Touchstone

December 2024

Welcome to the December edition of Touchstone, the final for the year.

In November I joined more than 280 MCNZ Conference attendees, church leaders from Aotearoa and the Pacific, special guests, friends and whanau of the new Presidential team, ordinands, retirees and recently deceased in Pōneke Wellington for Conference 2024.

This issue contains many reports from a comprehensive Conference programme that included formal and informal services, the induction of a new Presidential team - the first wahine Māori MCNZ President, Te Aroha Rountree, and Vice President Rev Peter Norman - korero, fellowship, deep connection and reflection, book launches, special events and of course, the business of Conference.

Rev Peter Norman says in his reflection, “This gathering affirmed Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa’s mission to be a Church of justice, reconciliation, and guardianship in today’s world.”

I invite you to read the Conference reflections from participants representing many MCNZ committees, entities and organisations, along with contributions from guests who share the same challenges of  being church in a world impacted by injustice, climate degradation and the legacy of colonisation. 

Throughout the six days of Conference much discussion focussed on our shared commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and progress on the MCNZ bicultural journey that started 40 years ago. Te Tiriti is the subject of much discourse and discussion here in Aotearoa and globally as the first reading of the divisive Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to Parliament on 14 November. In this edition you will find articles that seek to deepen understanding of the issues and encourage discussion and responses that reflect our commitment to Te Tiriti and our bicultural journey.

Communications Committee

At Conference the decision was made that work would begin to disestablish  the Methodist Publishing Board and to replace it with a new Communications Committee that will:

• provide oversight for all MCNZ endorsed publications and communications;
• be responsible for developing a strategy that supports greater interface with the secular media;
• administer the F.A. Parker Estate Trust.

Committee members for 2025 are Pauline McKay (Convenor) Tara Tautari (General Secretary), Joeli Ducivaki, Barbara Peddie, John Carr, Michael Lemanu and members of Te Taha Māori as appointed by the President on advice from Te Taha Māori. I look forward to working with new, and former members of the MPB to ensure that communications are relevant, share the prophetic voice of MCNZ and shed light on faith issues of importance - and significance - in today’s world.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the many contributors who write for Touchstone. I am grateful for those stories and voices that share wisdom, theological and historical knowledge, and news of parish and community mahi and mission.

In closing, I wish you all a blessed and joyful festive season.

Meri Kirihimete..