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The Methodist Church of New Zealand ~ Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa
“Our Church's Mission in Aotearoa New Zealand is to reflect and proclaim the transforming love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and declared in the Scriptures. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God in the world. The Treaty of Waitangi is the covenant establishing our nation on the basis of a power-sharing relationship, and will guide how we undertake mission”.
CONTENT S
Official Communications…….. ………………2 - A message from the President & Vice President - A message from the General Secretary
Connexional News……………………… ………..4
Remember in your Prayers ………………….4
Mission & Ecumenical…………….……. ………4
Ecumenical News & Views ……………..…4
Job Opportunities ……………………………….…4
Yearbook Amendments ……………………...4
September 2007
Web Site Address: www.methodist.org.nz
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It’s September: we expect to be in springtime. Certainly, travelling through Otago last week, the new green is showing, blossoms are beginning to appear, lambing is underway. As is often the case, though, following a period of warm weather, a cold front then brought snow. The uncertainty of weather can make life difficult, especially for those tending new animals or new growth on tree or vine. We urban dwellers do well to remember the economic impact of what is often simply an inconvenience for us.
As I noted last month, August was a month of celebrations – amongst the ongoing life of worship and business meetings and pastoral concerns. St Johns Church, Opotiki, celebrated the centennial of its church building, with a lively dinner and appropriate worship (even dancing from the worship leaders!). At Turangawaewae we remembered the life and contribution of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and celebrated the first anniversary of Kingi Tuheitia’s coronation. Mornington Parish, Dunedin, celebrated 50 years of musical leadership by Colin Gibson, and the wider Methodist and world church joined in that important occasion. A dinner and musical experience led into a celebratory service the next morning – the whole expressing thanks for Colin’s contribution to music and to our imagination as Christians in this country today. It was a privilege to be part of the occasion.
During this month, there will be face-to-face meetings between presbyters and parishes who are looking for a new stationing appointment. Best wishes to all who are involved in this process. Our thoughts are also with those places that will need to explore other ways of engaging in ministry for the next year.
~ John
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT
Travelling shoes!
Or should that be various modes of transport? By air, bus and car I have explored much of the North Island during August.
I found visiting 2 different Synods on consecutive weekends very interesting. Both cover a large portions of the North Island, actually everything south of the Bombay Hills! 2 e-messenger
I had a very warm welcome at the joint lower North Island Synods held at Palmerston North. What a vast distances these synods cover, from Gisborne on the east coast, to Wanganui and New Plymouth on the west coast, combining with Wellington Synod. Synod preceded an invitation for me to preach at a combined service for the Palmerston North region. Thank you. With a brief overnight stop at home, I was off to Morrinsville for the NZMWF District AGM before driving to Auckland for Connexional meetings.
I like travelling by bus, so long as it is not to far, or to frequent. The drive to New Plymouth took me past the marae where the tangi for Sister Heeni had happened, and the family burial ground where she was laid for her final resting place.
I had my NZMWF hat on for the Taranaki Combined APW & MWF District AGM. My subject was HIV/AIDS and other taboo’s related to sexual health in the Pacific. This was an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences following the Methodist Consultative Council of the Pacific Conference (MCCP) held in April. I was complimented that although it was after lunch no one went to sleep!
Tauiwi Strategy and Stationing meeting moved from Wellington to Rotorua. After the noise and busyness of Newtown, the members appreciated the peace of Bainbridge. It was great to see the facility being used for 2 sessions a day for Crèche / childcare. The families were intrigued seeing us. The parish provided ‘home cooking’ for the catered meals, this was much appreciated. Thank you to the cooks, and the team who served at the meals and tea breaks.
Auckland airport is beckoning next week. This time I am heading to Sydney for the World Methodist Council meetings. Am I excited or nervous ? I am not sure. Watch this space next month.
Now spring is officially here may you enjoy the beauty of the flowers, trees and bird songs. This is a wonderful, beautiful world in which we live. Let us rejoice and be glad.
Sincerely, Mary
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Conference Registrations are well underway and the new on-line registration form has been working really well.
Once an individual’s registration has been processed by the Connexional Office their email address is being added to a data-list which we will then use to keep in contact with all those registered.
Interest Groups & Business Committees
The Interest Group and Business Committee registration forms are available on the website, and will be sent out to the Conference delegates email group – so please forward through your choices to Hannah Flinn by the end of September if you would like to attend.
