Tui Motu InterIslands monthly independent Catholic magazine May 2013 | $6

Inequality of Wealth . editorial taming the tigress . . .

“The life and dignity of millions of Minister of Great Britain, however, benefit cuts, and a government attitude men, women and children hang has brought both plaudits and brickbats. of pushing ahead with ideological in the balance. Decisions must be She was “a tigress surrounded by ham- changes without worrying about the judged in light of what they do for sters,” as John Biffen a former Cabinet human consequences. This Aotearoan the poor, what they do to the poor, colleague famously mused, a unique phenomenon is replicated in other and what they enable the poor to politician who changed things, and parts of the world. do for themselves. The fundamen- whom everyone followed — a game- As an aside, neither the Baroness nor tal moral criterion for all economic changer and an earth-mover. Roger Douglas would have withstood decisions, policies and institutions Many countries including the scrutiny of the American Bishops’ is this: they must be at the service New Zealand moved politically statement quoted above. of all people, especially the poor. because she led the way. Indeed, Where then lies the hope for Rogernomics is a fair imitation of change from these unfair conse- (American Bishops’ 1986 pastoral what Baroness Thatcher achieved, quences? It nests in a number of places, letter, Economic Justice for all, 24) sometimes even more far-reaching, expected and unexpected. In a letter in that our local political structure to us covering the interviews that s I write on the day after brooks no opposition. Cathy Harrison did with Te Whare Margaret Thatcher’s funeral, And once in power, a New Roimata and the Aranui Sisters (both images of her in the after- Zealand government of whatever in this issue) Cathy had this to say: mathA of the Conservative Party stripe works without checks or bal- “It was good to focus on community Conference bombing in Brighton ances. We lack a House of Lords or development in Christchurch during and her prayerfulness stay with me. an Australian Senate, even with the a similar time to the Aranui Sisters. She seemed at her most human and strong benefit of mixed-member While this community [Te Whare personal at that point in her public proportional representation (MMP). Roimata] may not have been driven life — showing an endearing hint of Unfair consequences have followed. by Vatican documents, they were and uncertainty. As she said of herself, Presently they include: unprecedented are women and men of God … their “There’s not much point in being a levels of child poverty, unemployment vision is truly beautiful responding weak and floppy thing in the chair, is with no possibility of a job to come, so creatively and in such empowering there?” What she achieved as Prime soaring rents, unaffordable housing, ways. The humility and sensitivities

Editorial...... 2-3 An open letter to pope francis ...... 22–23 Anna Holmes contents Letters to the editor ...... 4 A pope for our times ...... 24–25 Comment: ‘The best of times, Jim Consedine the worst of times’ ...... 5 Mary britt Where is jesus to be found? ...... 26–27 Kathleen Rushton Money, money, money . . . it’s a Poem: Visit us rich man’s world ...... 6–7 ...... 27 Jacqui Ryan Anne Powell Book and film reviews Vatican II on poverty and wealth ...... 8–9 ...... 28–29 Michael Costigan Crosscurrents ...... 30 Economic policy and human dignity: Jim Elliston “let there be light” ...... 10–11 Death and taxes ...... 31 Paul DaLziel Peter Norris Te whare roimata: house of tears ...... 12-13 A mother’s journal ...... 32 Interview: Catherine Harrison Kaaren Mathias Christ in the suburbs – part II ...... 14–15 Interview: Catherine Harrison Key to front cover photos: Centre: Wall Street, New York. Foot washing ...... 16–17 Other photos, clockwise from top left: Drought in the Horn Kathleen Rushton of Africa; Fishing in Southern India; Education in Darfur; Lots of forgiveness, asked for or not . . . . . 18–19 Food security in Sudan; Water resources in Zimbabwe; Glynn Cardy Ploughing in Darfur. [With thanks to Christian World Service for the use of the Africa/Asia photos.] A nuclear weapon-free world? ...... 20–21 Robert Green

2 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 to journey for so long speaks of the and to boost employment. Helping the New Zealand Treasury is begin- Life of God in abundance — the life unemployed youth who lose hope ning to import a new vision of what that we know is encountered on the when there are no jobs for them and economics may mean. That augurs the margins — in the cracks where the who are intimidated by the bureauc- possibility of policy change that will light gets in!” Just so. racy of government departments is key; serve the needs of all New Zealanders. Cathy has put a fine antipodean and keeping as many jobs as possible Do enjoy his article and take a Google flavour to the opening quote from within Aotearoa rather than outsourc- peep at the Treasury material. the American Bishops’ 1986 pastoral ing them is a no-brainer. We need take On another tack, we continue to letter. These Bishops’ forthrightness only one example: NZ Rail’s debacle focus on Pope Francis. Anna Holmes is needed here to stimulate discussion concerning the Hillside workshops, looks at the wounds of the Church. and change in our country. and the construction of rail wagons in These inspire an evocative dream. Jim There is, in fact, a challenge to Dunedin rather than in China. Consedine hones in on some “fault the NZ Churches collectively, and The expected and fine work of lines”, praying that the Holy Spirit the Catholic Bishops in particular, such groups as Te Whare Roimata and will continue to free Francis to move to speak out even more clearly in the the Aranui Sisters are beacons for the in the ways he has already done. present situation. The figures are clear. many groups whose quiet work to Finally, enjoy Kath Rushton’s focus Since 2008 the disparity within New sustain the poor and marginalised on the background to our liturgical Zealand has increased substantially, and work for change is signalled here. Holy Thursday rite of footwashing. It while Jacqui Ryan sensibly shows the We honour them all. is a new take on this situation, and global nature of this problem. We need The unexpected also beckons: Paul makes eminent sense. policies to ensure affordable housing Dalziel in his article gives hope that Sweet reading! KT

Pentecost Subscription Appeal As the feast of Pentecost approaches took out gift subscriptions at Christmas we invite you to go out from your ‘upper we find ourselves ‘seeing visions and time. You brought in very many new rooms’ and spread the good word of Tui dreaming dreams’. What would it friends of Tui Motu, who will, we Motu to at least one other person. mean if we could increase the number hope, continue to enjoy the magazine If you are not in a position to find of subscribers to Tui Motu? Most throughout 2013. We are not asking you and sign up a new subscriber, another importantly it would mean that more for further gifts at this time. Instead we possibility would be that you clip the people would have the opportunity to are asking your help with something small coupon which appears on the be informed, challenged, drawn into which may well be more difficult. back page of each issue, fill in the name discussion, encouraged to meditate Our dream is that every one of you, of someone who might be interested in and reflect, and even delighted. We every reader of Tui Motu might recruit the magazine and mail the coupon to are sure from the feedback received a new subscriber for us, someone who us. We would then send a sample copy. from so many of our readers that the would commit to taking out their own It helps if you include your own name magazine is valued and enjoyed. subscription for 5 months or for the full also, so that we can tell your friends So there must be other potential year. Your personal enthusiasm and who recommended them. readers who might receive the same encouragement could work the wonders May the Spirit move us all to take stimulation and pleasure as you do. that we dream of. Nothing is more action in this subscriber drive this We are most grateful to all of you who effective than the direct approach. So Pentecost! EM

Tui Motu – InterIslands is an independent, address: Independent Catholic Magazine Ltd, Catholic, monthly magazine. It invites its P O Box 6404, Dunedin North, 9059 readers to question, challenge and contrib- phone: (03) 477 1449 ute to its discussion of spiritual and social fax: (03) 477 8149 issues in the light of gospel values, and in email: [email protected] the interests of a more just and peaceful website: www.tuimotu.org society. Inter-church and inter-faith dialogue editor: Kevin Toomey OP is welcomed. assistant editor: Elizabeth Mackie OP The name Tui Motu was given by Pa Henare Tate. It illustrator: Donald Moorhead literally means “stitching the islands together...”, bringing directors: Susan Brebner, Rita Cahill RSJ, Philip Casey the different races and peoples and faiths together to (chair), Neil Darragh, Paul Ferris, Robin Kearns, Elizabeth create one Pacific people of God. Divergence of opinion Mackie OP is expected and will normally be published, although that honorary directors: Pauline O’Regan RSM, Frank does not necessarily imply editorial commitment to the Hoffmann ISSM 1174-8931 viewpoint expressed. Issue number 171 typesetting and layout: Greg Hings printers: Southern Colour Print, 1 Turakina Road, Dunedin South, 9012

3 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 letters to the editor the consedines pacifist — was actually a saint. letters to the editor She was a disturbing influence to There were so many good articles in We welcome comment, Catholics and non-Catholics alike; the April edition of Tui Motu, I am discussion, argument, debate. and an uncontainable irritant to both loath to write a letter of protest. But please keep letters under secular and religious authorities. The But I must do so because I consid- title ‘saint’ would ensure that here 200 words. The editor reserves ered the article by Robert Consedine is another radical witness to Christ the right to abridge, while not just awful. that the world cannot be rid of — St changing the meaning. “We are witnessing a Papacy that Dorothy Day of New York. We do not publish anonymous appears to be completely discon- Dorothy and those with her letters otherwise than in nected from the people of God.” had a vision as Fr Consedine said exceptional circumstances. “Like the serfs of 19th century “of a meaningful application of Response articles (up to a Russia, Catholics still have no rights the spiritual and corporal works of page) are welcome — but in their own Church.” mercy.”(TM, Feb 13) Pope John Paul please, by negotiation. And so on. II could well have called her a ‘living I’m told the Consedines are word’ — propelled by Christ’s own a ‘Bolshie’ family. OK. But why words, “feed the hungry, shelter the encourage their Bolshie views? homeless, clothe the naked, visit the Anyway this is my protest. sick and those in prison.” Ted Maloney, Invercargill By canonising Dorothy, the I believe there will be many souls inspiration Church would be sanctioning this thrilled to know that a saint once movement with its great disturbing walked in their neighbourhood and I am the elderly owner of a precious potential, with its charism of unit- walks beside them still. cat and I am upset by the mayhem ing the personalisation of the works Matthew Walton, Palmerston North created by Gareth Morgan’s cat of mercy with being a voice for (abridged) campaign. ‘The Devout Atheist’ (Tui the marginalised, the dispossessed Motu, March ’13) showed a man and the wretched of our societies. whose heart and values are in the Although Dorothy was a pacifist, she Jubilee right place. was also a lifelong supporter of the The Christian principles Bursaries union movement. Differing from expressed throughout the article were for university theological her principal co-founder in this — an inspirational insight into a couple education she showed an acute awareness that who show what can be done when the dignity of the human person such values are put into practice. The Applications invited for was not enhanced by a compliant, expression of Christianity, as revealed Semester 2, 2013 submissive labour force. Drawing Applications close 5:00 pm in many of the articles, shows a faith from the thinkers of her time, ear- 14 June 2013 that will prevail as the materialistic lier encyclicals, her own experience world falls apart. How encouraging and prefiguring John Paul II, she Applicants must be Catholics that the strength of those who are self making a contribution to the upheld the various rights of labour sacrificing and who believe in a better mission of the Catholic Church in to organize. world are willing to commit them- the Auckland Diocese. There may not have been a Bishop selves in the fight against poverty and at her funeral (most of us don’t have The bursaries are a contribution for justice. bishops at our funerals — a priest toward university fees for Joan Horner, Auckland will do fine) and, yes, the hierarchy theology papers. do exhibit a tendency to marginalise st dorothy day of new york For an information and radical commitment, but the Church application package: St Dorothy Day of New York — will be remedying that somewhat Jubilee Bursaries such is the acclaim being broadcast here. Cardinal Cooke did receive her for the co-founder of the Catholic body into the Church of the Nativity Catholic Schools Office Worker Movement. It shows prior to her funeral. Private bag 47-904 remarkable humility on the part of About the gospel of Jesus, we Auckland 1144 the American bishops to admit that Catholics say, “I cannot be indif- this prepossessed radical personalist, ferent.” Nor can I be indifferent to Ph: (09) 360 3091 this stirrer and server of Catholic such a witness to the gospel. When Email: [email protected] Worker soup, this undeterred Dorothy Day is declared a saint,

