(Arch)Bishop’s News
(Arch)Bishop’s General Synod News
As I come into land from a remarkably busy season I wanted to highlight for our Diocese one decision in particular made at the recent General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui (GSTHW), which took place in the Kingdom of Tonga over 15-21 August.
What’s General Synod (GSTHW), and why does it matter?
GSTHW is the bi-annual gathering of the elected representatives – both lay and ordained – of each Diocese and Hui Amorangi and across each Tikanga. Also in attendance are Diocesan Registrars and Managers and other folk involved in our common life. Imagine Diocesan Synod on steroids.
At GSTHW we gather as one expression in the presence of God, undertake the important work of whānaungatanga, and work out together what it means to care well for the church that God has given us.
It’s easy in the day to day of life ‘on the ground’ in our churches to miss some of the big picture discussions, or at least not to give too much thought to why they might matter, (particularly when they’re full of confusing acronyms). The decisions that are made at General Synod have great symbolic and practical relevance for our whole three tikanga church.
Thanks, and asking for your prayers
A couple of things though before I get into the meat - first off, I need to pay tribute to the Diocese of Polynesia and particularly our brothers and sisters of the Tongan churches who provided a hospitality which was generous and sacrificial. The Anglican expression in Tonga is relatively small compared to other Pasefika nations but it is mighty!
Secondly, you may have heard of the frightening incident that occurred as some attendees returned from a whale-watching expedition at the end of our time together. We give thanks to God that everyone is safe. Please continue to pray for peace for all those who have been affected, and for clarity for those who will review this incident.
Equity in our church: St John’s College Trust Board funding distribution (Bill #15)
Moving to GSTHW itself, we have already heard from two of the Wellington representatives, Tim and Kath,about some of their highlights. I hope today to outline one particular decision that was made by GSTHW around St John’s College Trust Board funding, and why it is important for all of us. Don’t switch off! You may need a bit of background.
St John’s College Trust Board (SJCTB) is the entity that grew out the proceeds of land and trust investments which began way back with Bishop Selwyn in the 1840s. This Board is the primary way that educational programmes within our Dioceses and Hui Amorangi are funded. It distributes some $20-21 million a year across the Province.
You can imagine that that sum makes a big difference across the motu. It funds various types of education within our church, including things like Diocesan events and training opportunities, leadership development including ordination discernment, and some of the ministry of the Bishops.
SJCTB distributes these funds through the decisions of a group called Te Kotahitanga; which to date has been made up of representatives of all three Tikanga.
Bill #15: an attempt to address structural inequity
Whilst on paper it looks like each Tikanga gets a comparative amount of funding, our systems have not allowed us to take into consideration the structural inequity which has developed between Tikanga over many decades. Although we know it’s not easy for any of us on the ground, the fact remains that Tikanga Pākehā Dioceses and schools have benefited from many generations of accrued property assets, Trust funds, bequests, or larger congregations with bigger offertories etc. GSTHW took a long time in talanoa / discussion from senior leaders hearing about the realities of this.
Added to this, in 2012, General Synod passed a motion which provided a way to explore how 50% of SJCTB funds would be given to Tikanga Māori to distribute to their Hui Amorangi as it best saw fit. This was never enacted upon and its intent never honoured. We are now 14 years since that decision was made.
What Bill #15 puts into action
GSTHW agreed that for the next two years, membership of Te Kotahitanga will be appointed by Tikanga Māori. This means that Tikanga Māori have full tino rangatiratanga / full determination over the SJCTB distribution. Over this period Te Kotahitanga will review aspects of its work to ensure new mechanisms of distribution that work for the flourishing of all, with the aim that GSTHW 2028 will then make changes permanent.
Why this decision matters
This decision is important for both practical and moral reasons. Practically, it allows a new mechanism to ensure our systems and structures are fit for our current and future purpose, so that no one is left out and educational needs of each Diocese and Hui Amorangi are met as best as possible. Given that the complexities of our Provincial system did not allow the working out of the initial 2012 motion, this is a way that we can task one arm of our church make traction on behalf of us all.
Morally, means that those who have been systematically marginalised can have agency in their own decision-making, and in doing so, the hope is that our whole church will flourish. I am reminded of Acts 6 when the Greek widows were unintentionally marginalised, and the early church commissioned a group of seven Greek believers to be empowered to care for the flourishing of those needs. Bill 15 It is a way to acknowledge the many decades of systemic inequity in a spirit of trust. At GSTHW Archbishop Don shared more of the Pihopatanga’s vision, entitled Te Oranga Ake. You can read more about this here, but in its essence, Te Oranga Ake is the flourishing of all.
What are the implications of Bill #15?
This is not the only income stream for Dioceses – but it does represent the most significant asset that the Province has to distribute. Our Diocesan funding will remain static for 2027, but beyond this we will have to wait and see.
As Tikanga Pakeha, we now have less control. This is not a bad thing. It is part of being good Treaty partners; and mature members of a three Tikanga church. It is a prophetic expression of trust. As Archbishop Don said at General Synod as Bill#15 was passed: "Today in taking a high trust action, you have released us and given us permission to respond in a high trust way."
If you want to go deeper you can find the full text of Bill #15 here. (Look for: Proposed Bill on E II (Title E Canon 2))
What does this mean for my church?
Practically, it might end up meaning very little. You might find that some of the ways you interact with your Diocese in the future change, particularly around educational opportunities.
But, please be encouraged – your Church, your Province has made a prophetic statement that seeks to empower and address systemic inequity. We have chosen to posture in the way of Jesus which sacrifices power and control. We should be very proud of our General Synod representatives who made this decision. We look forward to the flourishing that we hope will be open to our whole church; a witness to the way of Jesus in a world which is so increasingly divided.
God bless you all,
++Justin
