No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. (Luke 8:16-17)

Dear family in Christ,

Greetings to you all as we prepare to enter the season of Advent. The focus of this Bishops’ News is to update you around the work of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse within the Church.

As many of you are aware, the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia is committed to full cooperation with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. As a Province we asked to be part of this Inquiry and deeply welcome its work. Abuse of any kind is utterly incompatible with the love of Christ.

Over the last year and more, our Diocese has participated in the process of information-gathering leading into the inquiry. We have been asked to provide everything we can to assist the Commission in its work and have done so to the best of our ability. The Commission has been holding and will continue to hold a series of hearings; the next group of which will relate to faith-based institutions and will take place from November 30 until mid-December. The Church’s evidence in reply will take place in the earlier part of 2021.

As a reminder, the Royal Commission is investigating what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care between 1950 and 1999. The focus of the Commission is on “Abuse in Care” with reference to (1) state-run institutions, and (2) faith-based institutions. The extent of (2) includes our care of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our churches, schools, orphanages, elder care homes, and other ministries governed and managed by Anglican entities.

The accounts that women and men have told and will tell of their experiences of abuse within faith-based institutions require our complete and utmost attention. Our responsibility is to these accounts. As a Diocese we completely welcome and support the process of the Royal Commission and fully commit to contributing to a process of accountability, closure and healing.

We are aware that for many the media coverage around the Royal Commission could trigger painful memories. We are conscious that many of us will find it hard to hear truths that do not reflect well on the Church or show the love of Jesus. Nevertheless, we embrace these accounts and encourage us all to hear them as a call to fully embrace humility and repentance.

We continue to encourage those who have experiences that they wish to share to do so.  The contact details for the Commission at the conclusion of this message. The website www.abuseincare.org.nz also contains links to advice and support.

We continue to pray for all those affected by historical abuse, and for the work of the Commission.  At this time may we all be so aware of our identity as beloved children of God.

In Christ,

+Justin and +Eleanor

These are contact details for communicating with the Commission: 

Phone: 0800 222 727 (10am – 4pm NZT, Mon-Fri)
(Australia – 1800 875 745)
Email: contact@abuseincare.org.nz
Mail: Royal Commission of Inquiry
PO Box 10071
The Terrace
Wellington 6143