4 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 comment ‘the best of times, the worst of times’ Mary Britt

n March 21, in a week which of the adoption process. ‘The law free consent and stated his conviction could have become the was an ass’, we may say, for its sins that ‘the welfare of the child must worst in her political career, of omission. But with no ‘malice be regarded as, beyond question, the OPrime Minister Julia Gillard found aforethought’ what was behind this paramount consideration’. Circulated what one journalist called ‘her finest malpractice from1930 until 1982? in advance, this paper inserted human hour’. She offered a public national It seems, social conventions of the rights issues around adoption into apology to women who had suffered time. Women or girls pregnant outside the SCAG Conference in June 1961. the ‘forced adoption’ of their babies. wedlock were all liable to be tarred (Report, 7.11) In so doing, she acknowledged that with the same stigmatising brush: they While legal opinions differed about a grievous wrong had been done and had shamed their families and created whose rights were paramount, some accepted the nation’s responsibility a ‘social problem’. They were held agreement emerged about ‘model leg- for it. For the rest of us, this apology responsible for their condition and islation’ to safeguard the human rights raised burning questions again: how its consequences. Such stereotyping of all parties and prevent the cruel could such wrongs have happened? passed judgement without any con- malpractice of forced adoption. As a Why was this not prevented by law? sideration of guilt or innocence. At the result, major changes were made then With a Senate Committee’s same time, adoption was the favoured across all jurisdictions, and again in Report of two years’ research into solution to this ‘problem’. Doctors, the 1980s, in response to a changing different adoption laws and practice nurses, social workers, midwives were social climate. across six States and two Territories, not immune to this pervasive mind- Now we have the Senate we may attempt some answers. The set. Many young women became its Committee’s Report and its first Commonwealth’s role is limited to victims, treated with cruelty when fruit: the Prime Minister’s Apology. the oversight constitutionally avail- they needed compassion and care. Hundreds of mothers are grateful able to the Attorney General and the By definition, a forced adoption to Julia Gillard for the healing balm Standing Committee of Attorneys was arranged without the mother’s her words applied to the wounds of General (SCAG). consent. Typically, this happened when loss and grief they are still carrying. A significant comment at 6.8 in the mother was most vulnerable to The Report recommended such an the Report notes that in all States and pressure from those around her, espe- apology; but also the kinds of action Territories the hub of the laws was cially if physical and emotional fragility necessary to ensure that the healing to ‘establish’ the legal relationship of affected her capacity for judgement. process continues. We live in hope! adopted children to adopting parents Under pressure, sometimes from their We have had national apologies and ‘extinguish’ their legal relationship ‘shamed’ family, sometimes from medi- before: to our Indigenous Peoples for to their natural parents. Children cos or welfare officials, mothers signed the multiple wrongs they have suf- were given a new legal identity; but documents they did not understand fered; to Child Migrants for the harsh lost their natural identity, rooted in but later found they could not revoke. treatment they endured here; and parentage and ancestry. The rights Some thought they were making tem- now this new one. What lies behind of natural parents were overlooked. porary arrangements only. One still them all? The truth that legal systems, Such laws failed to acknowledge and grieving mother reported that she did political systems, social conventions balance the needs and rights of all par- not ever see her child, taken from her can become unjust even by default ties to an adoption. With hindsight, for adoption immediately after birth. and perpetuate injustices over a long informed by slowly developed human In 1960 the Commonwealth period. What remedy can we find to rights law, we wonder at the law- Attorney General called for a SCAG prevent such wrongs? Good laws, yes; makers’ apparent blindness. Conference which Child Welfare but ideally, a national conversion to By 1940 Attorneys General and Ministers would also attend. An doing to and for others what we would Child Welfare Ministers recognised Under Secretary in NSW Child wish done to and for ourselves. n the laws’ defects and the need for Welfare submitted a crucial back- change. However, the mills of the law ground paper, addressing the needs Mary Britt is a Dominican Sister who grind slowly. Major change did not of mothers, adopting parents and lives in Sydney. A former prioress of her come till the 1960s. Meanwhile, the adopted children. He stressed the congregation, she works with refugees and laws did not prevent a cruel perversion conditions required for a mother’s asylum seekers.

5 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 inequality of wealth money, money, money . . . it’s a rich man’s world Daily we find evidence of global inequality in the media. And such inequality is increasing, despite valiant efforts by individuals, NGOs and others, to tackle it. Jacqui Ryan gives evidence for this. Jacqui Ryan

e’re all familiar with the all. The use of offshore tax havens of ‘free market’ policies — maximisa- saying, “the rich are getting and secret bank accounts, along with tion of profit above all else. The much richer and the poor are getting other methods of tax evasion have, heralded ‘level playing field’ never even- Wpoorer.” In 2013, this has never been more cumulatively, left the coffers of many tuated, and ‘trickle down’ (remember?) evident. Here are some of the numbers. countries devoid of revenue which never amounted to more than an abrupt Eight percent of the world’s population would otherwise support social/public sickly dribble. Some 30 years on, many own 82 percent of its wealth, while the spending on services such as education international economies (including New rest (92 percent) own a mere 18 percent and health. In 2012, the estimated cost Zealand) still remain in the grip of ‘free of wealth. However, these figures conceal to the New Zealand Government of market’ economics. the over 2-plus billion global citizens who tax evasion was (up to) $6 billion, while live below the ‘poverty line’ ($1.50 NZ benefit fraud cost $39 million. 2008 and deregulation per day). Despite economic growth, few While philanthropy is being lauded The financial crisis of 2008 provides enjoy all human rights (legally binding on as an important and significant contribu- a striking example of the greed associ- all UN member states) and social protec- tion to society, and there is no doubt it ated with such economic policies. tion. 868 million live in chronic hunger; is doing some good, the real issue is the The deregulation of financial markets, 2.5 billion lack adequate sanitation. Asia underlying economic and social struc- significantly in the USA and UK, and the Pacific are home to 60 percent of tures which produce such situations (in engendered a sense of entitlement by the world’s poor. Some sobering figures NZ) as the Variety charity proposing financiers which can be described only for New Zealand: our 100 richest New individual child sponsorship for the as grossly obscene and wildly greedy, Zealanders have a combined wealth of poorest children in our state-run schools. even continuing in the face of the finan- $52 billion, and saw their incomes increase Philanthropic sponsorship of basic public cial meltdowns. Desperate to save the by an average of 20 percent in 2011. By com- services is a disgrace and something we key financial institutions, governments parison, over the past four years the median should be ashamed of in a developed were forced to bail them out to the tune income for Maori families has dropped by country like New Zealand. of billions of dollars from the public $40 a week and Pasifika families have seen a purse — taxes paid by-and-large by drop of $65. background history wage and salary earners, not by financial In the 1960s of my childhood, a Growing inequality (disparity) has risen institutions. As a direct result, public millionaire was a rarity and certainly sharply over the last 30 years, much of spending was cut. Five years on, it would very wealthy. Today, they appear to be it is directly related to the introduction seem nothing much has changed. That ‘two-a-penny’. Billionaires now seem of ‘free market’ (neo-liberal) economic same sense of entitlement remains. The to have taken their place, with 1,226 policies in the 1980s. Adopted by many only ones to miss out are those further listed by Forbes magazine. It probably Western economies, such policies pro- down the ‘food chain’ — us, the general won’t be long before we start talking vided fertile conditions for glaring wealth public. Is it any wonder the ‘Occupy about trillionaires, though it’s difficult accumulation. In New Zealand we know Movement’ spread so quickly around to imagine such obscene personal this as ‘Rogernomics’. Economic policies the world? Disappointingly, little has wealth. After all, trillions (12 zeros) included major deregulation; conversion changed at the political level to over- usually measure countries’ financial of state assets (e.g. rail, postal services) into haul radically the financial architecture positions. The poorest 40 percent of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs, from which caused the crisis in the first place, the world’s population accounts for which Government demanded profits/ and address growing global inequality. 5 percent of global income while the dividends); major welfare reforms; the Equity (giving to each according to their richest 20 percent accounts for three- introduction of ‘user pays’ in many areas need) is desperately required. The costs quarters of world income. of the economy (e.g. education). Add in of not allowing those who are the most While many of the rich elite have legislation diminishing workers’ rights vulnerable to share in the benefits of undoubtedly made their millions (Employments Contracts Act), and it’s growth could well end in lack of social legitimately this cannot be said for easy to see both the intention and effect cohesion and political instability such as

6 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 the events leading to the ‘Arab Spring’. appalling conditions, often lacking to change. While many here and inter- basic human rights. The dignity of the nationally look for and desire change to trade liberalisation worker demands that s/he be recom- bring about inclusive and sustainable Globalisation and liberalisation pensed justly for their labour. From our economic growth, the struggle resembles of trade has been a core feature of perspective as consumers, the results are an uphill battle against both the lobby- global inequality. It is clear that New cheap goods in our stores (e.g. clothing ists of the rich elite who continue to Zealand is a trading nation. Clear too and appliances), yet our bargain is often have influence in the corridors of power, that New Zealand’s trade must be car- the product of someone else’s misery and the politically powerful themselves. ried out in a globalised environment. and desperation. Do we ever give serious It is not surprising that many of our That brings challenging responsibili- thought to this? Or do we shrug it off as current New Zealand Cabinet minis- ties. Undoubtedly, large transnational someone else’s problem? ters, like their counterparts in the USA Sharing the Pie

THE RICH – the rich and THE REST – The rest the super-rich make up SUPER-RICH 0.6% RICH 7.5% make up 92% of the 8% of the world’s adult get 40% get 42% world’s adult population population and own 82% and own 18% of the of its wealth. wealth. COMFORTABLE 22.5% get 14.5% EVERYBODY ELSE 69.3% Pie graph data courtesy of New Internationalist. get 3.5% corporations and state economies the greed line and UK, are millionaires — a trend in have prospered due to greater trade Most of us are familiar with the pov- international politics where power and liberalisation, though the consequences erty line concept — below which the wealth go hand-in-hand. for many under such agreements have essentials for living a decent, just and been disastrous. humane life do not exist. Poverty is signs of hope Currently, there is much discussion more than not having enough food So where does this leave us? Is there any and concern about New Zealand’s and water. It also means lack of access sign of hope? As Christians, we know entry to the Pacific Rim Trans Pacific to education, health, hygiene and the Scriptures provide both a moral Partnership Agreement (see www. sanitation, housing, and employment. and spiritual compass, and ideals for tppa.org.nz). Efficiencies, increased In a new and controversial develop- living a life worthy of God’s creative productivity and profits have become ment, the ecumenical-based World love. In Acts 4:32ff the early Christians the driving motives for the out- Council of Churches — at its General were encouraged to pool resources in sourcing of production/manufactur- Assembly to be held in Busan, South support of one another as each had ing off-shore. This has given rise to Korea later this year — will discuss the need. Would it be asking too much competitive bidding for the lowest concept of a GREED LINE. During for individuals, families, Churches, production and wage costs, often by his visit to New Zealand in late 2012, corporations and the rich elite to live transnational corporations operating Asia Secretary of the WCC, Rev Kim with less so that others might live in out of developing countries, denying Dong-Sung, spoke of this initiative dignity? Our new Pope, Francis, in his many local (and New Zealand) work- which will set measurements for use first public address urged the world ers fairly-remunerated employment. of natural resources and cash wealth. not to forget or fail to protect the poor. Human capital (labour) is simply If you’re above the line, you’re taking For those struggling in poverty these considered an ‘unfortunate casualty’ of more than you need. Below it, you’re words must have been ‘manna from the process. The result has been large- using your fair share. This initiative will heaven’. It is up to us as Christ’s follow- scale unemployment, the bedfellow of place responsibility on the rich (indi- ers, indeed for all humanity, to ensure poverty. It is not by coincidence that viduals and countries) and lighten the words and ideals are translated into human trafficking — slavery — has burden which has been the lot of the 2 action. Human dignity and justice, yes increased markedly across the globe, billion experts on poverty — the poor even our Creator demands it of us! n and is present in our own country. themselves. The Greed Line will hope- Jacqui Ryan is a Dominican sister living For those employed in the Free fully lead to a moral (re)awakening of in Auckland where she is the northern Trade Zones of Central America, South the extreme scandal of wealth. field worker for Christian World Service East Asia and Sri Lanka (for example), It is clear that inequality is rooted in and a member of the Asia Pacific life can be hostile. Many are vulner- structures which require considerable Dominican Justice, Peace and Care of able women who work and live under economic analysis and political goodwill Creation network.