The Conference Agenda will go to print soon and will be sent out to delegates with the Conference handbook once complete.
Conference Report Ordering
Conference Reports orders can now be sent in to the Connexional Office. Please note that you only need to order copies of the Agenda and yearbook if you are not attending Conference or if you are ordering a copy for your parish or organisation. Complimentary copies are sent out to those in Full Connexion who are retired. If you have any questions regarding the Conference Agenda and Yearbook please contact Hannah at the Connexional Office.
On the next page is a reports order form – you are welcome to post or email your order to the Connexional Office.
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Wellington Conference Reports
AS CONFERENCE ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE A YEARBOOK AS INCLUDED IN THEIR REGISTRATION FEE, PLEASE ONLY ORDER REPORTS FOR:
1. Those people within your parish who are not attending Conference, and/or 2. Additional copies for your Parish / Board office
N.B. Retirees who are in Full Connexion will also receive a complimentary copy of the Yearbook so only need to order if wanting additional copies.
• Prices listed below are inclusive of delivery. • When completed, please keep a copy of this form for your records. DELIVERY • The Conference Agenda (Reports) is distributed in October. • Decisions and Yearbooks are printed and distributed in January.
Please complete ALL sections:
Parish / Board: Parish Code:
Contact Name: Phone No:
Street Address:
Postal Address:
City: Postcode:
If purchasing an unbound copy of the Yearbook, we recommend that you use an A4 ring binder (size 4cm) to accommodate both the reports and decisions.
Item No. Required Cost* Total Exclusive Inclusive *NB: GST is payable by Individuals & Union Parishes only GST GST
Minutes of Conference $35.00 $39.38
Bound Minutes of Conference $50.00 $56.25
Additional Set of Addresses $10.00 $11.25
Bound Financial Statements $35.00 $39.38
Total payment enclosed:
Please post your order WITH PAYMENT to: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Methodist Connexional Office INV No. PAID: PO Box 931, Christchurch
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_*Travel and Study Grants*_
Have _*YOU *_started to plan and dream how you will use your study leave in 2008/2009? A Travel and Study fund grant could help this to become real!
Application forms are available on the Methodist web site. The final date for applications for consideration in 2007 is 15th November.
Any questions to Mary West email: [email protected]
Woodend Methodist Church 150th Celebrations 25-26 October 2008 Photographs etc to: David Ayers 03-313-6262 e-mail: [email protected]
Enquiries to: Rev Ian MacLeod 03-313-7259 278 Kingsbury Av enue Rangiora 7400 e-mail: [email protected]
MWF Smethurst Trust Fund 20th October is the Closing Date for receiving applications from Women for some financial assistance towards lay leadership training, academic post-secondary study, re-education, theological study . Application forms and Information are available on the Methodist Church - MWF web site – www.methodist.org.nz.
MWF Friendship Scholarship Funds are available to assist Pacific Island girls Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, resident in NZ and attending secondary school. They must be 16 years and over or in Years 12/13, NZ Citizens or have NZ Residency status. Applications close 25 November. Application forms and Information are available on the Methodist Church - MWF web site – www.methodist.org.nz.
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New Plymouth Methodist Parish A SUNDAY OF CELEBRATION
A Sunday of Celebration is to be held on 25th November to commemorate the Fitzroy Church Building Centennial and the 10th Anniversary of the combining of the St Luke’s, Fitzroy and Whiteley congregations.
The Parish Council invites all past members of the New Plymouth Methodist Parish to this occasion. Contact New Plymouth Methodist Parish Office, 58 Liardet Street, New Plymouth 4310, phone (06) 759 9036 or email: [email protected]
“MYC08: Where is God for young people?” 10th-13th January 2008, at Lincoln University, Christchurch.
Due to changes regarding both the budget as well as campus charges, I first of all have to inform you of the current and confirmed conference registration fee of $150.00 per person. Although we anticipated that the fee could even go a bit lower, this fee is still very highly subsidised, and does still include pretty good food, accommodation and full programme costs for what will be a great conference. Whilst still on the topic of money, I do however have pleasure in letting you know that there will be 100 travel subsidies available for participants living outside of Christchurch to apply for, through their parish or rohe.
