After the Christchurch terror attacks - Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
NOVEMBER 2019, ISSUE 77
After the
Christchurch
terror attacks
COMMENT: REV DR MATTHEW JACK
A Christian perspective on
free speech vs hate speech
Following the Christchurch shootings, and The ambitious find themselves unable
public reflection on how “hate speech” may to communicate
have contributed to them, much of the public My second speech story is about Babel.
The development of different languages,
discourse clustered initially around the issue
and the source of miscommunication (to
of freedom of expression within the public the point of frustration of purpose), is
space - our right to free speech. presented as God’s response to humanity’s
naked ambition. If humanity is going
Most of the concepts guiding that
to be arrogantly ambitious, then God
discourse came from the principles of will mess up humanity’s ability to
democracy. The discourse didn’t seem, to communicate.
me, to be all that productive. Wondering
whether anything from the Christian The story suggests that whenever
tradition might provide a way forward, language fails to do what it should do,
Rev Dr Matthew Jack
I found myself reflecting on four Bible there is a link, somehow, to inappropriate
human ambition. Again, from a secular,
stories about speech. (There are, of course,
democratic standpoint, one might argue what he needs to say. He speaks truth to
many others.)
that each human being has a right to power, and on this occasion the truth
The first human being is taught to speak speak, but when ambition fuels the sets him free – the council begrudgingly
Early in the Biblical narrative, God, speaking, the speech just won’t work. releases him.
having created a human being, becomes What is speech for? It is for communion. This has become one of the paradigms
concerned that the human being is alone. “Ambitious communion” is as much an for Christian boldness in speech; bold
God says: “It is not good that the man oxymoron as “hate speech”. speech is argued to be the work of the
should be alone; I will make him a helper Spirit. The context of the speaking is
The withdrawal of speech
as his partner.” important though. Peter speaks not into
The one occasion where Jesus declined to
God creates all manner of living some vague space of un-answerability.
speak was when he was faced by Herod
creatures, then sits with the human He speaks into a space of responsibility
Antipas. Infamously corrupt, irrelevant
being, encouraging “him” to name them. and consequence. As he speaks, he is
and decadent, Herod received no words
The naming of things – the first using of answerable to those who listen and can
from Jesus. Is there a sense here of speech
end his speaking forever. This story
words to describe what is seen – is all part (given for communion) being rather too
questions any suggestion that you can
of making the human being less alone. valuable a gift to be extended to someone
say whatever you want, and walk away.
The original gift of language, then, who is not open to communion?
is for the building of community. To There are times for free speaking.
Speech is presented as a sacred gift, but
use language in any way that breaks only between those who listen. This high Those times come not without cost. There
community fails to use language in its regard for the dignity of speech perhaps are dismissive, un-listening times when
natural, purposeful way. provides caution to those who, within speech is better withheld - to maintain
their assumed right to speak freely, use the dignity of the gift. There are times
If speech is for “seeking partnership”, and when our speech is subverted by our
speech casually or refuse also to listen.
hate is about “denial of communion”, ambition. Most importantly, there is a
then “hate speech” becomes an oxymoron. The compulsion of speech
noble original purpose for which speech
In this story, it’s not about “right to In Acts 4, Peter and John, having been was given.
speech”; it’s about what speech is for. arrested for speech crimes the day before,
Speech is a gift, given in love, against the Arohanui.
were called to give account before the
great loneliness. The main dynamic is Council in Jerusalem. Peter, said to - Rev Dr Matthew Jack is minister of Knox
nurture and grace. having been prompted by the Spirit, says Presbyterian Church, Christchurch.
2 N O V E M BE R 2019
MODERATOR'S MUSINGS
The Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio contributes a regular
column to Spanz.
Presbyterian Church of
Aotearoa New Zealand Through the year
“Great is thy faithfulness O God, you were eternally God and will be God forever.”
November 2019, Issue 77 Psalm 90: 2 captures my heart’s gratitude. as passionate speakers and solid teaching
This year has been an incredible experience with wonderful and loving care provided
for my wife Ruth and I. It is a privilege and by our Te Aka Puaho family. Our future
Who we are an honour to serve the Church family is in good hands.
as Moderator; to witness and be present Ruth and I attended the Presbyterian
Spanz is published by the
in the lives of our people is sacred – in Church of Vanuatu (PCV) General
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa conversations, sharing meals, praying Assembly. The incredible history of
New Zealand, together and face-to-face – is exceptional. their Church and the country’s political
PO Box 9049, Wellington, New Zealand past is fascinating. Presbyterianism is
I will share with you some of the highlights
and experiences over the past 12 months. the largest and most influential religion
The Church in all its courts – presbyteries, in Vanuatu. In their history, Samoan
parishes, and communities – have been Missionaries (LMS) London Missionary
Editor very gracious, generous and hospitable. Society were the first to evangelise
Angela Singer There is incredible love and respect in our Vanuatu in 1845. The folks of Vanuatu
angela@presbyterian.org.nz Church, and in our people. are grateful to our Church and New
To date, we have attended all seven Zealand as a nation for our investment
Ph 04 381-8284
presbyteries. All are on the same journey, in their land, finance and resources, but
Advertising are mostly grateful for our people.
and not surprisingly, face very similar
Jose Reader issues, challenges and barriers. Council for World Mission (CWM)
spanzadvertising@presbyterian.org.nz general secretaries met in Rotorua for
The calibre of our people is inspiring:
Subscriptions your heart, your devotion and strength of a week. The Presbyterian Church and
Katrina Graham character is unbelievable. We saw so much. Congregational Union of New Zealand
We experienced such dedication. This is (CUNZ) hosted them. CWM (formerly
katrina@presbyterian.org.nz
your Church. known as London Missionary Society) is
Ph 04 381-8283 a church global community made up of
In meetings early on, the Church Property 32 denominations, including ourse one.
ISSN 1175 5202 (print) Trustees shared and explained so much It was a great gathering of Christians
ISSN 1179 3473 (online) of their work. They are professionals from all over the world. We also took
of the highest qualifications in their the CWM guests to our Ohope Marae.
Next issue fields, serving their Church and offering We all worshipped together at St John’s
May 2020 their services. in Rotorua.