7 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 inequality of wealth vatican ll on poverty and wealth The writer looks at Gaudium et Spes, a seminal document of the second Vatican Council and highlights some ways in which its thought and content tie into and affect our present world order. Michael Costigan

he opening passage of the and misery rub shoulders. While the Pastoral Constitution, few enjoy great freedom of choice, the Gaudium et Spes (G & S), many are deprived of almost all possi- Tmay well be the most quoted of the bility of acting on their own initiative 100,000-plus words contained in the and responsibility, and often subsist in Council’s 16 texts: “The joys and the living and working conditions unwor- hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of thy of human beings … The wider the men of this age, especially those technical and economic potential who are poor or in any way afflicted, which the modern world enjoys can these too are the joys and hopes, the and should correct this unhappy state griefs and anxieties, of the followers of of affairs” (para 63). Christ.” (Unfortunately, the Council Under the heading ‘Removing was held in an era when many church Huge Differences’, G & S calls for documents used exclusive language.) vigorous efforts “to remove as quickly While G & S is the longest of as possible the immense economic the conciliar documents, addressing inequalities which now exist” — and many aspects of its huge subject, which in many cases “are worsening those first words are a recurring and are connected with individual Dr Micheal Costigan theme in the text — and in much and group discrimination” (para 66). received wholehearted approval, with that has featured in Church teaching a supporting vote of 2,309 and only and action in subsequent years. That was it too optimistic? 75 dissenters. theme is given special emphasis in Although some commentators, The document endorses and paragraphs 29, 63 and 66. including the German theologians encourages all activity aimed at the Asserting that “the equal dignity of Karl Rahner and Josef Ratzinger socio-economic betterment of the persons demands that a more humane (later Pope Benedict XVI), influ- human race, the relief of suffering, the and just condition of life be brought enced by Augustinian theology, con- promotion of peace and the elimina- about” the document goes on to state sidered that the view of the world of tion of injustice. In all of this, it under- that “extreme economic and social dif- the mid-1960s articulated in G & S lines the distinctive and indispensable ferences between the members of the was over-optimistic, this reservation role of the Catholic laity. Today, G & S human family or population groups hardly applies to the passages quoted. retains its capacity to enlighten and cause scandal, and mitigate against Nobody had more influence on inspire. If a new or updated version social justice, equity, the dignity of the the contents and direction of the or a comparable document were to be human person, as well as social and Pastoral Constitution than such issued by the magisterium, it would international peace” (para 29). French thinkers as the Dominican of course have to heed the many great Later, deploring the fact that priests Marie-Dominique Chenu and changes that have occurred in both “many people, especially in eco- Yves Congar, together with Father the Church and the world during the nomically advanced areas, seem to be Gerard Philips from Belgium, adviser past half-century. hypnotised, as it were, by economics”, to the Council Father most respon- the Council concludes that, instead sible for persuading the assembly to developments in the Church of diminishing social inequalities, issue such an unprecedented conciliar The conciliar teaching in this area has the development of economic life all document — the Belgian Cardinal been further developed since 1965, too often “seems only to intensify” Suenens, Archbishop of Malines. notably in later social justice encyc- them. The text continues: “While an In the end, after successive drafts licals by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II enormous mass of people still lack the had been subjected to exhaustive and and Benedict XVI, in the Holy See’s absolute necessities of life, some, even sometimes contentious debates at the Compendium of Catholic Social in less advanced countries, live sump- 1964 and 1965 Council sessions, the Teaching (2004) and in addresses tuously or squander wealth. Luxury final text somewhat unexpectedly delivered by Popes during their

8 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 travels to many lands. These have from important tasks like the imple- suffering. And the world over the past been complemented at local level by menting of Vatican II’s teachings. five years has struggled to live with the the statements of national episcopal consequences of a global financial crisis conferences, including those of New changes in the world created by greed and incompetence. Zealand and Australia, on subjects The developments in church life since like peace, the economy, women’s Vatican II have been accompanied by the struggle continues place in the Church and in society, dramatic and in many cases totally Meanwhile, the struggle for justice the situation of indigenous popula- unexpected changes and events in and for the eliminating of extreme tions and the needs of refugees, the world. The collapse of commu- poverty has continued. For example, asylum-seekers and migrants. nist regimes in the Soviet Union and speaking of the thousands of child Without doubt, G & S was a Eastern Europe, symbolised by the deaths caused by poverty every day, strong influence and inspiration in fall of the Berlin Wall, was one of the UNICEF says that these children preparing research and draft material most remarkable. The end of apart- “die quietly in some of the poorest for a landmark pastoral statement of heid in South Africa was hailed by villages on earth, far removed from the Australian Catholic bishops on freedom-loving people everywhere. the scrutiny and the conscience of the distribution of wealth in their While communism did not dis- the world. Being meek and weak in country. This statement was pub- appear in China, enormous and to life makes these dying multitudes lished as a book length document in a large extent praiseworthy change even more invisible in death.” 1992 under the title Common Wealth has taken place in that country, with A special moment came with for the Common Good. As the title its opening to the world, its extraor- the adoption by 191 countries of of their statement indicates, with dinary economic development and the UN’s Millennium Development its reference to the ‘common good’, the rescuing of so many of its huge Goals, aimed at achieving significant the bishops wished to highlight the number of citizens from extreme pov- advances in overcoming extreme Council document’s passages on the erty. The world’s largest democracy, poverty and multiple deprivations by essential communitarian character India, has also experienced striking 2015. Although the goals are unlikely of all those who receive Jesus Christ socio-economic progress, although to be fully achieved by then or even “in faith and love” (section 32). As an millions of Indians still suffer from soon afterwards, the initiative has pro- aside, the present editor of Tui Motu grave forms of deprivation. duced some results and continues to (as one of many) collaborated with Dictatorships came and went stimulate recognition of the need for me, as lead researcher, in the writing elsewhere in the world, but tyranny action. Directing just a small percent- of this document. survived and caused much violence age of the money spent by nations on The global character of the Church and injustice in some parts of Africa, armaments to the alleviation of pov- has become increasingly evident since the Middle East, Asia and Latin erty would make a huge difference. the Council, never more so than America. Terrorism caused terrible Returning to the inspiration in the election of Pope Francis, the suffering and hardship in many derived from G & S and to the first ever Bishop of Rome from the places, with the dreadful events of Australian project in which Father southern hemisphere, coming from 11th September 2001 in the USA Toomey and I were involved two the continent with more Catholics having grave consequences, including decades ago, I conclude by recalling than anywhere else. He has also made wars and the continuing loss of many words the bishops quoted from the it clear before and after his election lives in other parts of the world. late Father Albert Nolan OP: that action to counter injustice and While advances in science, tech- “A thoroughgoing option extreme poverty in the world is high nology and communications brought for the poor includes the on his agenda. benefits to humanity, but not by any willingness to question Although the decline in church means to everyone, the AIDS pandemic one’s assumptions and to practice and in priestly and religious created huge problems and much learn from those who vocations in developed countries is are oppressed.” n cause for concern, there is compensa- tion in the growth and flourishing Dr Michael Costigan is a nature of Catholicism in many devel- former journalist and public oping lands. On the negative side, servant, who was the executive unfortunately, the Church has been secretary of the Australian Bishops compelled to face the grave scandal Committee for Justice, Development, caused by many cases of sexual abuse Ecology and Peace from 1987 to 2005. In retirement, he is an adjunct professor perpetrated by some of its personnel. Michael Costigan and John Paul II This has created a major distraction at the Australian Catholic University.

9 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 inequality of wealth

economic policy and human dignity: “let there be light” A professor of economics engages with public policy issues concerning the role of economics in New Zealand and possibilities for a different future. Paul Dalziel

well-known joke asks, “How many economists million people out of paid work by 2011). does it take to change a light bulb?” “It’s a trick The rhetoric of economists after the global question,” goes the answer, “because econo- financial crisis is sometimes hard to stomach. After Amists will sit in the dark believing the invisible hand of decades of a constant chorus for smaller government the marketplace will change the light bulb for them.” and light-handed regulation, economists have not The joke reflects the frustration many citizens hesitated to drain public funds everywhere to prevent feel about the role economists have played in New the disaster from being a catastrophe and are now Zealand public policy since the rise of Rogernomics attempting to blame regulators for not prohibiting in 1984. Almost universally, local economists have our reckless schemes that caused the damage. designed, promoted and defended market-based policies without any accountability for outcomes such improving the common good as very high levels of child poverty, very high levels I have been involved in discussions and arguments about of youth alienation and very high levels of income economic policy in New Zealand and overseas for nearly inequality among households. 30 years. I am confident that all economists I have met Internationally, my profession’s record is even during that time have been sincere in thinking their more dismal. Recent economist-made disasters advocated policies would improve the common good. include the collapse in 1998 of Long-Term Capital Nevertheless, at the risk of slight caricature, I think we Management (which had two winners of the Nobel economists tend to fall into one of two camps. Prize in Economics on its Board); the massive market manipulation in 2001 by Enron (which literally camp one: free markets turned off light bulbs in California); and the global The first camp has a quasi-religious faith in the financial crisis in 2008 (which put an estimated 27 neo-classical economic theory of free markets as an efficient mechanism for allocating resources and creating incentives for human effort and creativity. I say ‘quasi-religious’ because the members of this camp remind me very much of religious leaders who argue (for example) that if every parish celebrates the liturgy precisely as written in the rubrics then the church will be in good heart. This first camp tends to judge all public policy by its conformity to the core tenets of neo-classical theory. When faced with undeniable evidence of poor outcomes, members of this camp either blame the government for not pursuing the theory with sufficient vigour or blame individuals for not taking advantage of the opportunities created in a free market system. Again the religious analogies are straightforward. This camp has been dominant in New Zealand, in part because economics departments in our uni- versities have become virtual seminaries in teaching this approach to the exclusion of other paradigms. It is no coincidence that the most innovative thinking Prof. Paul Dalziel in economic policy to come out of a New Zealand university in recent years was not by an economist

10 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 but by a physicist — the late Sir Paul Callaghan in social, economic, environmental and cultural well- his influential book From Wool to Weta. being from the purpose of local government (see Peter Beck’s critique in Tui Motu, March 2013). camp two: human dignity The second camp recognises the place and power of a hopeful sign competitive markets, but argues that judgment of any Nevertheless, there is a hopeful sign on the horizon. policy rests finally on its impacts on human dignity The New Zealand Treasury has for some years aimed in New Zealand’s diverse communities. This group is “to be a world-class Treasury working for higher living therefore distressed by how vulnerable groups have standards for New Zealanders”. It has recently begun been placed under greater and greater economic pres- to question itself on what exactly that vision might sure as a result of successive public policies generally mean and is coming up with some interesting answers: serving the interests of the already comfortable elite. “Living standards encompass much more than This second group of economists does not argue just income or GDP. It also includes a broad range of that solutions always lie with greater government material and non-material factors which impact on the spending for low income groups. But we do recog- well-being of both the individual and society (such as nise much more than the first camp that the State in trust, education, health and environmental quality).” a functioning democracy is a ‘self-help mechanism’ The Treasury is not overlooking economic growth that can play a unique and positive partnership role in its new framework, but also wants to incorporate in community development. sustainability for the future, increasing equity, social infrastructure and managing risks. Although this amartya sen approach is still in its early days, I think it has great My own icon in this space is Nobel laureate Amartya potential to promote more reasoned dialogue in New Sen, particularly in his 1999 book Development as Zealand about economic policy and human dignity. Freedom. Sen argues that our aim should be to expand Let there be light… n “the capabilities of people to lead the kind of lives they value — and have reason to value”. Both aspects Dr Paul Dalziel is Professor of Economics at of Sen’s definition are vital, people must be allowed Lincoln University. to judge their own well-being, but those judgements The Treasury material on living standards can be must be defensible with reason. accessed at www.treasury.govt.nz/abouttreasury/ Sen’s approach to economics is gaining traction higherlivingstandards. internationally. After the 2008 global financial crisis, for example, French President Nicholas Sarkozy invited Sen and two other economists (Joseph Stiglitz and Jean Paul Fitoussi) to explore the limits of the Thank you for longstanding key economic measure Gross Domestic your support. Product (GDP) as an indicator of social progress. Their report was unequivocal: Because of your 2013 “… it has long been clear that GDP is an inadequate metric generosity others to gauge well-being over time particularly in its economic, environmental, and social dimensions, some aspects of which can live joyfully! are often referred to as sustainability.” Consequently the report argued “the time is ripe for our measurement system to shift emphasis from measuring economic production to measuring people’s well-being.” This conclusion echoed the same finding made 25 years ago by New Zealander Marilyn Waring in her justly famous book Counting for Nothing: What Men Value and Women are Worth, published in 1998. Despite Waring’s early contribution, New Zealand is out of step with this international trend. The Speech from the Throne after the 2008 general election, for example, set out the new government’s 0800 22 10 22 driving goal to grow the economy. This goal has been www.caritas.org.nz used to justify ill-judged legislation such as removing