From mid September registration forms will be accessible through the www.methodist.org.nz website (in the Youth Ministry section), and in the registration form there will be a section with more information on how to go about applying for a travel subsidy, if needed.
The deadline for conference registrations will be 5 pm, Friday 16th November 2007.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any further comments or queries, otherwise I will be sure to stay in touch with any further updates on MYC08, as they come to light.
Grace & Peace, TeRito Peyroux
How to become a Certificated Lay Preacher
It appears the process is not well grasped by clergy or lay, so, here is a potted version.
Beginning the Process Matter discussed between Prospective Lay Preacher (PLP) and Presbyter. Achievements noted for cross-crediting, course of study decided upon and begun.
7 e-messenger PLP begins assisting with services and is supported into leading services Trinity College makes the academic decision as to readiness Practical requirements - taking the leading role in 10 services including a Trial Service where the PLP is critiqued by a presbyter, lay preacher and member of the congregation.
‘Mature and Experienced’ The Church permits ‘mature and experienced’ accreditation if: 1) the worship leader is over forty years of age 2) is a member ‘of good standing' in the parish 3) has suitable theological understanding 4) has been leading services for more than five years 5) has taken more than 10 services 6) has undergone a successful ‘trial service’
Completing the Process The Presbyter presents the PLP to the Synod The Synod ‘tests the call’ (by sub-committee or full Synod) PLP gives a faith statement and answers faith related questions If all is satisfactory the PLP is declared ‘accredited’ to the full Synod The Synod applies to the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association for a certificate (cost $20) Certificate is presented in the home church The Lay Preacher Network is informed and the new LP fills in a registration form The Lay Preacher’s details are entered on the official church lists
Further information Church website: Board of Ministry/Lay Preachers Church website – Administration/leaflet 153 Church Law Book Sect 1 10.10 The Lay Preachers Network c/o Rosalie Sugrue [email protected]
KAEO MEMORIAL CHURCH UCANZ greetings and sympathy were conveyed to the Kaeo-Kerikeri U/P in the latest flooding of the memorial church at Kaeo. The 1922 church itself has been subject to flooding for some decades and cannot be raised. The locals are well used to lifting hymnbooks and cleaning up afterwards; but this time even the big pulpit floated and turned over and the new buildings above the previous flood levels were drowned. Plans are being made to enable these to resist future floods and it would an encouraging act of solidarity if CVs wished to contribute: Contact the Parish Treasurer: PO Box 166, Kerikeri 0245. [email protected]
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It was with sadness the Connexion was notified of the death of Joan Beckingsale, widow of the late Rev George B, on Sunday the 2nd of September. Her funeral was held at Schnapper Rock, Albany on Thursday 6th September. On Waiheke Island, she was remembered with a Thanksgiving for her life, at the Anglican Service on Sunday 9th September at 11.15am in St Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
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It was with sadness that Te Taha Maori advised the Connexion of the death of Rev Moke Couch on Sunday the 9th of September. The funeral for Moke was held on Tuesday 11th September, 1pm, St John's Methodist Church, Hamilton East. Moke will be buried at his home marae at Rapaki, near Lyttleton.
Messages can be sent to Mrs Harriet Couch, 28 Raymond Street, Fairview Downs, Hamilton.
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It was with sadness we advised the Connexion of the death of Rev Jack Penman on Sunday the 9th of September. A service for Jack was held at Pitt Street Methodist Church on Thursday 13 September at 1pm.
Messages maybe sent to PO Box 15143, New Lynn, Auckland.
Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever- lengthening, ever-ascending, ever- improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
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Secretary: John Roberts, 22a Penney Avenue, Mt Roskill, Auckland. Phone 09-626-3771 Fax: 09-626-6137 E-mail [email protected]
Rarongo Revisited
In May, Ken Skinner and his wife Brenda of Waitakere Parish, joind a work party at Rarongo Theological College of the United Church in Papua New Guinea
It was a strange feeling preparing to return to our old haunts of 40-50 years ago. Would we be fit enough to be of some use to the work parties? How would our bodies react to tropical heat and humidity? Would things have changed so much to be strange and unpleasant?
As the journey commenced and we got used to anti-malarials and upset tummies the feeling grew stronger. "Nothing can stop us now.We are on our way. Bring it on!" We arrived at Port Moresby. Wow!- real air bridges - from plane to terminal – Wow!- real air conditioning in the main building! Then a warm welcome from the local church - drinks, leis, gifts and smiling faces.