The Treaty of Waitangi dawn devotions Visiting our chaplains has been an eye-
The May 2020 edition of Spanz replaces the
was an unforgettable experience. I felt opener. I did not realise the full-reaching
December 2019, February and June 2020 strongly the mana and spirit of Waitangi.
editions of Spanz. Spanz budget 2020/2021 ministries of chaplaincy. Where there are
There was a sense of sacredness, of silence people, you will find the chaplaincies.
is yet to be discussed by the Council of that spoke of those forebears, history and I have gained so much respect and
Assembly. Information concerning future of life. My love and respect for the tangata awareness of this specialised ministry.
editions will be advised after June 2020. whenua and the manuhiri was at its They are Presbyterians doing ministry
highest point. and mission amongst people. Our first
Advertising deadline The week-long gathering with the Uniting instruction in Church life is, “go to all
10 April 2020 Church of Australia (president and their the world”.
Design state moderators) and the Methodist Presbyteries are, and will always be, the
Church of Weteriana Aotearoa (former spine of our term serving our beloved
Tangerine
President) in Rotorua was a learning Church. The last year of my term, we
Printing experience. We have many issues in will do the same starting at presbyteries
Service Printers common and on many other issues we and reaching out to parishes, regionals,
Copyright are poles apart. We have a close working communities and individuals. We have
relationship with both churches. experienced the love of God in all your
The contents of Spanz may not be
reproduced without permission of The massacre at the mosques in Church families. Thank you. Bless you.
Christchurch was a sad blot on our history. We love you.
the publisher. Opinions expressed
It was, and will always be, a devastating Since this is our last SPANZ for 2019, my
in Spanz are not necessarily those part of our journey as a nation. We all rose
of the Presbyterian Church of best friend Ruth, and I want to wish
to the occasion. Our churches, ministers you all your loved ones a very Merry
Aotearoa New Zealand. and chaplains were exceptional. They gave Christmas and a Happy New Year.
their all, were emptied, but they kept going
and would not rest. “I came that you may have life, life in all its
Cover Photograph fullness,” said our Lord Jesus. (John 10:10)
iStock Connect at Ohope Marae was an uplifting
experience with our young leaders. There Blessings,
were great plans and preparation as well Fakaofo
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 3
Churches
respond to
Christchurch
mosque
attacks
Eight months have passed since the March In their midst was Presbyterian Church with a three-point action plan; the first
attacks at two Christchurch mosques left Moderator, the Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio. On thing we did was issue a statement, agreed
March 15, he was at a Church Leaders’ to by the leaders of all denominations.”
51 people slain and many others injured.
conference in Rotorua; they issued a
Since then, churches have joined with other The second was to organise a memorial
statement of support for victims and
service on March 21 in Latimer Square,
New Zealanders to heal broken hearts and condemning the attacks on the day.
attended by hundreds of people. It
knit communities together. Fakaofo joined with the multi-faith
was an outdoor event that slipped
group at Parliament before flying down
almost soundlessly under the media
Predictably, the tragedy triggered to Christchurch.
radar. Ken describes it as a ‘remarkable
disbelief, shock and compassion in
“There was a lot of emotion, a lot of and meaningful’ first opportunity for
equal measure. As much as they recoiled
tears,” he recalls. “Bringing multiple faith the invited Muslim community to
in horror at the spectre of terrorism in
groups to Parliament showed solidarity, share love and compassion from the
their midst, New Zealanders reached out Christian community.
it affirmed us as being one people under
to an overwhelmed Muslim community, duress. I believe there is a lot more respect
seeking to shape a cross-cultural Offerings of support were taken at that
and tolerance for each other now.”
understanding that could take the event - and afterwards - with Te Raranga
country forward. He says signs of increased openness acting as a conduit for the monies raised.
and understanding are emerging, not
It was on March 15 that a lone gunman “Within a few days, we were able to give
just from churches, but across different
the Muslim community $140,000 to meet
opened fire on worshippers attending sectors across New Zealand, and is
their immediate needs,” Ken says. “We
Friday Prayers, first at the Al Noor confident communities will continue to
knew other agencies were collecting,
Mosque in Riccarton, and then at the build bridges of understanding.
but we wanted this to go straight into
Linwood Islamic Centre. The perpetrator
Presbyterian Church members in the the hands of the local imams – and it
live-streamed the first attack on
immediate environs of the two mosques did. More money then came in. Overall,
social media.
pushed aside their initial shock on March we have directed $200,000 to the Muslim
Stunned church and lay communities 15 to offer support. community, and that is outside anything
around the city scrambled to respond, given through Victim Support.”
Ken Shelley is senior pastor at King’s
while a disbelieving nation vowed to Church in the central city. He is also Those on the receiving end “expressed
pledge wider support. involved in Te Raranga, the network enormous gratitude” for that support,
That pledge was at the heart of an of Christchurch’s Christian churches says Ken. An early email he received from
unprecedented March 19 visit to that united in offering support to the Linwood Mosque imam, Ibrahim
Parliament by a multi-faith group invited communities affected by the earthquakes Abedelhalim, was heartfelt: “On behalf
by Speaker Trevor Mallard to join in of September 2010 and February 2011. of the Muslim community I would like to
the House’s opening prayers. It brought thank you so much for your people who
“On March 19, church leaders and pastors
together representatives of the Islamic, are standing strong with us, which gives
gathered at the city’s Majestic Church,
Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, us a lot of warm feelings.”
centred on finding ways to support the
Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Ratana faiths Muslim community and to determine The third action taken by Te Raranga was
and churches in a demonstration of unity what our response should be. It attracted to raise awareness of the Islamic faith and
in the searing aftermath of the attacks. some 140 church leaders. We came up culture amongst the general population.
4 N O V E M BE R 2019
The March 19 memorial service at Majestic Square in Christchurch was Rev Jonathan Barb, right, Linwood Avenue Union
organised by the Te Raranga Christian churches network, and was attended Church minister, with Imam Lateef from the
by many church-goers and leaders. Linwood Islamic Centre.
“Several churches held seminars, the course because at its core is the idea I hope you find peace and joy today in
training and information evenings. to understand Islam better. That has been some part of your dark heart’.”
Some great things have happened, our focus.”