11 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 community development te whare roimata: house of tears Uncle Tip, the first kaumatua, respected the place of women in Te Whare Roimata (TWR) and encouraged their leadership. Cathy Harrison visited TWR and encountered a Maori and Pakeha world view woven into one vision for people on the margins. The interview gathers almost 30 years’ bi-cultural wisdom and experience in stories of an innovative grassroots community. Catherine Harrison he social reforms carved by many were not understood by their Uncle Tip said that TWR was a Rogernomics in the early biological whanau. woman’s wairua. It was the women 1980s led to the birth of Te In different parts of the inner city who provided the backbone, the nur- WhareT Roimata, a bicultural inner-city there are younger or older people. It’s ture, the love, the care. He defined community working with disadvan- a very diverse community; it’s also that as the feminine quality. taged people living in boarding-houses ethnically diverse. The quake changed and low-rent accommodation on the some of this because a number of What are the activities and eastern side of inner-city Christchurch. Somali and Asian families have left programmes? Ara, a prayerful Christian Māori town along with young people who We always start the week with a woman, gave the marae its name went to the language schools. Even so whanau hui. We come together to Te Whare Roimata, ‘The House of we are still ethnically diverse. catch up, hear about what’s going to Tears’, tears from hurt and pain, from We’re fortunate with our kauma- happen during the week, talk about joy and loss. TWR is about people tua structure — the older, wiser head what happened in the previous week. coming in times of distress or strug- sits quietly with people and works Then we share kai together and sing gle, hurt or aloneness. gently through matters. They consider and learn waiata — that’s before we When you walk into the whare, what’s needed to support a person. go off for the week. you feel the aroha. You are captured Sometimes it involves a whanau hui Each day has its particular rhythm. by the carving on the wall and the sur- where we talk honestly and enable We may visit people; the boys go off rounding photos of former leaders and both groups to have their say, negoti- to the garden; or there are events hap- community members. There is no hier- ate and work through issues. pening. Since the earthquake we have archy on this wall. All are remembered begun computer classes. and honoured. They are well con- What is TWR’s vision? We have a labour pool of people, nected in this community. The carving Manaakitanga, aroha, awhi and often marginalised, who offer sup- by John (whose photo now hangs on whakawhanaunatanga are at the heart port to others who are struggling. the wall) once portrayed to the world of this place — hospitality, love, sup- We have a mobile information a self-image of ugliness and despair but port, connecting and belonging. Awhi service on Stanmore Road. We set in time one of the whanau carved a is to support and to journey beside up our little mobile table and chairs. red sun to surround the face represent- another person, to accept them as they Sometimes it might just be sharing ing the new life and transformation are. It is also to help them begin the a cuppa and saying hello, but after which had occurred. John chose the journey of growth, to believe in them a few weeks somebody might say, proverb situated below the carving. It — sometimes this means to love them “I’ve got these issues” and we keep says, Whaia Te Ao Marama — Seek the enough to put in some boundaries, to on building trust. Or we might say, Knowledge of Life. ‘This is what TWR look at other ways of presenting sup- “Would you like to join us at the is about,’ Heeni and Jenny explained. port. It is a valuing of other. Thursday luncheon?” From the outset we wanted There’s a partnership between Who are the community of Te to walk a bicultural journey. We us and the neighbourhood group. Whare Roimata? wanted it to be authentic not just a It’s difficult to estimate numbers in Before the earthquake most who lived ‘kia ora’ sharing. We asked, “What terms of TRM community but we in this part of Christchurch East were does the Treaty demand of us?” deliver 3000 newsletters. single, living alone, in old bed sits or We shared our resources and gave The garden of over an acre involves low income units. Connections to recognition to the place of Māori as the community — people support- their own families were not strong. tangata whenua. They had the right ing and teaching one another. It con- Complications made it difficult to develop their own responses, their nects people to one another and to for them to reconnect, or at times own ways of working. the earth. It expresses a commitment

12 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 to sustainability, a neighbourhood Relationships are critical. Many a people, we founded the Latimer model of recycling and reusing. beginning happens over a cup of tea Community Housing Trust to secure The benefit cuts of 1992 led to as you share in a non-threatening way. affordable housing. The earthquake the development of a Café in helped the Trust get a little piece preference to a Soup Kitchen. of land. Now we’re working to The café scene was developing. secure additional funding so we We asked, why couldn’t people can build. come to a neighbourhood café for a healthy meal with their You’ve been busy with new family and be waited on? It was developments? like the café up town but in Yes. Accommodation is needed. our neighbourhood. We pro- After the 22 February quake we vided training. People coming knew that this area was changed to eat wanted to be waiters or forever. We lost all of the bed-sit help with the cooking. So we buildings. Many people from combined the learning with the the neighbourhood became sense of community. homeless that day. Many have This led to the Older Person’s gone — though some have Project. When the older people crept back and are living rough, who came here got sick our out- squatting in buildings, because reach workers were with them this is their community. in their last days, maybe even in The bedsit landlords with their last hours, because they had social hearts are really struggling. nobody else. They came here for Some won’t be able to rebuild — their tangi. We would tidy their insurance payouts won’t permit it. belongings or sort their affairs. Heeni Kahukiwa and Jenny Smith, We’ve researched this, raised aware- Life and death — that was the kaumatua of Te Whare Roimata ness, had input into the Council, ebb and flow of this community. Building and Housing, the The Linwood community arts But unless it’s a trusting relationship Ministry of Social Development, and centre started in women’s suffrage it can’t happen. And it takes time. Social Justice Unit of Anglican Care. year. Twenty talented women artists People have to feel that they can We’ve had discussions with landlords. organized an art exhibition. The develop grassroots solutions to issues. We hope there might be a government old Linwood Library became avail- loan, later written-off, for landlords to able. Now artists exhibit their work You engage in political action to provide affordable housing. and supplement their income from achieve structural change? We’ve had a long tradition with sales. There are festivals, children’s Yes. Political action has been at differ- welfare stuff; used photography and art projects — all manner of things ent levels — if you can’t get the system enabled people to tell their stories to relating to the arts. It’s great watching to move you have to find other ways raise awareness. We hope the deci- people begin that journey; affirma- to create structures for those excluded. sion-makers realise there’s an inner- tion from exhibitions has assisted We’ve worked both ways — to get the city community who are tenants, not personal growth and reduced bar- system to shift or understand; as well as landowners. They’re disenfranchised; riers. After the earthquake we were trying to create alternatives. they weren’t consulted. Now there’s relocated to 468 Worcester Street. A lot of issues worked on before a neighbourhood association and the We’re still there. the foreshore and seabed issue arose Council recognises that it needs to The gold coin Thursday lunch- were defined by Pākehā. But that issue come and talk. eon — a shared meal began making captured TWR, especially Māori. As You can have a voice and it can go it easier to connect by day as people they mobilised people discussed it. into the mix of other voices. That’s didn’t want to go out at night. They became active, began a journey very important. If you experience All these activities express core which impacted upon other issues. injustice and you’re part of a group values which are about creating a just Progress — who is it for? The you can ask why is this happening? world, ensuring that those on the wealthy. And who misses out? Those Then we can ask, what can we do margins of society are recognised and who have no voice, or a very tenuous about it? Our strength is the fact have a place to be. At the heart of it voice. They become invisible. Because that we’re together, a grassroots com- is the connectedness, the turangawae- none of the developments in this munity seeking the knowledge of life. wae, the family. neighbourhood targeted low income Whaia Te Ao Marama. n

13 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 community development christ in the suburbs - part ll

In the first part of the story of the Aranui Sisters of Mercy community, Pauline O’Regan, Helen Goggin, and Marie McCrea told of how their community began. Continuing this story, Cathy Harrison recounts the development of the Sisters’ involvement with the local neighbourhood, and how the Spirit worked with them in that, as well as in their work with the local Church community. Catherine Harrison

n the course of their preparation the most important contribution we they were meant to be and leaders in for the move to Aranui the Sisters have been able to make in the lives of their community. were advised that they would be our neighbours.” Marie remembered how hearten- Iexposed to drug-taking and domestic Even though a lot of Catholics ing it was to have Colleen McBride violence. “In a way, that’s what we supported the sisters there were some and Father Kevin Burns, among went looking for but didn’t find a who questioned why they weren’t others, share their vision. With Father lot of it,” Pauline continued. What teaching their daughters. But the Denis Whelan, they door-knocked they found was loneliness, especially people in the street just regarded them the Parklands district to discern the among women at home alone with as neighbours. “They were enormously community’s needs. The result was small children. welcoming and loving,” Helen said. the community development scheme — remaking the social fabric, as Pope the gift of presence a second mercy community Paul VI said, at the level of the street. “We believed then that it was possible In 1977 the Congregation estab- for religious to be a ‘sign of hope’ to lished another small community community development ordinary people with or without any at Parklands. Teresa, in particular, scheme religious beliefs, simply by living realised that a pastoral role wasn’t They established coffee groups. What among them, as one of them, as a enough — a structured system was happened there was really powerful. ‘presence’ … This presence, unable to needed to allow women to develop The groups led to the development be measured as a statistic, is probably their gifts and become the full people of training sessions dealing with conflict, leadership skills, listening, and other topics. Within a couple of years the programmes were offered to other people in the Church and in the wider community. Sometimes this was done in conjunc- tion with others, for example, Catholic Social Services and in the establishment of the programme ‘Women at the Well’. It was exciting working with people like Anne McCormack who were motivated by the Gospel. Marie soon realised that a lot of women had deep psychological issues she wasn’t qualified to handle, so she trained under Helen Campbell as a clinical transactional analyst. “Our motto,” Marie said, “was ‘I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance’ (John 10:10). It was really important to allow people to achieve that kind of internal healing — From left to right: Mercy Sisters Helen Goggin, Pauline O’Regan, and Marie McCrae especially mothers who were the centre of a family — and if they couldn’t

14 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 discover themselves and become con- families. They went about their work ‘”But it’s given me the chance to see fident, it had an effect on the whole quietly. It was a gift to have them how the Spirit works from adver- family and not just on the mother.” share what was going on in their lives. sity — because, broken up, people “It was very much the develop- “I’ve been transformed by the have been saved from a comfortable ment model. Teresa was very passion- people I’ve met — just as they’ve togetherness. As a result, they’ve gone ate about that,” Pauline remembered. been transformed by us — and we out into other worlds and taken their “If someone else could be trained to journeyed with them in a way. They Spirit with them.” What seems like do it, then it wasn’t our place to do trusted you enough to tell you any- an end is really a beginning! it.” And if other groups offered good thing. That’s absolutely profound, programmes, as Barnados did with very moving, sacred.” community reflection parenting skills, the sisters moved on Was that a surprise? “Yes,” Pauline The Sisters’ communities at Aranui to other areas of need. was sure about this. “We’d lived in a and Burwood survived because they very enclosed world and everyone told were held together by community vision of empowering/ us how good we were — the good prayer, sharing, community living, encouragement Sisters — and you can forget that planning and evaluation days and The gospel vision is not to create there’s holiness outside — it’s a two- the guidance of Father Eugene dependence — empowering and way process. It made us humble. They O’Sullivan OP. Forty years on they encouraging people is the most gave us their whole hearts really.” still have their monthly meetings. important part of the Sisters’ work. Pauline clearly understood that Teresa would tap people on the Nobody wanted to “It’s a tyranny not to have structures. shoulder and say, “I think you can live in Hampshire We kept those that were necessary do this.” They would reply, “I’m not — prayer, meditation, study. It’s sure,” because they were unsure of Street, but the sisters necessary, however, to know how their gifts. But eventually they would did. And they found many structures to keep and when give things a go within the safe struc- themselves living to throw them out because they’re no tures the sisters provided. It was very longer needed. The temptation after important not to set up for failure among the “the most Vatican II was for small communities people who were already lacking in beautiful people”. to expose themselves to the ‘tyranny confidence. “So we made certain that of structurelessness’.” they succeeded,” Pauline said. an authentic lifestyle Eugene used to talk to them The Sisters have always been great The Sisters reflected that their move to about going to the dump and retriev- defenders of the people of Aranui Aranui in February 1973 convinced ing what had been thrown away. One because they’ve had such a bad press. them of the authenticity of their new of the things the Sisters retrieved is Nobody wanted to live in Hampshire life-style. There was no loving the poor the Angelus — ‘a beautiful prayer’ Street, but the sisters did. And they ‘at a distance’ for Catherine McAuley. which they say every night before found themselves living among the So in her footsteps uncluttered by their meal. They even have a little bell “the most beautiful people”. buildings and possessions they had which they ring. “If I were to say what I gained,” the freedom of Christ to answer and Pauline said, “it would be the knowl- respond to human need. How do they see this life edge that God was so present in the in them seeding life in the world. If we went with zeal to take authentic church community community at large? Christ to the suburbs and found Marie remembered what was most “It’s there,” Helen said, “like the expe- Christ out there waiting for us, then lifegiving to their community. “Being rience the women had in the North- the whole question of Church became part of that exciting Church in the East Community Development very complex because we met very holy late 70s in Burwood, under the lead- Scheme — those women have gone people who never darkened the door of ership of Father Kevin Burns, seeing out into the community … It’s like a a church. It was almost dismaying for the people living out their baptismal ripple in a stream … It goes wider and us — a wonderful revelation of how commitment — there was a wonder- wider. The Spirit spreads with them.” the Spirit was present in the world. I’d ful sense of belonging to a vibrant put that at the top of my gains.” Church, a prophetic Church. It wasn’t the impact of presence “The most memorable thing for just us — it was how all the baptised Although the Sisters no longer live me in those very early days,” Marie played their part in the Church.” in Hampshire Street, they remain said, “was getting to know the women “We all grieved when the restruc- in Christchurch East. The impact of who had such a struggle but were so turing of that parish at Burwood their ‘presence’ continues, for ‘mercy’ courageous. Many were alone, raising was imposed,” Pauline lamented. has no geographical boundaries. n