A ten minute walk from the international to the domestic terminal and we were feeling at home! Crowds, smells, heat, not quite so efficient passenger processing and a long hot walk to the plane - flashback to 32 years ago carrying our eighteen month old son and kicking his dropped teddy bear ‘Travelling Ted’ along the hot asphalt.
Finally to Rabaul on a plane that advertised its destination as "Hoskins via Tokua airport", No mention of Rabaul. Hoskins is hundreds of kilometers from Rabaul. Were we on the right flight? Some other passengers looked suspiciously like work party members so we sat back and looked at the scenery. We crossed the Owen Stanley ranges, somewhere below was the Kokoda Trail, fascinated by the towering cloud formations peculiar to the tropics, and here and there an isolated village visible through deep cloud canyons. Finally the first sight of New Britain. Dense jungle gave way to coconut palms, roads, houses and an airport that proclaimed itself "New Rabaul Airport - Tokua", a new airport built a safe distance from Rabaul's destructive volcano.
What a joy to meet old friends! William Varamari (one of my wife Brenda's ex students but now District Inspector of Schools) and Bishop Albert Burua - current area bishop - both there on other business and not part of the official welcome party. Already our expectations had been exceeded!
We drove in gathering dusk through coconut plantations and the straggling Kokopo township on sealed roads over the hills and across the island with electric lights illuminating every village and trade store. What progress! And glimpses of a gloomy volcano - squat and menacing in the distance. Kerevat, Vunakabi, George Brown College and finally Rarongo. A quick dispatch to our accommodation and then a
10 e-messenger welcome meal and concert and finally to bed surrounded by the sultry heat and unique odours and sounds of the Gazelle Peninsula.
And so to work. We had joined the second work party so it seemed a bit vague where we fitted for a while. Full marks to the advance and first parties who began the work. Looking back and comparing early plans and expectations with final achievements it was a brilliant result.The important work was completed and operational at the end of the programme.
A large new hall with toilets and kitchen; a renovated Library with data cabling was virtually doubled in size; an abandoned derelict house renovated and the College Principal moved in; a medical clinic upgraded and repainted; another old house, also a disaster area, renovated and converted to an administration building (not quite complete). These were core educational facilities. Still to be completed were a building containing two three bedroom flats and a six bedroom dormitory for single students. Electrical wiring, data cabling, water supply and sanitation were all upgraded and what was not finished was left in the hands of competent local workers.
As well as giving the Rarongo staff great encouragement and better facilities, the rebuilding programme seemed to generate a desire in the local church and community to give greater support to church institutions that were set up by the departing missionary groups before independence in 1975. Some like Gaulim Teachers’ College are now part of the national education system, but specifically Christian training institutions are consequently underfunded.
The United Church Moderator and local Bishops are asking village congregations to increase their financial support for the training of fulltime church workers and many lay people are willing to take the role of managers, fund raisers and workers to help run these large campus type institutions and see that they do not fall ino disrepair again.
The United Church in the Gazelle Peninsula area has suffered serious financial losses over the past fifteen years because the volcanic eruptions destroyed a lot of property. Thousands of people had to be relocated and start their lives all over again.
Nationally the United Church’s income producing enterprises of plantations, construction, printing and a book shop, went bankrupt with serious financial consequences. Only recently have there been signs of a more optimistic financial outlook.
Spiritually it was exhilarating to be back in Papua New Guinea. There was no poverty of spirit in the Church .A huge increase in population has resulted in a greatly increased number of village churches and bigger congregations in the existing ones. Bishop Albert Burua commented, ”Our buldings are too small”. There seems to be no difficulty recruiting trainee pastors, youth workers, theological students to meet the growing needs.
They have developed a very lively style of worship, if Rarongo morning devotions is anything to go by. Music is mostly supplied by guitar, but recorded music and keyboards are not uncommon, and the unaccompanied singing is still divine. The country faces huge problems including HIV and AIDS, family violence, crime, poverty, unemployment, displacement, corruption and underfunded health and education services,
11 e-messenger A strong Christian influence from a well trained, confident and vocal church is very important to promote moral values and Christian hope that can survive the tough challenges facing this fascinating country. It is important that we continue the climate of partnership built up over the past few years. We have much to learn from and share with each other.