The man ran off, Monica says, deterred
and while the immediate need has
The course ran from late May to early July, possibly by her American accent, possibly
come and gone, a number of things are
and Jonathan hopes to repeat it at some by her lack of fear. Racism has been her
still very much alive,” Ken says. “One
stage in order to maintain inter-faith constant companion, at home in America
example is the churches’ involvement
relations and dialogue. “I don’t want it to and elsewhere. “It does not go away.
with organisations that are helping
be a short-lived token experiment, but These vile, malicious and racist attacks
resettle migrants. It’s part of a nationwide
rather a long-term effort that is grounded were meant to kill and destroy two faith
programme run by government agencies
in God’s love for others.” communities. But it has emboldened
through local churches; we will continue
Wary of how quickly things ‘go back to a community, a city and a nation to
to be involved in that.”
normal’ for those not directly affected by respond with compassion, care and
Rev Jonathan Barb, Linwood Avenue loving kindness, even as we have become
the attacks, Jonathan is also building on a
Union Church minister, was in his office more cautious as individuals.”
pre-March 15 concept he had for outreach,
penning his sermon just 1.5km from
and now hosts regular meetings between Some members of Christchurch’s
Linwood Islamic Centre when the attack
churches with the aim of building Presbyterian congregations were swept
started. “I’m from America, so this kind
collegiality. The local imam has expressed into the turmoil as events unfolded on
of hatred and violence is nothing new
an interest in joining the group. March 15 - simply because of the jobs
to me. However, I couldn’t believe it was
happening here in Christchurch!” “New Zealand can show the world what they did.
love really looks like, but only if we stay Warren Campbell has been a police
Everything planned for that Sunday’s
committed to it.” officer for 31 years with a part-time role
service ‘went out the window’. Instead,
he addressed the tragedy then led an The sharp barbs of racism are not new linking him to what is called the Special
open mic session where people shared for Monica Mealy-Barnes, a woman Search Group. They work on serious
their feelings of confusion, anger and of African-American heritage and an crime scenes - assaults, homicides and the
heartbreak. Afterwards, they walked elder at St Albans Presbyterian Church like – setting up equipment to facilitate
down to the cordon to lay flowers in Palmerston North. She was doing examination by specialists and ensuring
and pray. a social work placement with the Red crime scenes aren’t contaminated. He is
Cross in March, and after the attacks also a long-time member of the Cashmere
“There were many in the congregation
joined colleagues at the city’s Cook Presbyterian Church, where he is their
who felt compelled to help, but who
Street Mosque to pray for Christchurch’s property convenor.
didn’t feel comfortable reaching out to
Muslim communities. Warren was off duty at the time of the
Muslims due to their own cultural and
religious ignorance,” Jonathan says. “So, “I was wearing my head scarf at the time. attacks but was called in. “At that stage,
I decided to run a six-week study series, When I was walking back to the Red we were told a number of people had
using ‘Friendship First Course’ resource Cross office, a white man I did not know been killed – initially we thought 13 to
material designed to equip Christians approached me and said: ‘You go back 16, which in itself was horrendous. But I
with basic knowledge on the religious home, we don’t want you here!’ I said to was shocked when I heard how massive
and cultural principles of Islam. I liked him, ‘I have to respond to you in love. it was.
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 5
Hanging from the lectern at Cashmere Presbyterian Church are King’s Church senior pastor Ken Shelley speaking
some of the origami paper peace cranes sent to the church from a at the Christchurch church leaders’ meeting after
Community College in the American state of Pittsburgh. the mosque attacks.
“I went first to Deans Avenue and then Presbyterian Church minister replaced “Why does our world produce people who
onto Linwood Avenue – at both places his planned material for the Sunday hate? Why do we, who speak of our home
I was involved in setting up transition service with hastily penned and ‘fairly as some kind of idyllic sanctuary at the
areas for the investigators,” he recalls. “I unpolished prayers and a raw sermon’. bottom of the world, put up with people
remember seeing the bodies, some lying owning machine guns? Why do we allow
“We wrote thoughts to God, words for people, made in the sacred image of God,
outside at Deans Avenue … one was just
our neighbours and lit candles,” he says. to be despised?”
a child. That was when reality set in,
Thoughts written by the congregation
when I saw how shocking and brutal it As New Zealand wrestles with such
were transcribed and hand-delivered to
had been.” questions, support continues to pour
the Al Noor Mosque, and ‘blu-tacked’ to
Driven by necessity to focus on the job in from around the world. Cashmere
the windows.
at hand, Warren pushed thoughts of the Presbyterian’s Rev Silvia Purdie says her
Matthew contributed both to a March 15 church received an unexpected parcel
bigger picture from his mind. He worked
interdenominational letter of support to from the maths department of the
both scenes over the next four to five days,
the Christchurch Muslim community, Community College of Allegheny County
first protecting the evidence and then
in which they described the attacks as in Pittsburgh. Inside were 100 origami
protecting the international guests who
an ‘unconscionable act’ and said, ‘as peace cranes, sent with the college’s good
streamed through. It was only later that
wishes for peace and healing.
the magnitude of it really sank in. members of two faith traditions, born
out of a shared Abrahamic inheritance, An October 30, a talk on Understanding
“I had never been involved in anything Islam from a Christian Perspective
we stand in solidarity with you’.
like that before, and even though I had with Elim Church senior pastor Dr
been through police courses where we On April 4, he added his name to an Adam Dodds is on Dunedin’s Flagstaff
talked about terror attacks, we never interdenominational submission in Community Church’s calendar. Flagstaff’s
expected it to come here. It’s changed a support of the Arms Amendment Bill. minister Rev Brendon McRae says he
lot of things, so while in some ways it It stated: “We believe that all people in hopes to host an information evening
has been ‘business as usual’ in terms of our community should know that they with Dr Dodds as interest levels continue
my job, there is an over-riding awareness dwell in safety, in a society in which the to grow.
of how random such an event can be.” slaughter of innocents, whatever their
As the waves of grief continue to ebb and
If positives can be found, they are for religion or ethnicity, is unthinkable.” flow with the aftermath of the attack
Warren in the pride that swells his heart The opening of a new branch of the gun in and out of the media, emerging in
for a police force that delivered, on the store that sold weapons to the shooter churches is a steely resolve to find ways
day and afterwards, and for the warm makes Matthew question whether moves to dilute the power of terror.