15 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 Pope Francis washes the feet of young men and women detained at the Casal del Marmo Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio washes the feet of Penitential Institute for Minors. an argentinian woman 16 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 Foot Washing

An irregular phase occurred within from tradition but from a modern the meal, an unpredictable pause. explicitly exclusive innovation. A Jesus washed the feet of his woman was on the list of widows disciples, usually a demeaning, only if she had “shown hospitality, common practice done by servants washed the saints’ feet” (1 Timothy or slaves. They came with sweaty, 5:10). Foot washing, called the dusty, sandaled feet soiled by mandatum, unfolds in two forms: an animal and tipped-out-the-windows- act of hospitality to strangers, the human waste. poor, pilgrims and guests; and an act of humble service to other Christians, For Holy Thursday Mass Pope Francis mainly in monastic communities of went to Casa del Marmo Juvenile men and women. Detention Centre; not to St. Peter’s or the Lateran; not to the feet of Over the centuries Christians struggled, seminarians or priests. Welcomed as when Pope Zacharias wrote to St. first by three women, he washed and Boniface in 751: “For also you have kissed the feet of 12 young inmates asked this: is it lawful for religious including two women, one of whom is women, as it is for men, to wash each from the Serbian-Muslim tradition — other’s feet, both on Holy Thursday and the feet of the poor and marginalised. also on other days? … This is the Lord’s precept …” Near that time, Caesarius Already disciples, Peter and the of Arles tells of powerful noble men and others did not understand. More was delicate women who refused to wash needed. A new way of being through the feet of the saints and strangers. a status-transforming ritual, under the rubric of “unless”: The rites of the Washing of the Feet of the Poor and the Washing the Feet “Unless one is born anew, one of the Community continued. Yet cannot see the kingdom of God eventually they died out. These rites (John 3:3) are in the liturgical books issued after “Unless you eat the flesh of the the 16th century Council of Trent, Son of Man and drink his blood, which was the official Church position you have no life in you. (6:54) until the 1956 Holy Week reforms. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just In modern times, Jesus’ radical action a single grain; but if it dies, it bears was institutionalised in a departure much fruit.” (12:24) from those rites. “A new evolution “Unless I wash you, you have no in the history of the mandatum” is share with me … for I have given how a 1950s commentary describes you an example …” (13:8, 15) the optional reformed rite of foot washing. There was a shift from the Many did not understand. Many were washing of the feet of the poor and delighted. The rubrics shifted. The of the community to sacred drama. movement of two tectonic plates: the The priest, representing Jesus, was to institutional dimension (the Pope) and wash the feet of men representing his the charismatic dimension (the Jesuit disciples. The current directive to wash and his order’s charism of action the feet of ‘selected men’ arose in the for the poor) return the Church to 1972 revision of the Easter ceremonies tradition. For Pope Francis departs not restored two decades previously. Clerical overlays developed, confining this rite to men.

“I do not call you servants any more … I have called you friends … so that you may love one another.” (John 15:15, 17)

Foot washing looks to the future, preparation for a new way of being. Maria Elena, sister of Francis, said recently: “He’s teaching and delivering his pastoral messages the way he was taught to do it, which is by example. It’s not about talking the talk, but Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio washes the feet of about walking the walk.” an argentinian woman Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) washing – Kathleen Rushton RSM the feet of a woman in Argentina in 2001. 17 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 spirituality lots of forgiveness, asked for or not

A spiritual reflection on the gospel parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32).

Glynn Cardy

he Prodigal Son has three main characters. The forgiving father represents God. The elderT son represents those who consid- ered themselves faithful, keeping God’s commandments, like Jesus’ pharisaic critics. The younger son represents those considered outside the bounda- ries of faith, categorized as ‘sinners’, like prostitutes and tax collectors. In this story God is portrayed as valuing the relationships between people above beliefs and conven- tions. Rather than obey the society’s and religion’s rules and expectations, forgiving Godly love bypasses such boundaries to bring the disgraced one and the disgruntled one back into relationship. In this parable there are six shame- ful acts. The first two happen imme- diately. The younger son, maybe a 17 year old, asks for his share of the property, and the father gives it. the primary wrongdoing The primary act of wrongdoing by the younger son was not misusing his inheritance but asking for it. When he asks for his share of the property it is tantamount to wishing his father dead, for property passed on to the The Return of the Prodigal Son (c. 1661–1669) by Rembrandt van Rijn next generation only after death. father’s wanton generosity would and neighbours would think him act two have been seen as bringing shame foolhardy and irresponsible, yet also The second shameful act in this story upon the family. knowing that satisfying relation- is the father’s. In granting his youngest The younger son came to the ships can never flourish where there son’s request he shows himself to be a father and insulted him by demand- is coercion, the father took a deep fool. In ceding a third of the estate, ing the resources to be free. The son breath and said yes. that the younger was entitled to, the did not want to be caged by family father put in jeopardy the financial responsibilities. The father, like act three well-being of the whole family unit. many parents, thought of the conse- The third shameful act was the young- As events unfolded, with the younger quences of denying the request. Then est son’s squandering of the inherit- son frittering his finances away, the knowing that his other dependents ance. It’s portrayed as self-destructive.

18 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 Working for a profane foreigner and control of the property. The welcome heir and addresses him with the feeding profane pigs are signals to the means that the younger son can be affectionate term teknon: ‘child’. Jewish audience that he not only has supported from the property as long The father is stepping away from sunk as low as he can go, but he has as the father lives. In a limited-goods dealing with this family crisis by legal also lost his faith. His squandering society however the youngest son has means. Addressing the elder brother also loses him his family — for he not only wasted one third of their as child serves the same function as would in future have no means to communal resources but by being the kissing and embracing of the fulfill his duties and provide support received back will ultimately be a younger son. It is relationality not to his kin. financial burden to the detriment of legality that is paramount. It is the The young prodigal ‘comes to his elder brother. finding and loving of his children himself’ and decides to return to that concerns him, not his own the ancestral home in order to work act five honour. Forgiving godly love seeks as a hired hand. He is desperate. He The fifth shameful act is that of the not to defend its own honour and has no expectation that he will be elder brother, who is a characteriza- importance but to reach out to heal restored to the privilege of being a tion of those Pharisees and Scribes and embrace. son. Indeed he can no longer be a son who do not like Jesus welcoming and The father rejects neither of his for he has forfeited those rights. dining with ‘sinners’. He feels the sons. Upon his death the estate will reception of his wayward sibling is go to the eldest who will assume the So let us treat unjust. He does not want to join in responsibilities of the patriarch. Yet the feast given on the return of the the father is interested in the end not one another as prodigal. He is angry. in inheritance but the ongoing rela- the story’s father The elder brother’s refusal to dine tionship between the two boys. The treats his sons: with with his father is culturally also a very purpose of doing the dishonorable shameful act. Just as the younger boy thing and allowing the younger his respect, kindness, shamed the patriarch in asking for inheritance, unconditionally forgiv- tolerance, and lots of his inheritance so the elder shames ing this son, and coming out to the forgiveness whether his father by not eating with them. elder son who has shamed him is for He violates the 4th commandment: relationship, and ultimately for rela- asked for or not. honour your father and your mother tionship not with him but between (Ex 22:12). the two sons. act four The elder son sees the father as The fourth shameful act was the having brought dishonour on the how are we sisters and manner of the father’s forgiveness. family by ceding to his brother’s brothers? He goes overboard. He seems to have request and then welcoming him Similarly the power of forgiving love been looking out for this reprobate. back. He sees his younger sibling as that we call God is primarily inter- He runs, kisses and hugs him. He having brought dishonour in both ested in reconciliation between insid- confers forgiveness when there is no his request for inheritance and his ers and outsiders in society, rather evidence of the son’s sincerity, or even squandering of it. The prodigal has than legalities and moralities. Such the request for such forgiveness. further shamed the family, according love wants to find ways to affirm and This display of emotion by the to the eldest’s fantasies, by consorting include all, no matter what we’ve father indicates that God’s nature is with prostitutes, therefore compro- done or believe. not bound by the expected legal and mising the family’s bloodline. Maybe the most powerful mes- hierarchical roles but rather by a deep sage of the parable is the most obvi- and nurturing love for the ones that the last act ous: the tax collector and sinner are are suffering. The father’s disregard of The sixth shameful act is the father’s brothers to the Pharisee and Scribe. legalities is evident when he asks his response to this jealous elder Likewise we are all connected to one slaves to carry out orders that have brother. As in his dealings with another. So let us treat one another the appearance of restoring the son the younger, the father refuses to as the story’s father treats his sons: to his former status, not inducting assert the authority and discipline with respect, kindness, tolerance, him into the duties of a hired hand. of the patriarchal entitlement. He and lots of forgiveness whether Forgiving Godly love not only wants comes out to him and affirms him asked for or not. n to welcome and include but it also as a companion and co-owner of the wants to restore. farm. The father’s response however Rev Glynn Cardy is the Vicar of The father has received the son goes beyond a simple legal affirma- St. Matthews-in-the-City back and as was normal is still in tion that the elder is the one true Anglican Church.

19 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 nuclear disarmament a nuclear weapon-free world?

With the heightened awareness of the possibility of nuclear genocide with the Korean Peninsula standoff, this article looks at an initiative of the Norwegian Government to free our world of the scourge of nuclear weapons.

Robert Green

n snowy Oslo in the first week that the nuclear weapon states are in at Semipalatinsk who was introduced of March, my wife Kate Dewes denial about the economic, agricultural to him. An extraordinary exhibition and I witnessed the most exciting and health effects of a failure of nuclear of Kuyukov’s paintings, painted with breakthroughI since 1996 in the strug- deterrence — which is why this confer- his feet, was on display outside the gle for a nuclear weapon-free world. ence was so important. conference hall of the government conference. inspired by ICAN Plunging temperatures It was inspired by a vigorous new the panel on ethics Australia-initiated citizen movement, in the Northern The next day Sheen’s charismatic the International Campaign to Abolish Hemisphere would US interviewer, Father John Dear Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), with 300 cause hundreds of SJ, spoke on a panel on ‘Ethics in partner organisations in 70 countries International Politics’ with Cardinal (www.icanw.org). ICAN invited me to millions of people to John Onaiyekan from Nigeria, who speak about my book Security Without starve to death, even left afterwards for the Vatican conclave Nuclear Deterrence — on my experience in countries far from in Rome. The Cardinal spoke passion- as a former operator of British nuclear ately against war and nuclear weapons, weapons turned anti-nuclear campaigner the conflict. and the need for a deeper spirituality — during the run-up to the unprec- and morality in the world so that these edented government conference on the martin sheen’s experience weapons could be disarmed. Dear humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons At a hugely successful evening gala commented that neither he nor Sheen hosted by the Norwegian Government. event, the American film star Martin “have ever attended any gathering From the moment we arrived in the Sheen — the US President in the like this, led by a government actively Oslo University Students’ Society build- West Wing TV series — recounted his pursuing nuclear disarmament.” ing, the Forum venue, we sensed fresh experience of being in India during the energy and anticipation in the already making of the movie Gandhi, which norway’s welcome bracing air. At least a third of the 500 awakened his faith. He delighted his Delegations from some 130 states delegates from 70 countries were young 900-strong audience when he quipped: assembled in the huge hotel confer- and new to the nuclear disarmament “If Gandhi and Martin Luther King ence room. struggle, most of them sporting scarlet were still alive, they would have joined When Norway’s Foreign Minister, ICAN t-shirts. ICAN!” Sheen had met Dan and Espen Barth Eide, welcomed del- Phil Berrigan, the famous American egates, he was building on Norway’s the authors’ panel Catholic priests and peace activists, courageous leadership in the suc- The authors’ panel was facilitated by who pushed him to work publicly for cessful campaigns to negotiate global young mother Stine Rødmyr, chair of peace. This took him to a protest in the treaties banning and eliminating other the Norwegian equivalent of CND, Nevada desert, where he watched a line inhumane weapons: anti-personnel During over an hour of lively discussion of nuns dance their way onto the US landmines and cluster munitions. Of with a big and knowledgeable audi- nuclear test site and get arrested. He the nuclear weapon states, the five per- ence, I explained why I had concluded said: “Their courage helped me to live manent members of the UN Security that the dogma of nuclear deterrence is my Christian faith,” and he went on to Council — known as the ‘P5’ — were not just a myth, but a deliberate hoax be arrested scores of times himself. The conspicuous by their absence; but concocted by the US military-industrial audience were enthralled when Sheen India and Pakistan sent delegations. complex now dominating and distort- hugged Karipbek Kuyukov, an armless ing American politics and foreign policy Kazakhstan artist and second-gener- the leading role of the ICRC for its vested interests. I also pointed out ation victim of Soviet nuclear testing What we found so thrilling was the