News in brief
Women’s Day of Prayer in Solomons Women around the Solomon Islands celebrated 22 July as a Day of Prayer with the theme “Women of Faith: Empowerment for Mission”. Women in Honiara gathered at Holy Cross Catholic cathedral. Amongst the guests were Lady Alice Waena, wife of the Governor-General, and Mrs Emily Sogavare, wife of the Prime Minister. The Day of Prayer was founded in 1990 by women’s groups from the Church of Melanesia, the Catholic Church, the United Church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the South Sea Evangelical Church. The objective was to have a strong united body which represents Christian women’s voices and aspirations and strengthens an ecumenical spirit. The women seek to raise awareness on women’s concerns and wider issues such as national unity, rights, and peacemaking. It encourages networking amongst women’s church groups. President Joy Jino of the United Church acknowledged the women for honouring the day. She said that out in the provinces active women’s groups also celebrated the day. Solomon Star 23 July 2007
HIV and AIDS high on agenda for church conference Samoa hosted the Episcopal Conference for the Association of Catholic Bishops in the Pacific in the last week of July, and high on their agenda, for the first time, was the issue of HIV and AIDS. It followed the local council of churches which met with the Fa’afafine association the week before for the very first time to discuss HIV and AIDS. The Bishops focused on developing pastoral responses to the epidemic and engaging communities in the response to HIV and AIDS. The Samoa Aids Foundation believes this is significant because of the central role the churches and religion play in society in the region. He says the bishops will break down barriers with their attitudes. Radio NZ Int 25 &2 6 July 2007
Ecumenical solidarity visit to Sri Lanka War-torn Sri Lanka received the first of a series of ecumenical "living letters" teams which will visit Christian communities facing situations of violence in different regions of the world in the run up to the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation being organized by the World Council of Churches. The ecumenical team visited Sri Lanka from 4-12 August. "Living letters" is a mission by church representatives to express solidarity with and learn from the peacemaking efforts of local churches. The team included four church representatives - from the USA, Kenya, Indonesia and South Korea. They met key church and civil society players, as well as people from the grassroots in areas affected by the fighting. Conflict in Sri Lanka has over the past 25 years has claimed thousands of lives on both sides of the ethnic divide between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. Thousands of refugees have sought asylum abroad while many thousands are internally displaced. There have been summary executions, torture, illegal detentions, embargoes on essential items and the forced recruitment of children as fighters. WCC News 1 August 2007
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CCA fund to mark ministry of Alan Brash This is jubilee year for the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). It is also 50 years since Dr Alan Brash left New Zealand for Prapat in Indonesia to become one of the first staff members of what was then the East Asia Christian Conference. The CCA has set up an endowment to fund its annual programmes – a step towards becoming more financially independent. Individuals and churches are invited to contribute to CCA’s jubilee in memory of Alan Brash’s contribution to the ecumenical movement. Donations should be sent to: The Alan Brash Memorial Appeal for the CCA Endowment Fund, c/- Christian World Service, P O Box 22652, Christchurch 8142.
Christian World Service
Tom Tuma Visit CWS is pleased to be hosting Rev. Dr Tom Tuma, Coordinator of CWS partner in Uganda, the Church of Uganda. He will be in New Zealand 2-15 October with events planned for Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson. This is a great opportunity to hear first hand about life in Uganda and the community development and HIV and AIDS work of the Church of Uganda. This will be of special interest to MWF members, as the Church of Uganda has benefited from the APW/MWF Special Project. For more information contact [email protected] or phone 0800 74 73 72 and ask to speak with Mary.
Help build a better future – support the CWS Christmas Appeal The resource kit for this year’s Christmas Appeal has been sent to all parishes. In it you will find a range of information to help plan your Advent services and promote the annual appeal. Resource orders – including Pacific and Asian language posters, service sheets, PowerPoint presentation on the theme and appeal envelopes – are due 6 October. Thanks for your ongoing support. It is only with YOUR help that CWS can fund its overseas partners in their efforts to overcome poverty and build a better future. Contact [email protected] /phone 0800 74 73 72 if you have not received your kit or if you require further information.