response from people everywhere. “It’s to reduce arms is working. “Human * The alleged shooter is due to stand trial
something of an eye-opener to see. We agency is the key, and tools for human on 2 June next year. He is charged with 51
really are a generous nation of people. I agency are significant in the execution (I counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted
guess it’s untested until something like choose that word deliberately). Of course, murder, and one charge of terrorism. The
this happens.” accused, who allegedly has links to white
51 people and a saddened city can’t help
A deep sadness enveloped Rev Dr Matthew but believe that semi-automatic guns are supremacy, has pleaded not guilty
Jack on hearing of the attacks. The Knox part of the problem for us.” Viv Posselt
6 N O V E M BE R 2019
PRESBYTERIAN CONNECTION
for global inter-faith movement
Wellington’s Rev Ryhan Prasad is a founding From right: Khandallah Presbyterian Church’s Rev Ryhan Prasad, with Islamic imam Ustad Oji Fahruroji
from Indonesia, and Jewish rabbi Eliot Baskin from the United States. They travelled to each other’s home
member of a new global inter-faith peace- cities as part of a new global inter-faith peace-making programme.
making programme.
The Khandallah Presbyterian Church This is the first of the 1000 Abrahamic something off in me in terms of what we
minister spent three weeks in August Circles, a global initiative that was can do together against the radical voice.”
travelling with an Islamic imam pitched at the Paris Peace Forum. It Ryhan came back home with “a sense
from Indonesia and a Jewish rabbi was adopted by the United Nations and of how little we are and how we need to
from America. the first one has been funded by the open our eyes”.
Rabbi Eliot Baskin, Ustad Oji Fahruroji Danish Government.
“Indonesia is the third biggest democracy
and Ryhan stayed for a week in each other’s With a Jewish rabbi and an Islamic imam in the world and the largest Islamic
cities: Denver, Jakarta and Wellington. on board, the organisers were looking nation. It is 88 per cent Muslim, but really
They also went to Christchurch where for a Christian minister – specifically moderate and open to other faiths. A lot
they visited the Al Noor Mosque and a New Zealander in the wake of the of New Zealanders do not know that, and
mayor Lianne Dalziel. Christchurch mosque massacre. One of this is a relatively near neighbour.”
They attended services of all three faiths Ryhan’s congregation was acting as New In the aftermath of the Christchurch
in each city, had an inter-faith service Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia and shootings, Ryhan believes it is important
and held panel discussions to break met the founder of the Circles movement that we know our neighbours.
down stereotypes by showing their faiths in the aftermath of the Christchurch
“The people in Indonesia may be different
were similar. mosque attacks. “When asked for a
culturally, but they are similar to New
suggestion, he said ‘I know just the guy!’”
Says Ryhan: “There is more that brings Zealanders in that they are welcoming,
says Ryhan.
us together than divides us. We all share open, polite and enquiring. Many people
the golden rule: ‘love thy neighbour’. We “They Skyped me and told me they asked me, ‘What is New Zealand like?’
all work for social justice for the poor wanted to do 1000 circles in 10 years. There is rising nationalism around
and marginalised. We all emphasise This is a grassroots movement that lets the world and we need to embrace our
community. And we all disagree with the everyone know that we are working neighbours rather than building walls
radical things that are happening in the for good. against them.”
names of our faiths. “I was not planning on going into the Ryhan believes New Zealanders have the
interfaith arena, but I was motivated by personal attributes to make a difference
“We are three Abrahamic faiths, sharing
the constant negative media messages in this realm.
Abraham as a common ancestor. We are
close in terms of how we worship. None about our faiths. If there is something “One of our strengths is our ability to
of the aims of our faiths is to do with in the media about religion, it is usually be open and to question. One of our
terrorism. We want to say, ‘The radical negative, when what we are doing is weaknesses is that we are shy. We don’t
voice is not who we are’. trying to make the world a better place.” see our strengths and we don’t speak up.”
“It is important for the world to hear Ryhan has ministered at Khandallah Ryhan will continue to lead post-Circle
that the three faiths are getting to know Presbyterian Church for eight years. “A lot interfaith peace-building efforts as part
each other, not hiding away and just of my ministry is around young people, of this initiative, and has recently held a
doing their own thing. We should be children and families; about bringing series of conversations Three Abrahamic
Faiths in Khandallah.
emphasising that we are mainstream and Presbyterian back into the mainstream.
moderate and proud of it.” But this came out of nowhere and pinged Jane Tolerton
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 7
50TH
ANNIVERSARY OF
Congregational Union
and Presbyterian
Church fellowship
Rt Rev Owen Baragwanath greets Rev Setu Masina, one many
Congregational Union ministers welcomed into the Presbyterian Church
at the 1969 General Assembly.
The Presbyterian Church took important that the impact of the merger on both “In the ten years from 1971-1980, 28 people
steps on its multi-ethic journey in 1969 denominations was significant. born in the Pacific would enter the hall.
These included 18 from Western Samoa,
when General Assembly voted to receive “For the Presbyterian family, it was
six from Cook Islands, four from the Niue
Congregational Union ministers and churches an out of this world experience.
Islands and one from Ellice (Tuvalu). This
Literally thousands were added to the
into the Church. represented 19 percent of the student
Presbyterian roll and ministry. It was a
cohort during that decade, and changed
This year marks the 50th anniversary transformational moment. the Theological Hall,” says Steve.
of the landmark decision, which saw “We received Pacific Islanders with all
28 ministers and 26 congregations “All the students training for ministry
their languages, cultures, traditions found themselves learning Pacific Island
spread from Whangarei in the north and differences as Christians. They customs and Māori. A series of race
to Invercargill in the south, warmly brought gifts, dreams, aspirations, and relations seminars were organised and, in
welcomed into the Presbyterian Church. future hopes into the Presbyterian faith 1975, there was work to secure Polynesian
Original proposals talked about merging community. It was a major event for literature for the library, raise funds for
the two churches, but that wording didn’t all concerned.” research into Polynesian subjects and
find favour with Congregational Church printed articles in Pacific languages in a
Fakaofo also acknowledges that it was
Assembly, who instead voted to ask that student magazine,” he said.
also a time of sadness: while the majority
“the Presbyterian Church Assembly
of congregational churches voted to As well as the special service in Auckland,
receive into fellowship” its churches
become part of the Presbyterian Church, parishes around the country marked
and ministers.
a small number of congregations and the anniversary in their own ways. The
This month, the anniversary was ministers remained in the CUNZ. Pacific Presbytery is planning an event in
marked with a special service at Newton November says clerk, Winston Timaloa.
