Tikanga Pākehā Conference Gathers

Tikanga Pākehā Conference representatives enjoyed a fruitful korero on the future of the church at St Peter’s on Willis last Friday and Saturday.

The Tikanga Pākehā Conference (TPC) brings together members from each of the seven Anglican dioceses of Aotearoa New Zealand.

While TPC normally meets during General Synod, this hui allowed for TPC members from different dioceses to gather to connect and build relationships.

Last week’s hui saw representatives placed in breakout groups with delegates from other dioceses, where they remained for the length of the hui. This approach supported a key aim of the conference of building whanaungatanga.

The first day saw esteemed academic, Associate Professor Peter Lineham, present on the state of the church in Aotearoa New Zealand. His sobering talk revealed the brutal facts facing religious groups like the Anglican Church through historical data, attendance and attitudes towards the church.

Our Diocese can be incredibly proud of the manaakitanga provided to guests by the volunteer hosts of St Peter’s.

Bishop Justin said, “It was phenomenal how gracious and caring they were while we met on their grounds.”

Also, impressive was the confidence shown by Rev Jean Malcolm, Co-Vicar at St Peter’s, in teaching the delegates simple chants and songs to use during karakia. She succeeded in leading the conference in singing a three-part harmony in under five minutes – well done Jean!

Thanks, too, goes to Anglican Centre SuperHost, Nickie George. Nickie and her team organised the delicious kai enjoyed on the first day.