Trade Week of Action Churches are encouraged to support the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance’s Trade Week of Action,14-21 October, with worship and action. CWS sees this week as a significant opportunity for churches and concerned people to learn more about how current international trade rules keep poor people in poverty and to support global actions to ensure the right to food for all people. For a copy of the kit or information of local action, contact [email protected] or phone 0800 74 73 72. 13 e-messenger Food Activist visiting Aotearoa New Zealand CWS along with other agencies and Fair World Links is supporting the visit of internationally known food activist, Raj Patel, currently based in California. He has worked at the World Bank and more recently as a researcher for the Institute for Food and Development or Food First. Currently a visiting scholar he has just published a book, Stuffed and Starved: Markets, Power and the Battle for the World System. He speaks in Christchurch on Thursday 20 September (Oxford Tce Baptist Church, 7.30pm), Wellington on Monday 24 September (St Andrews on the Terrace, 12.15 – 1pm) and Auckland on Tuesday 25 September (Aotea Chapel, 7.30pm). For more information please contact Gillian 336 2974 ext 112 or [email protected]
International Day of Prayer for Peace The International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21, 2007 is an initiative of the World Council of Churches as part of the Decade to Overcome Violence. Study material for the day can be found at: http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-the-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for- peace/resources.html
Don’t forget to order your 2008 CWS Calendar The new CWS calendar is a smaller than usual square format which retails for $6.00. It features “People at Work” in CWS partner projects. A great gift. Order your copies with payment to CWS PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8142. For more information: [email protected] / www.cws.org.nz
Message received from the Uniting Church in Australia… ABN | 16 939 630 947 A | PO Box A2266 Sydney South Uniting International Mission 1235 NSW Australia W | www.uim.uca.org.au P | + 61 2 8267 4267 F | + 61 2 9262 7936 Church Partnerships, Advocacy, People in Mission, Human Rights, Peace & Reconciliation, Relief & Development E | [email protected] An Agency of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking your prayers for Australia at this time. We ask you to consider taking action you feel appropriate regarding at matter of deep concern to us.
In recent weeks the government of Australia has initiated what we believe to be a momentous and unhelpful action in relation to the indigenous people of the Northern Territory of Australia. In so doing the government has sought to respond to a report indicating the plight of aboriginal people in Australia and particularly in the Northern Territory. The government has asserted it is action from concern for aboriginal people – in particular to stop the abuse of children. The action taken by the Government include the involvement of the army.
The Uniting Church has expressed deep concern at what the government has decided to do and how it is acting. The report that led to the action, recommended consultation with aboriginal people. The government has ignored this recommendation and has
14 e-messenger overridden, disregarded and sidelined the participation of large numbers of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people concerning the issues raised.
The legislation to authorise the action was five hundred pages long and presented under urgency. It was allocated only a hearing of one day in the Senate. There has been inadequate consultation and considerable want to process. This has been made worse by the opposition Labor party offering no real opposition nor scrutiny of the legislation. Indeed they supported it.
The Uniting Church is deeply concerned for what this action and approach means in relation to Australia itself, and particularly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. I attach for your information a press statement made by the President of the Uniting Church, the Rev. Gregor Henderson, and by the Rev. Shayne Blackman, National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Island Christian Congress.
We invite your church to join us in prayer at this time. You also may wish to make representation by letter or personally to your local Australian High Commission or Embassy indicating that you are in partnership with the Uniting Church in Australia and wish to stand with us at this time, or you may wish to take some other action.
We raise this issue with you as sisters and brothers in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
In the name of Christ, Rev. Dr Kerry Enright National Director
UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEDIA RELEASE
UNITING CHURCH CONDEMNS PARLIAMENT PROCESS ON NT INDIGENOUS INTERVENTION
Uniting Church President, Rev. Gregor Henderson, and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Administrator, Rev, Shayne Blackman have today jointly expressed concern about legislation relating to the Northern Territory Indigenous intervention.
“The Uniting Church stands with its Indegenous leaders in expressing our alarm at the way this legislation has evolved,” said Rev. Henderson.
“This is some of the most significant legislation in the history of our nation, over-riding aspects of the Race Discrimination and Native Title acts. It is with disbelief that we note 15 e-messenger that it merited only a one-day Senate hearing, which did not consult with some of the key stakeholders in the plan.
