The Anglican and Catholic churches are urging the Government to tell the public more about the trans-Pacific trade negotiations.
Bishops from both churches have written asking for more transparency so New Zealanders can better evaluate the implications of the proposed deal.
The bishops said the lack of openness about the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement was cause for great concern.
They said corporate interests had been able to influence the negotiations while the people had been excluded.
In a statement they said this led to the belief ordinary New Zealanders would be disadvantaged by any agreement reached and only the rich would benefit.
The bishops said the Government should consider making the draft text of the deal public.