20 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 leading role played by the International research findings by climate scientists Committee of the Red Cross. In his Alan Robock and Owen Toon. They opening address the ICRC President, had applied the latest climate computer Peter Maurer, said it was astounding models to the impact of a small regional that states had never before come nuclear war between India and Pakistan together to address the humanitarian involving detonation of only a hundred consequences of nuclear weapons, Hiroshima-size weapons. They were including their long-term health and shocked to discover that, apart from climatic effects. As he spoke of this the mutual carnage and destruction “unique and historic opportunity”, I across South Asia, enough smoke from saw a smiling young pregnant woman firestorms — let alone radioactive fallout delegate nearby in the audience gently — would be generated to cripple global stroke her belly. Maurer boldly set agriculture. Plunging temperatures in the pace by reporting that the ICRC the Northern Hemisphere would cause had recently concluded from a spe- hundreds of millions of people to starve cially commissioned study that no to death, even in countries far from the national or international capability conflict. For more details, see www. existed to help survivors of even a nuclearfamine.org. The nuclear weapon single nuclear weapon detonation. states simply refuse to discuss this. This was why, he declared, “preven- tion — including development of government responses a legally binding treaty to prohibit The rest of the conference was devoted and eliminate such weapons — is to responses from government delega- the only way forward.” tions. Even India’s was supportive. New Zealand’s forthright Disarmament challenge to US, UK & France Ambassador, Dell Higgie, startled us At a crowded press conference, the when she said: “New Zealand’s experi- Norwegian Foreign Minister was ence of the Christchurch earthquakes asked why Norway had called the showed that, despite considerable conference now. He retorted: “Why preparation, the 22 February 2011 has it not happened before?” When quake overwhelmed the emergency challenged that Norway belonged to services; there was confusion, chaos a nuclear alliance, NATO, he pointed among police and the fire service. A out that all 25 non-nuclear NATO nuclear detonation would be a disaster member states were present — no country can plan for.” implying that only the three nuclear members, the US, UK and France, undp help to the pacific had boycotted it. We were also pleasantly surprised to discover that the UN Development medical and health effects Programme had helped four South In subsequent sessions, scientists and Pacific island states (Cook Islands, medical experts spelt out the realities Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu) to send and health effects of a nuclear weapon delegations. Appropriately, the confer- detonation. These were dramatized ence was being held during Nuclear by Rt Rev Laurence Yutaka Minabe, Free and Independent Pacific Week. Anglican Bishop of Yokohama, born Patrick Akaiti Arioka, from the Cook of Hiroshima survivors. Speaking Islands Deputy Prime Minister’s office, softly from the floor, he told how his spoke on behalf of all 22 small island father recovered from severe burns states of the Pacific. He pointed out only to die of radiation-induced blood that their region was living with the cancer 30 years later. consequences of 181 French nuclear tests, including a perilously fragile shocking results Top to bottom: Martin Sheen; Young Norwegians waving placards; Fr John former test site in a cracked coral Dr Ira Helfand, an American physician Dear SJ; Posters at the conference.. and adviser to ICAN, focused on recent . . . continued on page 25

21 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 pope francis an open letter to pope francis After analysing the present state of the Catholic Church and her five wounds, the writer sets out her dream conversations between Pope Francis and some bishops. Anna Holmes

Dear Pope Francis, The latest example of this behav- refusal to dialogue with the Taking the name of Francis of Assisi, iour has been the imposition of a new post-modern world who not only had dialogue with the English liturgy in the face of protest The church seems stuck in a modernist Moslems but challenged the Papacy and opposition from both bishops worldview about control, power and to reform, you carry the hopes and and English speaking people around individualism and fails to embrace prayers of many in the church. As the the world. The new liturgy harks back the fundamental change in worldview first Francis, the first Jesuit and the to a worldview where the church was that is part of a quantum world. first non-European we look forward monarchical and hierarchical and In this world everything is totally to a new beginning with you. complex language was used to mys- interconnected. In such a world the In February Benedict XVI coura- tify and distance ‘ordinary’ people. formation of community, unity in geously resigned, recognising that the diversity, is central. It is interesting to task of governance in the church was lack of faith recall that Karl Rahner, as long ago as beyond him. There is speculation that Those who feel the church must be 1980, proposed that the church of the his reason was the same as the last Pope controlled in every detail have no faith future would be a church of mystics. to resign, Celestine V who resigned in an ever-present God of love. They do Mystics have always seen the world as in 1294 because of the entrenched not trust God to take care of all people. totally interconnected with God. They intrigues in the Papal Court. They fail to appreciate the many ways in have also often seemed to threaten the May you be blessed with the which God is present in the incredible church institution because they were integrity and strength to heal the richness and complexity of human cul- not controllable. wounds of the Church. Healing tures. They arrogantly think that only is about the whole organism, not their understanding of God is valid. misogynism fragments of it. It is often confused Such a narrow God is surely an idol. Jesus had many theological discussions with cure — which is the returning There has also been a return to dualism with women and was changed by to normal the part of a body that is as if body and spirit could be addressed their presence and actions. His church not healthy. Healing is much more separately. This is quite out of keeping needs to do likewise. The exclusion of than this – it is recognising that body, with the current worldview in which all women at all levels of the church is an mind, spirit and community all need things are totally inter-related. ongoing scandal. It fails to recognise to be enabled, to grow whole again. men and women, not men alone, are At this time there are five major lack of hospitality the fullness of humanity. A recent wounds of the Church: Hospitality, welcoming all, was a example has been the Vatican perse- marked feature of Jesus’ ministry. cution of women religious in North the misuse of power Hospitality accepts others as other. America. These women work with the Over millennia this has led to clerical- Inculturation, the use of local cus- poorest and most outcast and in so ism and a Roman monoculture. The toms, was accepted by Vatican II doing challenge the rich and powerful growth of legalism and central control and practiced for a brief time before as well as the institutional church. has been unchecked over the past two gradually being suppressed. The All these wounds are interrelated papacies. It is as if the Curia and some institutional church has been notably and intertwined. The love of power bishops are above criticism and have neglectful of care of the poorest and leads to a lack of collegiality, clerical- no responsibility to love, respect and marginalized, while speaking very ism legalism and sexual abuse. The listen to others of different viewpoints. well about it. There is also need to lack of hospitality leads to a rejection A major effect of the misuse of challenge the powerful and greedy. of those most in need of the church power is lack of transparency and The failure to enter into dialogue and conflict with other faiths. The fear accountability in all areas in the church. with other faiths and cultures is of loss of power and misogynism leads This has led to a tragic growth of sexual another example of lack of hospital- to the exclusion of women. So the abuse as well as mistreatment of others ity. The church institution spends poor, the outcasts and the stranger are in the church. There has been a huge more time and energy dealing with left outside while the rich feast within. exodus from the church as a result. its members than with strangers. Yet who did Jesus serve? After almost

22 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 Pope Francis kisses a disabled man he sees in the crowd. [Catholic News Service photo/L’Osservatore Romano] half a century of the practice of medi- the rubbish bins and share it with the drama and vestments of ancient cine I am absolutely convinced that each other. Sometimes they are lucky liturgy. However, that is not the expe- listening to suffering humanity makes enough to find some wine to go with it. rience of those in the barrios where I us grow in ways we cannot imagine. You will sit where they gather, dressed am sending you. You will dress like the for the occasion in workmen’s clothes. people of the barrios and just sit in the a dream? Remember the Syrophoenician square and see what you see. The poor Dear Pope Francis, I have a dream woman who ran after Jesus shouting share with one another. They take care that you call the powerful men of the at him to heal her daughter? These are of those who are mentally disturbed church to see you. To each you give a her descendents. And Cardinal, don’t or physically disabled. Do not say special message. They are not going forget to smile your most loving smile, anything. Just sit, listen and see.” to do anything, but simply be among for they need all the love they can get Already, Pope Francis, you seem the poor and needy to listen and after lives of deprivation and rejection. to be refusing to be held in the learn from them. The conversations “Well, Cardinal X, I know you straightjacket of unnecessary tradi- might go something like this. have been very diligent in pursuing tions. Paying your own hotel bill. “Bishop V, how are your students the issue of fallen women. You will Stopping to talk to pilgrims. Washing faring? I hear how successful you have go to listen to the stories of the the feet of women as well as men on been teaching in the Angelicum. I prostitutes. Like Jesus, you are not Holy Thursday. May you be given the have a very particular challenge for you there to judge but to listen. You are strength to continue on this path. today. I would like you to go to this not there to argue but to hear their My prayer is that in this great large mental hospital and be an assistant stories of pain, betrayal and abuse. work of re-evangelisation we will carer to the patients. They will teach Go in peace, wear ordinary clothes, develop a church of loving, hospita- you more about yourself and the needs no ring, no formal dress. Just listen. ble, open, humble, men and women of humanity than you believe possible. “Buon Giorno, Cardinal Y. What a who really will have the power to “Cardinal W, what a pleasure to battle you have had with the issue of gay attract and change the world. see you. I think we last met at the marriage. You have really been under Blessings and Peace to you this gathering of Heads of State. You were fire from some of the newspapers. Here Easter Season. n so enjoying the good food, good wine, is your task. You are to go to the gay bars sparkling conversation and beautiful in the city. You are not there to change Dr Anna Holmes is a retired Dunedin women who knew how to treat you people – that is God’s work. You are just general practitioner who has recently with the respect you deserve. For you there to hear the stories. The sadness and completed a doctorate on the spirituality I have a special task. You will go to yearning for love. of general practice. She was a founding the steps of the city church where the “Ah, Cardinal Z. For you I have a member of Women Knowing Their bag ladies gather. They get food from special task. I know how you revere Place.

23 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 pope francis a pope for our times

Jim Consedine

’m starting to like this new pope. to know that despite the pope’s obvi- are having to amalgamate, purely to Admittedly it is early days, but ous wishes, there are powerful blocs cater for the shortage of priests. The the signs are promising that he of both clerics and laity who will stop Eucharist needs to resume its place Ioperates out of a freedom of spirit at nothing to maintain their posi- as the natural place for Christians rarely seen in people of authority. I tions of power and control. This pope to meet in worship — just as Jesus quite like the cut of his jib! has one thing going for him. He will taught. “Do this in memory of me.” have the ordinary people of God on He didn’t say occasionally. signs and symbols his side. He speaks to their needs. The recent picture on the front pages biblical literacy of the world media of the pope fault lines Another major fault line needing kneeling and washing the feet of This pope seems to recognize that attention has to be the biblical illiter- young men and women, Orthodox there are major fault lines in the acy of so many Catholics. Nearly 50 Christians and Muslims as well as Church’s structure, some of which years after Vatican II empowered laity Catholics at a Rome prison spoke have recently become exposed to the to become bearers of the Word and more of his mature spirituality than a wider world. He won’t be able to deal responsible in spreading it to others, dozen encyclicals. “This is a symbol. with them all but he may be able to how many Catholics can do that It is a sign. Washing your feet means tackle a few. adequately now? So few. Surely that that I am at your service,” he told is partly because of the way we have them. It was much more a symbol of the educated walk structured its official proclamation a special type of leadership. In the past 40 years, the seepage of through sermons and homilies which Francis is a free man. He has not the educated from the Church in only a diminishing number of male been colonised by Roman practice. Western countries has been immense. celibate priests can proclaim? We Clearly he believes in the freedom Tens of thousands of theologically have failed to encourage the Church won by Jesus on the Cross. He has literate men and women have found members generally to make the Word taken the Easter events seriously. In the structures too unbending, too their own and enflesh it through their a single move he de-institutionalised out of touch with the real world own study and practice. Familiarity a piece of liturgy crying out for and their own daily lives. They have with the scriptures should be bread attention. In so doing, he sent a simply walked away. Many have lost and butter for practicing Catholics. strong signal about freedom within faith not just in the Church and its It has been an opportunity lost. the Church. Is he also setting aside mission but in God and in the role Now instead of giving Christians the the authoritarian model of papacy of Christ in their lives. That has been real meat of the scriptures to study which has dominated during the a tragic spin off and its effects are and proclaim and nourish them, we past 35 years? felt everywhere. This trend needs to are reverting to devotional practices In so doing, he has sent shock be turned around. People need to be which grew out of an ‘adolescent’ waves throughout the bureaucracy, empowered at their level of skill. period in the Church’s development. signaling to the Church that the mes- The only problem with that is the sage of Jesus is simple but radical and exodus of priests Western world has had an education is to be applied literally to the poor. In addition, the thousands of Vatican explosion. An adolescent level is no Their ‘feet are to be washed’. It is not II priests who have left the ministry longer enough. So while devotional going to be business as usual. have been a special loss because the practices have a role, the proper Church has traditionally tied the knowledge and study of scripture an easy ride? celebration of the Eucharist to a pre- should take pride of place and pro- He shouldn’t expect an easy ride. siding priest. Now the priests are no vide focus for the wider Church. There will be many who will block longer there. So the inevitable hap- his every move. One has only to read pens. Mass is no longer available as parish community leadership a history of the papacy and, in recent an easily accessible normal frequent Worldwide, the structures are no times, the Second Vatican Council, practice. Parishes all over the world longer providing the leadership