“Agencies and members of the Uniting Church who work and live in remote communities that will be affected by these changes have expressed their dismay at the way this process has been undertaken, and , and are fearful of the possible consequences of legislation on the permit system and land tenure,” said Rev. Henderson.
Rev. Blackman said the process showed a fundamental lack of respect for the Indigenous people most affected by the changes.
“This legislation has been underpinned by ferocious and hasty so called reforms laced with military style coercion” said Rev Blackman.
“It has not been fully negotiated with those Northern Territory communities in a manner and timeframe that will enable all stakeholders in this issues to be in a position to support these new laws in any cohesive fashion.
“The Government has chosen to pursue populist policies and temporary solutions which will further push Indigenous rights and responsibilities to the fringes.
“This is not the act of Government that respects and values the Indigenous people of Australia.
“What is needed are long term empowering programs that enable people to take ownership of these changes over the log haul so that any positive developments are sustained and are undergirded by individual responsibility.
“The child abuse crisis is just on e of a series of symptomatic societal crises in Indigenous communities resulting from a legacy of failed policies. These problems need long-term, sustainable, fully-costs solutions, and must be backed up by political will and commitment to the long haul,” Rev. Blackman said.
Both Church leaders urgently called on the Government to re-evaluate its strategy.
“We call upon the Government to institute a substantial plan for consultation and fairly evaluate the plan on its merits, according to the outcomes it will produce for Indigenous communities and people and in consultation with them”, said Rev Henderson.”
15 August 2007
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An Invitation to help celebrate an important jubilee
This is the Year of Jubilee for the Christian Conference of Asia – the CCA.
It is also 50 years since Dr Alan Brash left New Zealand to go to Parapat and advocate for New Zealand’s inclusion in the EACC - he became Secretary of E.A.C.C. for Inter- Church Aid. Thus began a long history of involvement in the Asian Ecumenical Movement. Alan said “Asian Churches are saving us from material and spiritual isolation from our neighbours …saving us from the deadly danger of our material prosperity…and Asian Christians are saving us from spiritual pride or sense of superiority…"
As one of its special initiatives at this time the CCA has established an Endowment Fund and plans to use the income from this investment to help fund its annual programmes – as a step towards becoming more independent financially. The reality is that CCA has to raise more than 75% of its annual budget from partner churches and agencies in Europe, North America and other areas outside of Asia.
This is an invitation to you, to join with other members of churches and agencies that have participated in the ecumenical movement to contribute to CCA’s Year of Jubilee and make a donation in memory of Alan Brash whose work in ecumenical endeavours in Asia and later at the World Council of Churches was phenomenal.
An event to launch the appeal is being held in two locations – Mairangi Castor Bays Presbyterian Church and St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church, Riccarton – on Sunday, 26 August, 2007.
Gifts to the CCA Endowment Fund will be applied to programmes building communities of peace for all and where justice and reconciliation are made real and experienced. CCA plans to use the funds raised to support initiatives such as:
• Theology scholarships for deserving candidates from developing countries like Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia • Bringing together Asian theologians to produce theologies that are contextual and relevant for our times • Bringing together practitioners from diverse faith communities to draw out the ethical, religious, theological and missiological implications on issues of ecology, global warming and genetic research
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The Way of Christ Jesus is the way of Jubilee: "to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” (Luke 4:18-19) Please make your donation to: The Alan Brash Memorial Appeal for the CCA Endowment Fund c/- Christian World Service, PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8142 or by phone to 0800 74 73 72 or the website www.cws.org.nz
Member Churches Anglican Church of New Zealand Methodist Church of New Zealand ,Te Haahi o te Weteriana Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Salvation Army New Zealand The Society of Friends
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Connexional Addresses:
Liaison / Programme Link Leatrice McIntyre 96 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch [Em] [email protected] [P] 03 351 8113
Ministers Addresses:
2003 5 Kinahoi Veikune, Setaita [H] 09 636 8600 2490 1 Waterview Road [O] 09 275 4759 Mangere, Auckland 2024 [F] 09 275 4779 [O Em] [email protected]
1980 1 Murray, John S [O] 09 302 5390 2020 6 Grassfields Place [H] 09 411 8393 Waimauku [M] 0275 777 821 West Auckland 0812 [Em] [email protected]
If you have any amendments or updates to the yearbook please feel free to email Hannah at [email protected] with the updates and they can be published here for the information of the Connexion.
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