Wellington hosts rainbow kōrero
In late March, Awaken Conference, organised by Diverse Church NZ, took place at St Peter’s on Willis. We spoke to co-organiser Neill Ballantyne about the hui.
This was the third Awaken hui, taking place every two years. For voluntary co-organisers Craig and Neill, they do it because they know it’s important. They recognise that there needs to be safe spaces for rainbow Christians and explorers of faith to gather in fellowship and share their journeys and experiences. They also recognise that there needs to be a space for rainbow Christians to worship where they know they will not be judged – something that sadly can be a rarity within the church at large.
Last year’s hui was held in Auckland, but holding this year’s in Wellington meant more South Island attendees could attend, and Neill noted that there were many new people in general, as well as the largest group of young adults so far.
Many participants shared that it was a big deal for them to say yes to being there, and that they had to overcome a lot to even be in the room, so it was highly meaningful for them to attend.
Alongside a huge variety of workshops, Awaken hosted three keynote speakers. COVID provided the opportunity to go deep into the experience of being both rainbow and a person of faith in Aotearoa today. Therefore it was important to the organisers that the key note speakers provided a Pakeha, Maori and Pasefika lens. Dr Peter Lineham gave a history of LGBTQI+ heroes within the church, weaving together threads across time. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere had participants on the edge of their seats as she shared from her heart what it’s like to be takatāpui (an indigenous identity which combines rainbow and Maori threads), a spiritual person, and Maori. Andre Afamasaga gave a passionate address around inclusion within the church, reflective of his Pentecostal tradition.
Rev. Charles Waldegrave speaks to the congregation, with Rev. Stephen King in the background. Photo: Diverse Church NZ
For Neill, as a parishioner at St Peter’s, it was special to be able to open up his spiritual home to over 120 manuhiri and to be able to worship together. Guests joined in with Palm Sunday celebrations at St Peter’s on the Sunday morning in the biggest mass for a long time.
Reflecting post-conference, Neill noted that these events are catalytic moments for further mahi, which will look different for different people across the rainbow and rainbow-supportive community. He noted that many rainbow Wellington Anglicans are interested in continuing the conversation about how our Diocese can better love and support our rainbow parishioners. He noted the growth of young leaders who love Jesus, and are discerning what their ministry looks like and how the church values their skills and abilities.
Across the conference, Neill noted that people shared their trials and challenges, but on the whole, the mood in the room was that of celebration – to be proud, and to grow in faith together. This positivity flowed through the speakers, and most participants noted that they left feeling equipped and with a sense of optimism in themselves and their relationship with God.