24 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 necessary to successfully lead parish communities. That is partly because a nuclear weapon-free world? lay people, and women in par- . . . continued from page 21 ticular, are not eligible to do the basic reef at Mururoa; and he paid tribute their intention and good faith; they may Christian ministries of preaching to New Zealand for sacrifices it had regret it.” Kate and I agreed. and presiding over the sacraments, made to sustain its nuclear-free policy. including the Eucharist. The com- In the final session, Mexico stole norway’s closing remarks mand of Jesus, “Do this in memory the show when Ambassador Juan José In his closing remarks, Norway’s of me” is no longer adhered to. The Gómez Camacho announced that Foreign Minister was euphoric: wreckage from this fault line alone is his government was offering to host “Together … we have reframed the strewn everywhere, and has been for a follow-up conference to maintain discourse. We are taking it out of tra- decades. It has led directly to the clos- the momentum. Delegates erupted in ditional fora, creating a supplementary ing down of parishes at a time when delighted applause. initiative. Now we are twice as strong everything else has been expanding. and effective … we have introduced nz’s response new clerical caste new vigour, and sense of urgency …” NZ Ambassador Higgie responded As delegates made their farewells A corollary of this has been the emer- to a challenge that the conference and filed out of the hotel, they were gence of a new clerical caste where all risked undermining the Nuclear serenaded across the street — not by power lies ultimately with the priest Non-Proliferation Treaty. She asked the usual angry demo of frustrated in conjunction with the bishop. This why nuclear disarmament should be activists, but by a dancing, colourful is simply bad theology, spawned by promoted only in one forum. “We throng of young, placard-waving an ideology of control. The spin on see no contradiction in promoting Norwegians thanking them, and this development is that somehow nuclear disarmament inside the NPT, encouraging them to stay strong in the Christ taught it this way. This is not and outside it here in Oslo. Indeed, fresh phase of the struggle ahead. We true, of course. we see our efforts here as very possibly wiped joyful tears away as we joined eyes to see the poor helping us to implement the require- them, having dared to dream that we ment — as the International Court of would see this in our lifetimes. The Church wasn’t in existence in the Justice told us in 1996 — to conduct, time of Jesus on earth. It came into in good faith, negotiations leading to a tipping point being at Pentecost. Its purpose was to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects. We realised we had just been privi- proclaim that the Kingdom of God This meeting here in Oslo — in look- leged to witness the tipping point, was already in our midst. This mes- ing beyond the arithmetic of military when enough political will had been sage was particularly geared to a love security to fundamental notions of the generated to face down the nuclear of the poor. We would develop this survivability of our environment, our weapon states and throw them onto capacity to love through the power economies, and our populations — has the defensive. By declining to try to of the Holy Spirit. If present in our served to remind us all that any use defend the indefensible, the P5 had lives, this Spirit would change the of nuclear weapons comes at a cost surrendered control of the endgame way we lived. Only those with ‘eyes none of us should be prepared to pay.” agenda. We have no illusions about to see’ would recognize its presence. To further applause, she welcomed how much harder this will be than francis’ radical freedom Mexico’s courageous intention to host banning landmines and cluster bombs. a follow-up meeting. “New Zealand However, our faith in humanity’s abil- Pope Francis, through his outreach will wholeheartedly join in all work, ity to stand up for peace and justice to the poor and his early symbolic in the NPT context as well as in any has been rekindled. Now, we need the actions, is showing that he has the process following on from this meet- NZ Government to honour the legacy inner freedom to allow the Holy ing and from Mexico’s, that brings us of all those who have helped bring us Spirit space to move. Hopefully, the closer to our goal: the elimination of to this point, and actively support radical freedom lived by Jesus will nuclear weapons.” Mexico at the follow-up conference, again take root in our Church — which we understand will be held by and encourage all to step out further endorsements of nz ideas the end of this year. n in faith. n Ireland endorsed the New Zealand Robert Green is the retired commander ambassador’s statement, as did Jim Consedine is a priest of the Diocese of a British nuclear submarine. He is an Switzerland. The Iranian ambassador of Christchurch. He is editor of The anti-nuclear campaigner and author of Common Good. added a telling point: “The boycotting Security without Nuclear Deterrence. of this conference by the P5 questions

25 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 scripture where is jesus to be found? The Ascension 12 May - Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:46-53 Kathleen Rushton

Proclaimed on the Feast of the Ascension are Luke’s two heaven: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up accounts of the ascension of Jesus: “he withdrew from to heaven?” (1:11). So, where is Jesus to be found? them and was carried up into heaven” (Lk 24:51) and was “lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts “events fulfilled” 1:9). Now, if like me, you try to compare the details of Both books begin with a short prologue. In the gospel these accounts as well as sort out what other parts of the prologue we find the key idea, namely “the events that New Testament tell us about Jesus’ Ascension, it is not a have been fulfilled among us.” The words “events ful- little confusing. How easy it is to get caught up in the stuff filled” suggest that those events did not just occur but of scientific history and forget that this section of the Jesus were the fulfilment of the Scriptures. The “we” is the story is about spiritual transformation and empowerment. Christian communities of Luke’s own time removed in The unity of Luke-Acts is often hidden because the time by 40 or 50 years from the life, death and resurrec- New Testament editions separate this gospel from its tion of Jesus. To know about these events, they needed sequel, Acts, by placing John’s gospel between them. Two the testimony of eyewitnesses and the preaching of questions, in this two part story, disturb my tendency to the word. Yet the continuity with the first generation seek Jesus where he will not be found. Remember in of Christians was such that those second generation Luke’s gospel “the two men in dazzling clothes” chided Christians who were Luke’s communities, understood the women disciples seeking the living One among those events as having been fulfilled among them. This tombs: “Why do you look for the living among the also applies to all generations of Christians, and to us, dead?” (24:5). Then again in Acts, “two men in white today. We, too, move from knowledge to mission. robes” chide the men disciples who are gazing up into Luke-Acts makes it very clear that the “fulfilment” is still happening in our times. Ponder the final words of Jesus in this gospel: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, begin- ning from Jerusalem.” (24:46–47). Not only are the Scriptures fulfilled by the suffering, death and resur- rection of Jesus in the story of Luke’s gospel, they are fulfilled in the preaching of repentance in the name of Jesus to all nations. This is the story of the Church, too, as it continues through the books of Acts in Luke’s generation. This is what Acts is all about: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The mission is described in three phases: “beginning from Jerusalem” (chs1–7), to Judea and Samaria (chs 8–12), and to the ends of the earth (chs 13-28). In this vision of the Church, it is the story of our generation too. And that raises some interesting questions. Stephen Broadbent’s sculpture. “Empowerment” spans the River Witham in Lincoln’s City Square, U.K. questions ever new Completed in 2002, the sculpture takes the form of Luke has a strong interest in Gentiles. What does this two aluminium-and-steel human figures reaching to understanding of Gentiles show? What does this mean each other across the water. The design is intended for mission today in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond? to echo the shape of turbine blades, in recognition of Lincoln’s industrial heritage. Luke is the only gospel writer to give a full account of the early Church’s mission into Gentile lands. Jesus is

26 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 saviour of all nations (Lk 2:32). ‘All’ or ‘everyone’ is inserted throughout the two texts. Jesus’ genealogy goes back to Adam, the beginning of all humanity (3:38). Jesus speaks positively of Gentiles (4:25-27). A universal ethic is outlined for Jews and Gentiles (6:27–35). Yet, Luke’s understanding of the Gentiles tends to Visit us show them as dwelling in darkness awaiting God’s salva- tion. There is truth here, for we all dwell in shades of Visit us darkness. It is also true that Jesus, who in his life time was confined in one land and one culture, by his resur- in breath of wind rection transcends time and space. He is made present to all creation as the first fruits of those who die (I Cor in endurance of cliffs 15:20–23). Consequently, the light of Christ must have in glow of kowhai been already present among the Gentiles before the arrival of those early Christian missionaries. in silence of stars This is, indeed, true of our times. We cannot bring in solitude of moon Christ anywhere unless we discover Christ there first. The Vatican II Decree on the Church’s Missionary in eyes of the poor Activity, advises those in mission in the Church today, that is, you and I: “Let them be familiar with in embrace of a mother their national and religious traditions to uncover with in pleasure of friends gladness and respect those seeds of the Word which lie hidden among them” (#11). Yet again, we are assured in faith that does justice. that from “ancient times there have existed among diverse peoples a perception of that hidden power which hovers over the course of things and over the © Anne Powell events of human life.” (Declaration of the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religion, #2) I mentioned “the stuff of scientific history” above. I do not discount that entirely nor do I discount ques- tions of evolutionary science. My growing awareness of the vastness and complexity of time and space increases. What does the mission of the Church mean in terms of science and religious understanding? What do I understand about the Ascension of Jesus when Luke sets it against the background of the ancient three tiered universe: above earth, on earth and under the earth? Was Jesus “carried up into some distant physical heaven”? From what I know now, if Jesus “was carried up,” even travelling at the speed of light to some material place called heaven, he would have not yet, nearly 2,000 years later, have moved beyond our Milky Way galaxy. I return to where I began. The Jesus story is about spiritual transformation and empowerment, and I add, for the mission of the Church in today’s complex, evolv- ing, beautiful, suffering and global world. As T.S. Elliot puts it more elegantly:

We shall not cease from exploring, And the end of our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. n

Kathleen Rushton is a Sister of Mercy working in adult education in the Diocese of Christchurch.

