies and heightened criticism. Ardern surprised the nation in January 2023 when she announced her resignation after five-and-a-half years as prime minister, citing a lack of energy to do justice to the role in an election year.
Post-Prime Ministerial Activities
Following her resignation, Ardern disclosed plans to temporarily join Harvard University, securing dual fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School. Additionally, she took on an unpaid role combatting online extremism. In June, Ardern received one of New Zealand’s highest honors—a Dame Grand Companion—for her exceptional service during the mass shooting and pandemic.
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