A Ratana spokesperson says the tension between his movement and the Labour Party is a clash between theocracy and meritocracy.
Andre Mason, the son of Tumuaki (church head) Haare Meihana, is leading a push for Labour to give high list placings to four candidates endorsed by Ratana.
Under the Electoral Act, party lists must be determined by a democratic process.
Mr Mason says the Tumuaki is particularly upset at Labour's treatment of his other son, Errol Mason, who has twice failed to unseat Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia in Te Tai Hauauru.
Waatea News reports Mr Mason rejects criticism by Labour MP Shane Jones that Ratana is confusing its religious and political roles, saying the movement has always had that dual character.
Mr Jones says Labour respects the relationship formed in the 1930s with church founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, but he told Waatea News that such pacts need to be updated.
He said Labour won't be dictated to, by church members running political agendas.
Meanwhile, Mrs Turia says the Labour Party is out of touch with the church, its ally of 78 years.