27 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 book and film reviews a house divided

Behind the Beautiful the conditions that can sabotage their ‘innate capacity for moral action’ so Forevers: Life, Death that they can walk past a dying scav- and Hope in a Mumbai enger on the road, or shrug at a girl Undercity. who has swallowed poison. We hear about the economic mir- By Katherine Boo acle of modern India. We see films like Slumdog Millionaire. Charities Scribe, Melbourne, 2012. show pictures of skeletal children. Reviewer: Sandra Winton OP ‘Behind the Beautiful Forevers’, gives us a detailed and thoughtful look at some of the realities of the lives of f you fly into Mumbai people whose poverty we in New International Airport, among ambition’ as well as a sump of despair Zealand shrink from imagining. We the five luxurious hotels, along and degradation. Before coming to see into their dreams, their hopes, theI side of a coconut-tree-lined thor- Mumbai, Katherine Boo had spent their compromises, their deadened oughfare there is an aluminium fence years reporting from poor communi- indifference, their fight not just to covered with posters advertising bath- ties in the United States. She came to survive but to stretch out for their room fittings. ‘Beautiful forever’, the Mumbai’s slums with very important own economic miracle, a tiled floor, words run, one after another. Behind questions: ‘What is the infrastructure a job as a waiter, a life without crime. the Beautiful forevers, if it is still there, of opportunity in this society? Whose We see that even this slum offers lies Annawadi slum. 3000 people capabilities are given wing by the more than the rural villages that have squat on airport land, in 335 huts. market and a government’s economic been left behind where woman are Here Pulitzer Prize winner, Katherine and social policy? Whose capabilities bent double and there is no way out. Boo documented the experience of are squandered? By what means might But this is not a depressing Annawadi inhabitants for over three that ribby child grow up to be less book. It is as gripping as a novel, its years to produce this book. poor?’ She considers the juxtaposi- characters as engaging, their stories In it we meet the Muslim family tion of wealth and poverty and asks as absorbing. It is a book that docu- of Abdul (maybe 16, maybe 19, who why more of our unequal societies do ments without judgement yet with sorts trash), his brother Mirchi, who not implode? She asks herself and her moral acuity the impact on the most wants a clean job in a hotel, their research data how the ethical imagina- poor of people of the global and local mother Zehrunisa, tender, playful tion of young children can turn to economic policies that are creating and a ferocious haggler; we meet indifference and moral deadness. In even in New Zealand ever-increasing Asha, who is striving to become her child interviewees she finds both economic disparity. I could not rec- Annawadi’s first female slumlord and hope and desire for life; she documents ommend it more highly. n who moves between the slumdwell- ers, the police and officialdom, nego- tiating bribes, favours and debts and her teenaged daughter, Manju, whose Proof of Heaven ambition is to become Annawadi’s Eben Alexander This book will capture you, living up to its excellent first female college graduate; we meet reviews. The author, a prominent USA neurosurgeon, fifteen-year-old Meena who longs scientist and non-believer, had a for a future free from an arranged near-death experience. He scientifically describes his marriage and domestic submission, experience, and now firm belief, that God and the Sunil a twelve-year-old scavenger soul are real with death but a transition. who wants to eat enough to begin to Index. Appendices. 196pp. .99 grow; and many others. $34 +$4 p/pkg Note: Delivery time up to 10 days. In the Indian financial capital, Freephone 0508 988 988 Annawadi, with its sewage lake, foul [email protected] air, lack of shelter and habitation, is 38 Higginson Street, Otane one of many slums. Like Mumbai Central Hawke’s Bay itself it too is ‘a hive of hope and www.christiansupplies.co.nz

28 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 variations on an old theme

Performance Carnegie Hall. However, disaster While at least some of these strikes in the form of Peter’s recently conflicting forces are brought into Director: Yaron Zilberman diagnosed Parkinson’s disease. balance by the end of the film, Reviewer: Paul Sorrell While the performers’ musical the real interest in Performance lives are tightly interwoven, as lies in the themes and ideas that usic lies at the heart of the film develops we discover a are thrown up by the characters’ this subtle, intelligent network of connections that links relationships and offered to the film, both in terms of its each member of the quartet even audience to mull over. Perhaps the subjectM matter and its form, which more closely. Peter’s illness, and most important suggestion is that, announces and develops some the difficulties surrounding find- in creating something together, major themes and plays variations ing a replacement for him, is not something bigger than ourselves, on them. At the end, the ‘piece’ the only threat to the integrity of we need to leave our egos at the achieves a resolution of sorts, but the group. Robert’s fling with a door. Real creativity is a fragile with a future that still lies open for young flamenco dancer piques his creature. The film shows how years the ‘players’. middle-aged vanity to the extent of love and nurturing can be put at Performance follows the inter- that he is no longer content to risk by jealousy, neglect of personal twined lives of the four members of play second violin to Daniel, relationships, dissatisfaction with the Manhattan-based Fugue string literally or figuratively. Daniel our own chosen roles and appeals quartet — Peter (Christopher further threatens the cohesion of to our vanity and pride. Walken), Daniel (Mark Ivanir) and the ensemble when he begins an Despite the occasional awkward husband-and-wife team Robert and affair with his pupil Alexandra, moment, Performance is a quietly Juliette (Philip Seymour Hoffman a sparky and precocious violinist satisfying film that gives us some- and Catherine Keener). To cel- who also happens to be Robert thing worthwhile to take home ebrate 25 years of dedicated music- and Juliette’s daughter. For her with us and, on that basis alone, making, the group is preparing to part, Alexandra feels herself the must be judged a success. n perform Beethoven’s challenging victim of a childhood sacrificed Opus 131 for string quartet at to her parents’ musical ambitions.

29 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 comment Crosscurrents Jim Elliston gioacchino pecci (1810 – 1903; of Genesis used the contemporary rejected with positive results. Also, the pope leo XIII, 1878) understanding of the universe to recent demand in China that Party As a young man Pecci’s organiza- teach fundamental truths, but that officials live modestly. tional talents and strong personality did not mean this understanding was The article was entitled ‘Pope resulted in his being directed to part of revelation. In other words, comes at time of fresh thinking’. settle various problems, pastoral and literal interpretation of the creation He mentioned Francis’ conservative civil, by Pope Gregory XVI. He was accounts is wrong. stance on sexual morality but added: originally uncertain as to whether As an integral part of this pro- “… these issues are in reality periph- he should become a priest. Shortly gramme he issued the first compre- eral to the preoccupations of a great after ordination Gregory appointed hensive statement on social doctrine, majority of individuals that are mainly him bishop of Perugia where he was Rerum Novarum, on 17 May 1891. concerned with the daily struggle for installed in 1846. He remarked that the greatest influ- health care, feeding and educating He required his priests to be pasto- ence on him in issuing the encyclical their children and putting a roof over rally effective, and he personally took was the work of von Ketteler. The their heads.” various initiatives to better the lot of three major planks were: He suggested that Francis has the poor. He wrote: “On one side there a) The Church proposes the basic struck a chord (also) with people in the are cries of hopelessness threatening to rules of justice and charity that developed world with his declaration become acts of desperation; on the should govern relations between that the Church needs to deal with other, there is waste that insults the worker and proprietor. Marxist these issues, along with his personal poor … who barely manage to earn philosophy that rejects private style of modest living. “Pope Francis enough to feed their families.” He ownership and encourages class may prove to have a similar effect on adopted many of von Ketteler’s pasto- war is harmful to the worker as capitalism to that exerted by John Paul ral practices. (An interesting note: in well as the proprietor. II on the downfall of communism.” 1883 he reconstituted the Third Order b) Workers are entitled to a just wage I can hear Ozanam, von Ketteler, of St Francis — a lay organization that enables them to support their Leo XIII — and yes, Karl Marx — all aimed at spreading the simple way of families. The Liberal philosophy saying “Amen to that!” life of St Francis of Assisi). that relies on unregulated com- He was elected Pope at 68 with his petition, thus forcing workers communication styles poor health and age seen as a guarantee to accept insufficient wages, is “It is alarming to see hotbeds of ten- of a short papacy — he died 25 years equally harmful. sion and conflict caused by growing later! He inherited an organization c). Organizations must be set up instances of inequality between rich in disarray internally and with poor to protect the rights of workers, and poor, by the prevalence of a self- relationships with various states. This and mixed groups of workers and ish and individualistic mindset which frail old man set about re-invigorating proprietors must work together also finds expression in an unregulated the Church. In contrast to his two for their mutual benefit. These financial capitalism. In addition to the immediate predecessors, Gregory XVI are basic rights arising from the varied forms of terrorism and interna- (who denounced the ideas of democ- ‘Natural Law’, and the State must tional crime, peace is also endangered racy and freedom of conscience), and intervene if anyone tries to impede by those forms of fundamentalism Pius IX (note the infamous ‘Syllabus their formation and work. and fanaticism which distort the true of Errors’), Leo XIII foreswore nature of religion, which is called to denunciations and instead adopted timely arrival? foster fellowship and reconciliation a very positive approach, initiating The associate professor in commercial among people.” Benedict XVI on the a wide-ranging programme aimed law at the University of Auckland, Causes of War, New Year 2013. at the reform of society, setting out Gehan Gunasekara, wrote a Herald It is interesting that the first the rights and duties of its members, article in March on the widespread item on the list is growing inequal- as well as initiating reforms in philo- realization that the ever-increasing ity. Benedict repeats Leo’s warning; sophical, theological and biblical disparity between the haves and the its validity is more easily recogniz- studies in Catholic institutions. One have-nots is disastrous. He mentioned able today. It is also interesting that example: in 1893 his encyclical on Latin America, where the neo- Francis’ similar comments have had the Bible pointed out that the writers conservative economic creed has been far greater impact. n

30 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 comment death and taxes

Peter Norris

ecently I received the bad night porter during the seminary us held so easily by lovely people. news that the father of one holidays. Like everyone else I tried I see these people all the time of our staff members died. to be brave but I also had no emo- and wish I was as profound as HeR was a good age but I was very tional involvement as I had a job to them. However, like most, I pray sad for the staff member and, like do. I had to assist the nurse to take “thy kingdom come” with fingers other staff, I thought she should the body to the morgue. When crossed. I hope that I can be as keep trying to contact members of I was in a parish it was similar. I understanding of others as God her family but go home to do it. was called to administer the sacra- is of me. I hope that I can accept Imagine my surprise to find out ments to those who were dying others’ lack of purpose knowing some hours later that the father and one day found a dying person that God accepts mine. was not dead and was simply in holding my hand. That happened I also hope that sometime in hospital. It was good news for us a few times and, while surprising the future I will pray “thy king- and the cost was only one bunch each time, it also seemed to be a dom come” realising that the of flowers sent from another time of love. kingdom is here now but that I am staff friend. There was a little bit We know that we are all called to also prepared to step into it more of embarrassment as everyone death but we hope that it will only fully. I do not know when that will pointed the finger trying to work happen sometime in the future. We happen but I know that is the pur- out how the bad news originated are told that death and taxes are the pose of my life. It is a preparation and spread but the result was good. only two realities we cannot avoid. for me to say those words emphati- Our religion can be a little There are actually a lot more, but I cally, with a little bit of fear, but odd. We pray “thy kingdom guess death and taxes are what we also with hope. come” but hope that the full reali- think of as the bad news realities. We The Lord’s Prayer is one of the sation of that is some time away all need taxes to pay for social services loveliest prayers we say or sing at for ourselves and for our friends for ourselves and for others; and we Mass. “Thy kingdom come” is one and their families. We are very also need death as we leave behind of the best pieces in it. n understanding and supportive much and come to know God eter- when someone dies but do not nally. Yet we try to avoid both! want death to call us or our family Sometimes I think we are very Father Peter Norris is the Master of St in the immediate future. bright and other times I think we Margaret’s College on the campus of the I never saw a dead body until just grasp reality very lightly. We University of Otago. I was working in the hospital as a are not aware of the good around

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31 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013 a mother’s journal

by Kaaren Mathias

his morning everything felt too hard. Full of steam and disgruntle about the injusticesT I see every day (if I open my eyes to see them), the disparities of this world and the other one, the iniquity of a mother weighing just 25 kg, like Kamla Malto whom I met in a village just last week, and her daughter, in her twenties, just weeks. Let the big bad world unravel a jam. Stuffing them down into the as wizened and malnourished as she bit more. It’s not like I can make any backpack, we sat on a spur, looked was, I thought about what a bizarre difference anyway. out on the deep valleys and muscu- world it is that these two widows can’t Cup of tea just sat patiently lar hills, and drank some dark South even find enough food to eat. beside me, letting out an occasional Indian coffee from the thermos. We And meanwhile the New Zealand steamy sigh. I finally gathered my didn’t talk about work. Or even kids. Ministry of Health is busting its gut disgruntle and hopelessness together Not much anyway. And suddenly trying to get Kiwis eating less and enough to pray with very little the morning was happily gone. exercising more. But actually I wasn’t conviction that I would find enough Raced home and Jeph collected caring about any of that. Instead shreds of grace and strength to do Jalori from pre-school while I stopped there I was sitting on the steps with what I needed today. to buy supplies of beans, bananas and my morning cup of tea and all I really Then I drank up my tea and grapes. And I was back to being alive wanted for today was that my life were decided to cancel the morning’s and happy with my lot. easier, that I didn’t have to get going proposal writing, editing etc plans, Wrote that mental health proposal. and organise four children for school and instead to go running and walk- Made dinner for everyone. Helped for the day, and didn’t have to tidy and ing with my true love who is also the big kids with their homework. clean up after breakfast, and didn’t my husband. We ran down into the Got them into bed. Tidied up the have to write a funding proposal for groin of the deep valley behind us, house. Untangled that grammar and our mental health project that we and then staggered panting, back up spelling and tumbled into bed, the have already started in hope and on to the ridge. We found a new and morning’s sifting listless angst gone. without money, and that I didn’t have lithe track which was littered with The shreds of grace and strength, and to untangle the spelling and grammar a quite exuberant riot of red rhod- abundance of rhodhodendrons had of various contributors for the health hodendrons. They had completely once again supervened. n and development magazine I try to over-performed this year and we Kaaren Mathias lives and works in edit. Instead, I was just wishing I collected a few armfuls of crimson community health and development could curl up and read books for a few flowers to make rhodhodendron in North India with her husband Jeph and four children.

32 Tui Motu InterIslands May 2013