Important message to the Connexion from the General Secretary
19 July 2024
Dear Members of the Methodist Church of New Zealand,
I write to inform you about an upcoming significant event regarding the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Commission will be tabling its report to Parliament on Wednesday, 24 July at 4 pm. This momentous occasion will be live-streamed and accessible via Parliament TV and the following link: https://ondemand.parliament.nz
As a church committed to justice, compassion, and accountability, the Methodist Church has been proactive in preparing for the release of this report. We have established a dedicated working group that will carefully review and analyse the report's findings and recommendations. This group's primary task is to identify key areas of concern, systemic issues, and recommendations relevant to both the Methodist Church and Wesley College.
Additionally, I wish to remind you of the Liturgy of Lament - Render Your Heart, for use in Parishes and Rohe (in English, Te Reo, Tongan, Samoan and Fijian languages). This liturgy provides a meaningful way for our Church whānau to come together in prayerful reflection and solidarity during this challenging time.
As we anticipate the release of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission's report, let us uphold in prayer all those who have suffered abuse and their families. May our collective response be guided by our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please join me in praying for wisdom and discernment as we navigate the findings and recommendations of the report.
Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care - Whanaketia Report
Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light
Publicly released 24 July 2024
Help and Support Services
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else:
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm
- Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
- Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
- Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area.
- HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.
- Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to the website for the support organisation nearest to you.
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)
- Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email [E-Mail not displayed], live webchat on safetotalk.nz. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.
- Samaritans 0800 726 666.
- Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals.
- Skylight 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
- SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
- Supporting Families in Mental Illness For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Northern Region 0800 732 825.
- Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims.
- Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.
- Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [E-Mail not displayed] or online chat
- Information about making the Methodist Church resolution and redress process can be found here
Or you can email the General Secretary or telephone 0800 CONNEX ext 824 (0800 266 639 ext 824), or use the online form.