Update from Bishop Andrew
General Synod
It’s been a busy month since returning from General Synod Te Hinota Whanui in Tonga. The Synod itself was an extraordinary event, held for the first time in the Kingdom of Tonga and in the year when the nation celebrated 200 years since the arrival of the Gospel. A particular special aspect of the Synod was the very generous hospitality provided by the parishioners throughout the week, and that we were honoured to have several opportunities to be in the presence of the Tongan Royal Family.
The work of a General Synod is all encompassing and this year was no exception with some significant wananga around important issues including equity, the environment and climate change. There were several significant bills and motions passed with total support during the Synod and you can read about those online in links via my Facebook page, or through Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa’s page, or Anglican Taonga. We were delighted to see the support for the wananga around equity in the Church and the changes made to enable a long held vision for Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa to hold kaitiaki of the disbursement of funds for education from St John’s Trust Board. This will enable an equitable sharing of those resources to build capacity and capability across the whole church, in a model similar to our approach with TPOA in the past 5 years.
There are also changes to Title D which are developments based on experiences over recent years, particularly in clarifying the purpose of a Title D disciplinary/complaints process. There are changes to how Bishops relay information to one another about their clergy in terms of our ’Safe to Receive’ process when moving to or minstering in different Dioceses. There are also changes to how clergy need to seek permission to officiate outside of their Diocese for one-off services such as weddings, and also how clergy can invite clergy from other Dioceses to minister in their parish for a week - think of holiday cover. If clergy are planning to respond to requests to lead services outside of Waiapu and are uncertain of the processes, while these changes are being updated through the provincial website, any enquiries should be directed through my office and we will provide guidance on how to proceed.
The General Synod Office are working their way through publishing the confirmed Bills and Motions and updating the necessary Canons. These will be released onto the Provincial Anglican website soon.
Many of you will be aware that during our time in Tonga a group of synod members were involved in a boat sinking. We are grateful that all returned to shore safely and no lives were lost. Three of us from Waiapu were involved in the incident and we have been grateful for the support, locally and provincially, that has been provided. Later in October we will be attending a debrief of the incident, facilitated by skilled professionals and with good care and pastoral support in place. Without speaking for everyone, I do want to acknowledge that for those of us involved this has been a significant event and one that is not easily ‘chatted’ about in unexpected settings. It is a topic that requires space and a good frame of mind to approach, so if any of us seem a bit short handed with you when asked about our experience, it is likely to do with where we are choosing to decide to discuss the events, as part of self-care. We do appreciate that many have been concerned for us, and simply to hear that without expectation of us recounting the experience is probably a helpful approach.
The Rev’d William Bird
On Sunday 9 August, just before leaving for Tonga, I had the pleasure of being with the Parish of Waipaoa at St Luke’s Church, Waerenga-a-hika. The service was significant because we were interring the ashes of the late Rev’d William Bird. I’m grateful to the Rev’ds Robert Bruere and Ruth Dewdney for their assistance in researching Rev’d Bird’s life and finding a suitable final resting place for his ashes. Rev’d Bird spent much of his ministry around Eastland and following his death his ashes were interred at St Francis Church, Ruatoria. When that church was deconsecrated for demolition the ashes were removed to be safely stored with a local funeral director in Gisborne. After many years we have been able to inter the ashes once again, in a community where Rev’d Bird served. It was a peaceful time to commemorate with thanksgiving Rev’d Bird’s ministry and to pray once again for his eternal rest. You can read more about Rev’d Bird’s life in the article provided by Rev’d Robert Bruere.
Waiapu Synod
I look forward to welcoming members of our Diocesan Synod to Woodford House at the end of next week. It is good to be able to be back at the school and I’m grateful for the support of the Principal and Chaplain in preparations within the school for our Synod. At the most recent meeting of our Standing Committee we spent time discussing the planning for Synod and looking together at what we hope to discuss, and what business we need to cover during that time. We will begin with an opening Eucharist in the Chapel of St Francis, appropriately within the octave of the Feast of St Francis - and an opportunity to mark the season of creation together. The theme for our synod this year is “Tatou, Tatou” and we will be spending time in wananga together about our life as a Diocese around some key themes of connection, whakapapa and discipleship.
Planning ahead for 2027
We have begun planning ahead for the Diocesan calendar and my diary for 2027. Sandra will be contacting parish clergy and administrators this week to ask for information about any special services of celebration or commemoration, any requests for Confirmation and/or Renewal of Faith, or any other special visits that you may want me to make to your parish in 2027. We will be giving priority to parishes where I haven’t been able to attend for a while and then accommodate requests from other parishes. I know that you don’t always have a special celebration each year, but please let Sandra know if you have a preference for when you would like a visit. I do keep flexibility in planning my calendar because I need to be able to respond to the unforeseen needs for parish visits and provincial meetings. So we may not confirm immediately if there is a request for a simple parish visit, and keep that request active throughout the year. I value the opportunity to be able to worship in parishes with you all. Last Sunday I had the pleasure of being with the community at St Barnabas Church in Ngongotaha. It was great to see a full church and share time with a dedicated ministry team and congregation.
New Vicar for Ōtūmoetai - Rev’d Andrea Jerry Ryan
You will read about the appointment of Rev’d Andrea Jerry Ryan as Vicar of Ōtūmoetai in this edition of eNews. I’m excited to welcome Andrea and Tony to Waiapu and look forward to the service of installation in November. All are welcome to attend the service of installation, or send a greeting from your parish in time for the service as an act of welcome to Andrea and Tony.
In Christ’s peace,
+Andrew
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