“It was an event that shattered their
Pacific Islanders Church, Edinburgh
community. Today, it is still a huge “Pacific Presbytery is now the formal
St, Auckland – one of the original and officially recognised voice of Pacific
disappointment. The CUNZ are
congregational churches received into the people, and the first 40 years pilgrimage
rebuilding, refocussing and moving on.”
Presbyterian Church. has been a truly wilderness experience for
The Newton Pacific Islanders’ Congre- At the special service stories were many Pacific Islanders, finally crossing
gational Church, as it was known retold, memories recalled, and peace the Jordan river in the last 10 years with
previously, was the first formal Pacific and gratitude to God acknowledged the formation of PI Synod and later
church community in New Zealand. It says Fakaofo. into the promised land of being granted
formed in 1947 to meet the spiritual and A number of special guests, including presbytery powers.
pastoral needs of Pacific immigrants, two of the 28 ministers received into the “It is like a marriage, I guess. It took 50
which at the time numbered fewer Presbyterian Church, addressed those years for the two to begin to know one
than 3,000. present. Two children of Rev Leuatea another better. We have come a long way
Fast forward to today and the Pacific Sio, who in 1969 was the Chairperson of in our journey together.
Islands community in New Zealand is CUNZ, also spoke. “We are paving a way forward that
around 300,000, and the Presbyterian Rev Dr Steve Taylor, principal at Knox acknowledges our Pacific forebears
Church continues to provides a spiritual Centre for Ministry and Leadership, that pioneered for our Pacific Island
home for generations of Pasifika people. spoke at the service and reflected on communities to be established in the
On Sunday, 3 November – 50 years to the some of the ways that retaining a Pacific Presbyterian Church. It is the heart of
day – Newton Pacific Island Presbyterian context for theological education, which our Pacific Presbytery to honour our
Church, hosted a combined service led by was very important to the 1969 special ancestors’ vision to develop a Church for
the Congregational Union New Zealand committee considering integration, present and future Pacific generations
(CUNZ) chairperson Tale Hakeagaiki, and worked out in the years immediately to call home
Moderator Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio, who says after the integration. Jose Reader
8 N O V E M BE R 2019
JOURNEY
FROM REFUGEE
RESETTLEMENT
TO BUYING
OWN HOME
When the Miramar Uniting Church helped
Olivia Hming and her family, refugees from
Myanmar, to settle in Wellington, neither Former refugees Olivia Hming and husband Kap worked hard to save the deposit for a home in the
knew how life changing their relationship Wellington region. Unable to use qualifications gained in Mynmar, they work long hours to make
sure their five children will have opportunities.
would become.
On the first Sunday after Olivia Hming Food was a problem as the family wanted New Zealand) could afford to buy a house
and her family moved into their their usual diet of meat, vegetables and in Wellington. “We saved money for the
Strathmore house, they walked to the rice rather than bread, cereals and milk, deposit and put it in Kiwisaver.” They
nearest church. They did not have a car, but former refugees from the Chin found the ex-state house on TradeMe,
and could not drive anyway. district living in Auckland came to the for $500,000. The high quality Hutt Valley
“After the service, the minister, Rev Paul rescue with a rice cooker and ingredients. soil is a bonus as the family grows its
Prestidge, asked us for our address. He Olivia was disappointed when told they own vegetables.
said that when he had time, he would had to move to Wellington. “We wanted The best thing about her life now,
visit us. The next day he was there!” to stay in Auckland as we could speak says Olivia, is that her children have
says Olivia. our language, Falam Chin, with our new opportunities. “We cannot use our
He continued to visit on Tuesday friends there.” qualifications here, but our children
afternoons for Bible Study, but also In Wellington, four Red Cross volunteers will have New Zealand qualifications.
provided practical help. “He found a helped them in the first six months, but They can learn everything like Kiwi kids
woman who was a curtain maker and attending Miramar Uniting Church because their English has improved.”
brought her son to measure up. I don’t made a real difference to their successful Her eldest daughter is deaf. They used to
know who paid for it. Paul said it was a resettlement. “We are very thankful to communicate in her made-up signals,
donation,” says Olivia. Two parishioners Paul, and to Rebecca Wilson, the Sunday but have now learnt New Zealand Sign
organised driving lessons. School teacher. We still go on Sunday Language.
That was in 2013, six years ago. Olivia had mornings, even though we now live in
Her greatest concern is that her children
previously been in Malaysia for three Naenae. On Sunday afternoons we go
to the Chin church, Grace Hill Church, will be influenced by others. “I worry
years waiting for resettlement, while
which is held at the Miramar Uniting that a lot of people in New Zealand are
some of her family were still in Myanmar.
Church building.” not religious. I remind my kids that if
In an interview with the UNHCR, the
United Nations Refugee Agency, she they have a friend who is non-religious,
Olivia gave up her weekend job as a they need to try to get them to become
was told the family would be resettled cleaner in a rest home because she
in New Zealand – but had never heard a Christian. I say, ‘Do not follow them.
wanted to attend church on Sundays. She
of the place. Be careful about how you live and how
worked at Nisa, a lingerie company that
you talk.’”
“My first question was, ‘Where is New employs former refugees, but recently
Zealand, and what is it like there?’ We left to start her own business making She laughs now about her initial negative
only knew about the United States as clothes as she has 15 years’ experience response to the news that they would
many of our friends had gone there, and in dressmaking. Her husband Kap, is be resettled in New Zealand. “God is
we wanted to go there too,” says Olivia. working as a painter, having been a hotel very good because he brought us to New
supervisor in Malaysia. Zealand – even though we knew nothing
Arriving at the Mangere Refugee
Resettlement Centre was a shock after People have been intrigued as to how a about it. But I always had a faith that it
Malaysia’s dense population and tall former refugee family with five children would turn out well.”
buildings. “It was so quiet!” says Olivia. (two born after the family’s arrival in Jane Tolerton
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 9
Tikanga
Ma-ori
highlight
of 2019
Connect Speakers and attendees at Connect 2019 outside the Church’s Te Maungarongo marae in Ohope.
