Cultures And Voices of Anglican Church Gather

Media Release – May 10

Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

Cultures And Voices of Anglican Church Gather

A diversity of voices and cultures from nations of the Pacific have gathered in Waitangi for the meeting of the governing body of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

The General Synod / Te Hinota Whanui meets every two years with 150 attendees. A focus of this gathering is to mark 200 years since the first Christian missionaries arrived in the Bay of Islands.

The three Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia lead the Synod; reflecting the three tikanga structure of Maori, Pakeha and Pacifica, Archbishops Brown Turei, Philip Richardson, and Winston Halapua.

The three Archbishops believe the challenge for the Church is to respond in practical ways to the issues society is wrestling with, including child poverty and the care of creation.

Archbishop Brown Turei says the Synod demonstrates diversity in culture, language and opinions.

“Gathering as a diverse three tikanga Church, in the birthplace of New Zealand Christianity, highlights for us the challenges faced 200 years ago when Maori and Pakeha lived side by side for the first time. A task of this Synod is to show the unconditional love of God and to consider how that prompts us to respond to challenges that face our society and our Church.”

The Synod will be in session until Thursday evening, media are welcome to attend open session of the Synod.

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