Lasting Memories at General Synod
There was a strong sense of hope, unity and gratitude among Wellington Diocese representatives returning from General Synod in Tonga, where Anglicans from across Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia gathered for a week that many described as both historic and deeply moving.
For the first time, General Synod was hosted in Tonga, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Christianity's arrival in the kingdom. Delegates were welcomed by local Anglican communities whose hospitality, worship and cultural celebrations left a lasting impression.
"It was a privilege to represent the Wellington Diocese at the General Synod in Tonga," said Rev Tim McKenzie. "The concept of belonging to a wider Anglican Province can sometimes feel elusive when your focus is on the parish in front of you. But in Tonga, the Three Tikanga church took visible form in worship, debate, fellowship and shared meals."
Across the week, delegates experienced the richness of the Anglican Church's diversity. St Andrew's Anglican School and parishes from across the Tongan Episcopal Unit hosted abundant meals each day, while youth groups, choirs, brass bands and students offered performances that showcased the vitality of life in Tonga.
"The parishes' welcome and hospitality will stay with me forever," reflected Rev Kath Bier. "It was challenging being in such a big space with so many people I didn't know, but God's Spirit of unity kept drawing us together and I'm really grateful for all the new connections."
Alongside the celebrations, Synod wrestled with significant decisions affecting the life of the church. One of the most notable was the passing of Motion 15, a landmark step that in effect gives Tikanga Māori tino rangatiratanga over the direction of St John's College Trust Board funding after years of discussion and discernment.
For many delegates, the moment was one of profound significance.
"For me, being part of a Spirit-filled people who were so willing to move towards each other filled me with so much hope and excitement for the Church,” reflected Rev Kath.
Tim described the decision as a powerful expression of trust and partnership between the tikanga.
"It isn't easy for Pākehā to give up control of anything," he said. "But I was impressed and humbled by how we were able to express our anxieties honestly before coming to an enthusiastic and united commitment to trust Tikanga Māori to supervise the St John's resources for the benefit of all three tikanga."
He said the response from Tikanga Māori carried a "gravity and solemn joy" that reflected both the significance of the moment and the church's wider history.
"There is still a long way to go, but it felt like a step both small and significant towards a deeper relationship between tikanga, for the sake of gospel witness in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Both delegates also highlighted the leadership shown throughout the gathering, particularly by Archbishop Justin Duckworth.
Tim recalled Archbishop Justin's contribution during the debate on Motion 15. Speaking largely in te reo Māori, he concluded by encouraging Pākehā delegates not to be ashamed, but to remember that God is full of mercy, goodness and love.
"It was indisputably holy ground," Tim said.
That phrase captures a theme echoed throughout delegates' reflections. While Synod involved governance, motions and debate, many of the most memorable moments came through worship and shared faith.
Kath spoke of the way daily Eucharist kept delegates centred. "Eucharist together centred us in the person of Jesus and his power and presence."
For Tim, music became one of the clearest expressions of God's presence among the gathering. He recalled worshippers joining together in song during an early morning Eucharist in Nuku'alofa, and the opening Synod service where massed choirs and brass bands filled the church with praise.
"At that moment, I could sense heaven and earth palpably full of his glory," he reflected. "Even in church governance, fraught though it can sometimes be, God is at work among his people."
The Wellington delegation also found joy in the relationships formed throughout the week. Amid demanding schedules and serious conversations, there was still time for laughter, friendship and the occasional competitive card game.
As delegates returned home, they carried with them memories of Tongan hospitality, renewed relationships across the Three Tikanga Church, and a sense of hope for what God is doing among Anglican communities throughout the province.
Synod business concluded on Thursday. On Friday, delegates were able to enjoy a well deserved day off in Tonga. As reported in the news, some delegates were onboard a boat that capsized while on a whale watching trip. There were no serious injuries. The incident was a traumatic end to a beautiful week and we are grateful to all who assisted with medical and pastoral care.