This year’s PYM national youth leaders’ and Christian education committees Matt says the inclusion of non-youth
conference, Connect, had an element of Te Aka Puaho. leaders is based on the understanding
He describes Connect 2019 as a “truly that many of the principles of best
that made it uniquely different from its
unique project” and says both he and practice in youth ministry require input
predecessors: for the first time, it was
Gordon Fitch, PYM National Manager, from a whole congregation.
held at the Church’s Te Maungarongo
felt strongly led to explore the possibility “For example, we see that one of the
marae in Ohope. of holding Connect 2019 at the Church’s strongest predictors of long-term faith
national marae at Ohope, despite its for young people is that they have
The decision to hold Connect at a venue
geographical isolation. strong meaningful relationships with
that purposefully immersed delegates
in Tikanga Māori dovetailed perfectly “We felt very strongly that we didn’t other people of faith from across the
with the 2019 theme Whakakotahitanga just want to hire our Church’s beautiful generations. Second, we continually
or, Gathering as one people under Christ. marae, rather we wanted to work in receive positive feedback around the
partnership with Te Aka Puaho,” he culture and vibe set at Connect. I think
Past Connects have been held at Christian says. “Everyone was so patient and so it would be one of the most positive
campgrounds or at Presbyterian schools generous with their time and talents. We gatherings that regularly happens in our
around the country. It was felt that came looking to book a venue but ended Church. We’ve even had people suggest
partnering with Te Aka Puaho in a up being welcomed into a family and a that at least parts of General Assembly
celebration of bicultural partnership new home.” could be modelled off what we do
would be of particular benefit to youth at Connect.”
He outlined five strong themes that
leaders this time around.
emerged from the event – turangawaewae Speaking at Connect 2019 were retired
The marae hosted over 160 attendees from (a place to stand), whakapono (growing Te Aka Puaho minister Rev Ra Koia;
all over New Zealand from 19-21 July. in our faith), tikanga Māori (customary James Beck, who is well-regarded in New
practices), hauora (wellbeing), and Zealand as the Kaihanga o Ngā Mea/
Moderator Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio described
tauira (discipleship).
it as “an extraordinary, spiritual and director of development and delivery
meaningful time with God and with each Matt says most of the attendees were at The Parenting Place; and Sala Tiatia,
other”, and said the time spent eating youth leaders ranging in age from 18 a previous Connect speaker recognised
together, conversing with one another years through to 80. for his practical insights on encouraging
and praying in groups was a “mountain “We also had several ministers from young people to reach their potential.
top” experience for the Church’s different parishes come along with Their input hit the right note with many
youth leaders. their youth leadership teams; we were of those attending.
“There was no generational barrier… delighted to have a good number of
people both helping and attending Vanessa Sinclair, a volunteer who
we were one in Jesus Christ. Present
from Te Aka Puaho. In addition, we had leads the youth group at Dunedin’s
were elders, ministers, lecturers and
several guests participate from Vanuatu Knox Church, was attending her first
much older folks who have a love for
and Taiwan who were here under an Connect. She says: “The key speakers and
youth ministry. Their presence gave the
exchange programme facilitated by workshops were wonderful. They offered
Connect forum a sense of family and
Global Mission Co-ordinator, Rev Phil some insightful and interesting stories,
faith community. Our Connect theme
King. Our international guests were a and food for thought about connections
was on the mark.”
fantastic addition. They were passionate, in youth ministry, especially as the way
Matt Chamberlin, PYM Director, says it friendly, and contributed much to we interact changes due to technology. It
was a privilege to work with the marae our weekend.” was absolutely amazing. It’s a wonderful
10 N O V E M BE R 2019Participants at Connect 2019 gather in prayer. Guest speaker Sala Tiatia presenting a workshop at Connect 2019.
time to learn and grow in your own faith, Presbyterian Church in Hastings. She to be more proactive in our own ministry,
while talking and exploring with others. went along hoping to network with other to make ourselves more available to
I suggest you bring a notebook next time, leaders, learn from the workshops and the young leaders and give them wider
to jot down all you can!” find new inspiration. opportunities to grow in leadership.”
Other comments were directed to “The highlights for me were the bicultural Matt says the event theme had been
organisers of Connect 2019 through a experience of meeting on our marae for provided by members of Te Aka Puaho
feedback survey. the first time, and being immersed during one of the planning meetings.
in the history, culture, language and
One reply said: “God planted in me a “Alongside the overarching theme of
spirituality of this event. The worship
desire to understand tikanga and Te whakakotahitanga, we wanted our
and keynote addresses were beautiful, the
Reo… I am now working in a community participants to come away with a sense
discipleship group sessions affirming… I
where I need these skills. Connect helped of turangawaewae – a place to stand,”
was overwhelmed by the manaakitanga
me address my prejudices and struggles; he explains. “Our hosts really wanted
and aroha I felt. The most useful takeaway
I was challenged deeply. Now I have to to emphasise that Ohope Marae is for
was reinforcement of the belief that in
suck it up, leave my pride at the door and everyone in the Church, and that it can
young adult ministry, as in all ministry,
dig into this!” be a place to stand, a place of belonging.”
the most important element is the
Another said there were too many nurturing of our relationship with God That linked strongly with the theme of
highlights from which to pick. “I loved and one another. tikanga Māori, Matt adds, one which
being able to talk to such a variety sought to provide people with a greater
“This event went beyond my expectations,” understanding of key aspects of tikanga
of people in different areas of youth
Michelle says. “I found material from the and the partnership that exists between
ministry, and to see that we are not alone
workshops very useful.” Te Aka Puaho and wider Church.
in our ministry.”
