Top Stories of the Year
As 2025 comes to a close, we celebrate a year filled with bold conversations, innovative ideas, and moments of deep faith across our Anglican Movement.
We’ve crunched the data and found our most-read stories for 2025. From reconciliation in the Middle East to rebuilding sacred spaces at home, here are the stories that defined our year.
What were your favourite stories?
A Conversation for Peace: Bishop Justin Meets Dr Salim Munayer
In one of the year’s most compelling dialogues, Bishop Justin sat down with Dr Salim Munayer—a Palestinian Christian and founder of Musalaha—to explore the hard road of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
Dr Munayer shared his family’s story from Lydda, the city destroyed in 1948, and his journey from Orthodox roots to pioneering a ministry of healing in occupied Palestine. His message was clear: reconciliation is not optional for followers of Jesus—it’s the heart of the Gospel.
The Smart Parish: How AI is Changing Church Communications
It started with a question: “You know, David, this is the most excited I’ve seen you all day.”
When Bishop Justin noticed the spark, it was clear something big was happening. AI tools were transforming how we communicate—saving weeks of time, improving newsletters, and creating better video content.
The result? The Smart Parish, a new initiative equipping churches to harness technology for mission. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a way forward.
Come Further Up, Come Further In: A Call to Radical Discipleship
At Ministry Leaders’ Family Camp, Bishop Justin issued a stirring challenge: What if following Jesus meant having your life wrecked?
Drawing on the Eucharist, he reminded us that we are one loaf, one body—a global church called to live lives taken, blessed, broken, and given away. In a world of division, this radical invitation to unity and sacrifice resonated deeply.
Wrestling with Waitangi: Reflections on Justice and Faith
When Leigh Harrington woke to find his chainsaw stolen, it sparked more than frustration—it led to profound reflection.
“If this is how I felt after a minor violation,” he wrote, “how much more must Māori feel after the loss of land and culture?”
This honest wrestling with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our shared history reminded us that justice begins with empathy—and that the Gospel calls us to stand in solidarity.
Ordination Celebration: Four New Deacons Make Sacred Covenants
We ended the year with joy as Doug Rowan, Mark Huang, and Victoria and Hayden Brown were ordained to the diaconate.
Their commitment to serve is a sign of hope for the future of our movement. May God bless their ministry as they step into this new chapter.
Rebuilding a Sacred Space: St John’s Featherston Opens Its Doors
After years of dreaming, planning, and building, a joyful congregation gathered in Wairarapa to consecrate a new worship and community space for St John’s Featherston.
This new centre marks a fresh chapter for a rural faith community determined to grow, serve, and flourish—a powerful reminder that God is still doing new things among us.
Money and Mission: Bishop Justin’s Synod Challenge
At Synod 2025, Bishop Justin shared a bold truth: When God gives a vision, He provides the resource.
Drawing on his own story of ministry and mission, he called the Church to trust God’s provision and invest courageously in Kingdom work. It was a timely reminder that generosity and faith go hand in hand.
Standing with the Holy Land: Bishop Hosam Naoum Speaks
In a moving video message, Bishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem spoke directly to Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand, offering four practical ways to respond to the ongoing crisis in the Holy Land:
Prayer for all people of the region
Peace-building through advocacy and support for a two-state solution
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem when it becomes safe
Pennies (or pounds)—financial support for Christian institutions, including the hospital in Gaza City
His words reminded us that the land where our faith began still needs our prayers, presence, and partnership.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, we carry these stories—and the call they represent—with us: to be a people of reconciliation, radical discipleship, and relentless hope.