Te Aka Puaho more than stepped up Another important focus at Connect
“Beyond thankful for this amazing
to the task in terms of meeting the 2019 was the practices of intentional
experience,” said another, “super-excited
practical requirements involved in discipleship, says Matt.
for next year!”
hosting Connect. Honey and Tamiana
B ra d Ke lder man , South ern Pres- Thrupp led Te Aka Puaho’s efforts. “This year we wanted to provide our
byterians Youth Advisor, described participants with some experiential
“It was a fantastic weekend,” Honey says. learning around key practices of
the conversations had at Connect as
“We’ve never hosted an event like this discipleship,” he says. “This was done
“life-giving” and said the event had
at the marae before, besides the General through participants forming small
been blessed by amazing speakers and
Assembly powhiri about six years ago. discipleship groups and working through
workshop presenters.
Te Aka Puaho involvement was to just be questions and practices that helped
“They encouraged us and challenged us there for the team, making sure all their them process and implement ideas and
in our own faith journeys and in our needs were met. principles shared at the conference.”
ministry to young people,” he says. “We
“Matt and Gordon were amazing to work The upshot, he suggests, was very
reconnected back with our whanau at
with. They were very understanding of encouraging.
Te Maungarongo, we connected with our
tikanga, whakawhanaungatanga and
fellow youth leaders, and we connected “We received some very positive feedback
whakakotahitanga, and I think that’s
with God.” from many participants about this new
what led to better understanding of
Another Connect first-timer was Michelle each other. If there was one challenge addition to Connect.”
Loveday, community pastor at St John’s we took away from the weekend, it was Viv Posselt
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 11Northern
youth
concerned
for
environment
Not a day goes by when the media isn’t Twenty youth group members from Northern Presbytery cleaned up rubbish from Maraetai Beach in
South Auckland.
filled with grim science-based stories of
the planet facing extinction of species at
alarming rates, of climate change-related collecting shredded paper from churches Hannah also believes that caring for God’s
weather disasters, shrinking icebergs and and donating it to Auckland Zoo for use creation gives Christians a more tangible
in animal cages. connection to God. “We are here to serve
temperature extremes. Not to mention and take care of his planet.”
those humans and animals displaced by “Our churches were particularly
responsive to that and donated a lot of She says there are plans to stage another
such cataclysmic change. Green Month next year and hoped to
paper,” says Hannah.
widen the net to include church members
According to experts, we have only The main initiative was a beach clean- of every age.
around 12 years to limit a climate change up on 21 September. Two beaches were
catastrophe. “I’ve heard from several people who are
chosen – Kohimarama in Auckland’s east
interested in being involved, which is a
Concerned by the lack of action on this and Maraetai in South Auckland – as they
great sign.”
urgent matter, the Northern Presbyterian were easy to get to.
Youth Forum decided to focus on what She also adds that the message of living
Around 20 youth group members
sustainably and being eco-conscious
they could do to help. turned up to each beach at 10am on
extends beyond Green Month.
Hannah North, Acting Youth Co- Saturday 21 September and spent two
hours picking up litter from the beach “One of the youth groups committed
ordinator of Northern Presbyterian,
and surrounding areas. to walking to youth group instead of
says youth group leaders from her region driving during Green Month and that’s
met after last year’s General Assembly to Hannah, who attended the clean-up at something we’ll be trying to do from
discuss how they could “take care of the Kohimarama, says her team of volunteers now on. It’s all about doing simple things
world we live in”. collected around 10 bags of rubbish in that, in the end, can add up to make a
“We spent time after the General two hours. massive change.”
Assembly discussing how we could be “When we first got there, we noticed the Fo r o n e p a r t i c i p a nt , 1 7 - y e a r - o l d
the most effective and efficient in our beach was really clean so we wondered Lisa Matheson from Papakura East
approach,” says Hannah. “We knew that a why we were even there! But then we Presbyterian, the Maraetai beach clean-
day or a week wasn’t going to cut it – that started looking at the grass section next up was a great experience.
we had to think bigger than that.” to the beach and realised that there was "I expected there to be a lot of rubbish
a lot of unseen rubbish under the plants, as Maraetai can be very busy,” says Lisa.
The team came up with Green Month,
including bottles, fast food wrappers and “I was very surprised there wasn’t litter
nominating September 2019 as the month
cigarette butts.” everywhere but instead we had to seek
they would organise a series of events to
Although proud of their efforts, Hannah it out.”
help address climate change.
says the beach clean-up is just the tip of Lisa adds she enjoyed being with the
“We chose September to coincide with
the iceberg. “As humans, we all need to small group caring for the beach. “I felt
a Season of Creation, the international
do more to take care of the earth for the that people care for Maraetai Beach more
programme organised by a number than some other beaches as it wasn’t as
future. But as Christians, it’s even more
of churches to highlight global action messy as I expected. It wasn’t hard to pick
important because the Bible teaches us
towards climate change.” up any item that takes away from the
that the earth isn’t actually ours to own,
Around 10 youth groups from the that it belongs to God who created it for natural beach environment, more people
Northern Presbyterian region came up us to enjoy. Which means we have an should do it.”
with a range of initiatives, including obligation to take care of it.” Sharon Stephenson
12 N O V E M BE R 2019Caring for
Creation
takes root in
two parishes
Local school students joined in to help plant Pohutukawa Presbyterian’s rain garden.
Two Presbyterian churches are taking
a boots-and-all approach to caring for
the environment in which they sit by project were pre-planted in seed trays with whom they regularly consult on
in preparation for planting out during how best to manage the area.
committing to ‘Caring for Creation’, one
the church’s Matariki celebrations from
of the Presbyterian Church’s five faces “We are keen to be ‘good neighbours’,
June 28-30.
of mission. both in pest and weed control, and
Mid-way through those celebrations in replanting indigenous species to
In 2018, General Assembly addressed a group of 24 people spent two hours encourage the return of birds, as well as
Christians’ need to be responsible planting at the site; they were Flagstaff insects and lizards,” says Faye. “We want
stewards of God’s creation, and called church members, locals and people from an environment that is friendly to their
to action every congregation, church different environmental projects. sustainability.”
school and social service agency linked to
Flagstaff Community Church minister The church was required by council
the Church.
Rev Brendon McRae says the project to install a rain garden to deal with
Two churches – Pohutukawa Coast was aimed at restoring an ecosystem stormwater overflow from the tanks
Presbyterian in Auckland and Dunedin’s and engaging the Wakari community on the church’s large roof, and runoff
Flagstaff Community Church – have in “actively caring for its piece of earth”. from carpark areas. Faye describes it as a
found that work done in their own
“Matariki signifies our connection to the ‘complex pit construction’ which filters
back yard has segued into broader
environment, and caring for creation impurities and must be planted with
partnerships in sustainability.
starts in our own back yard,” he says. Life specified native species.
Flagstaff Community Church meets is returning to the creek, with crayfish
in two locations – Halfway Bush and “Water is only meant to be visible for
and rare native fish recently spotted.
Wakari. In mid-2017 a workday held to less than 48 hours after rain, and then
tidy the Wakari church grounds led to Neil says church members are busy no more than 25cm deep,” she says. “It
the discovery of what became a rigorous raising seeds for future plantings. “We requires regular hand weeding and
restoration project on adjacent Dunedin have grand designs for future expansion surface maintenance. It is not optional;
City Council land, through which School and are applying to various sources to its upkeep will be regular and somewhat
Creek runs. It was discovered that space fund other requirements.” labour intensive.”
left behind after pines were removed When Pohutukawa Coast Presbyterian Enviro teachers and senior students from
from the council land was rapidly filling Church opened earlier this year at both primary schools, and a sustainability
with native plants. Maraetai, south-east of Auckland and consultant from the Botanic Gardens,
“We decided to create a public track adjacent to Omana Regional Park, there recently put in the plants that had been
through both the council and church land, was a real sense of responsibility for the raised from seed, while church members
so people could appreciate the beauty of space it inhabited. provided transport and some additional
the creek and bush environments,” says The site was large with little funding manpower. Faye says there are plans to
project leader Neil Brown. fo r l a n d s c a p i n g . Fay e C l a r k l e d complete the rain garden planting project
The church formed a group to tackle an enthusiastic team in overseeing next year.
the necessary planning and funding much of the planting and landscaping
Before the building was even consented,
applications and access expert help in of the church grounds, and sought
Po h u t u k a wa’s c o n g r e g a t i o n h a d
native planting. The local primary school collaboration and support. That led them
expressed a desire for a ‘memory’ walk
environmental group joined in helping into partnerships with two schools with
around the property’s perimeter. Faye says
with stream care, rubbish removal and an active environmental curriculum in
a start has been made, but that project is
pest control. Native seed packs offered place – Beachlands School and Maraetai
to parishes through PCANZ national Primary School – and with Omana likely to be over a decade in the making.
office for a Caring for Creation Lent 2019 Regional Park head ranger, Mags Ramsey, Viv Posselt
NO VE MBE R 2 01 9 13NE W F OR M
F C HU RC H
O N G
AT HE RI
IS G
FAITH Julie Penno, right, has a part-time role with Kiwi Church promoting fresh ideas
for intergenerational engagement.
A desire to find innovative ways of journeying in faith is what led particularly close, where a tissue thin barrier separates heaven
Christchurch’s Rev Dr Darryl Tempero to start Kiwi Church under and earth. In the Kiwi Church context, it brings people of all
the Presbyterian banner five years ago. He was seeking new ways ages together in a very personal exploration of faith.
to ‘express’ church more authentically, ways that reached across the “We wanted it to be participatory, not clergy-led,” says Darryl, an
generations and involved much more ‘doing’ than listening. innovative thinker who for the past eight years has been doing
mission coaching with Presbytery and whose doctorate focuses
It was a brave move. Darryl’s vision effectively turned on new ways of being church in the Kiwi context. He facilitates
conventional practice for worship on its head. some of the gatherings, but not all. It’s intergenerational, a
Kiwi Church has become a network of communities rather than contemplative, experimental place for questioning around faith,
a single entity. “Place isn’t as important,” he says, “because we particularly for those who may be returning to it after leaving
believe everyone is in mission all of the time.” behind the conventional church model.
Kiwi Church centres more on relationship than a set Anywhere from a handful up to 45 people attend the fortnightly
programme, it encourages participation and questioning over sessions, and as much as that signals success, Darryl suggests
the standard ‘preaching’ model, and it connects God’s story with large numbers risk losing the intimacy. The youngest is around
the reality of people’s daily lives. Gatherings are purposefully 10 months, the oldest 84 – that intergenerational element is at
small so that relationship remains at the heart of each. No the heart of Thin Place and other Kiwi Church activities.
‘offerings’ are taken, save for the Christmas ‘Project Boaz’ which Earlier this year, Darryl secured Press Go and Alpine Mission
collects to provide gifts for struggling families outside the funding to support the part-time involvement of Julie Penno to
church community. help Kiwi Church, and Thin Place, more effectively express its
“We listen to God and to each other,” Darryl explains. “The main intergenerational focus.
difference is the way we learn together. We all know listening Julie has rich and extensive experience in children’s ministry,
passively is not the best way to learn, yet we persist in doing that. wider education and speech language therapy. She works part-
I question that approach. Of course, preaching has a place, but
time with the Church’s Kids Friendly ministry, has a masters’
people learn much more about the Bible through the discoveries
in education and is doing graduate studies in intergenerational
they make themselves.”
ministry. Her role as coach across all Kiwi Church activities
There are various Kiwi Church communities, each one sees her coming alongside the communities encouraging them
‘intentional and diverse’ to better fit with individual faith to think and be intentionally intergenerational within the
requirements. Each reflects a community of people seeking to ministry, and helping discover fresh ways to tell God’s story.
explore God in ways that differ from the usual expression of
She likens the gatherings to a family meal, where all ages come
church. The Gym is a fortnightly gathering to increase inner
together at the table in open conversation. Thin Place worship
fitness though discipleship and spiritual exercise; Rituals of
is expressed through play, art and craft, song, discussion and
Healing explore the creation of a process that aids healing from
prayer – it is simple, and shifts organically.
the past; Renovate helps people assess their ‘faith house’ and find
a new way of being; Outdoors takes the search for God outdoors “We participate as a community, encourage each other’s faith,”
in an exploration of the theology of creation; and Reel Life looks she says. “We all have skills and can coach each other … but it
for glimpses of the divine by watching movies together. is very spontaneous. I love it. You never know what’s going to
Another community, the Thin Place, started in late 2013. It happen. It’s messy, it’s risky … just like a family meal.”
references the Celtic description of a place where God seems Viv Posselt
14 N O V E M BE R 2019You can also read
