It’s official. Our global leaders have formally concluded their negotiations at COP26 and plan to keep the earth’s warming within 1.5°C. While it looks alright on paper, the road ahead is neither clear nor straightforward and is lacking real oomph. Many critics are slamming international leaders for their “watered-down” deal - the promises are there, but they are non-binding begging the question of when will the matching actions follow? Though we have yet to see the delivery of majorly effective solutions, we can still acknowledge some of the smaller progresses and glimpses of hope from COP26.

We have reached the home stretch of COP26: UN Climate talks and there has been no shortage of big promises. If you haven’t been keeping up with COP, allow me to draw your attention to what I think are some pretty significant highlights. Collected and written by Olivia Yates, a member of Karakia for our Climate (K4OC).

At our recent Synod, again as a Movement we committed to being a people who advocate for care for our climate. Here are some upcoming opportunities for us to learn, pray and take action as hopefully Jesus people.

One of our Synod priorities is to care for our climate; safeguarding all creation by actively reducing carbon emissions. And now we have an opportunity to put forward submissions on the Emissions Reduction Plan that our government has released for consultation.

Last Tuesday, we joined with our brothers and sisters in faith to formally present a Climate Change Statement to the Minister for the Climate Change, Hon. James Shaw.

In this article you will find a summary of all the Motions passed at Synod 2021, as well as Elections.

At Synod, each Bishop casts the vision for the forthcoming season. Read Bishop Justin’s Synod Charge here.

At Synod, each Bishop casts the vision for the forthcoming season. Read Bishop Ellie’s Synod Charge here.

In this Hotspot, Archdeacon Sue updated Synod about the work of the Royal Commission, and outlined the Sacred Spaces, Safe People training being rolled out across the Diocese.

In this Hotspot, Archdeacon Gendy Thomson outlined an upcoming course, beginning in April 2022, entitled Leadership and Teams in Worshipping Communities.

2021 is a momentous year for climate change policy in New Zealand. The government has just announced a four-fold increase in climate finance to go to overseas communities most impacted by climate breakdown. This amounts to $1.3billion over four years! And right now, our government is in the process of finalising targets by which we hope to reduce our carbon emissions for the next 15 years. It’s important that we have our say.

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13, NSRV)

Nine years ago, St John’s Johnsonville was in interregnum. Before it was ready to call for a new priest the Diocese did some discernment work with the parish around their sense of God's vision for their life together. The church had an older demographic and was declining in numbers so in response to this the parish discerned 3 key priorities for the 5 years ahead.

The invitation was given: Anglicans Ablaze! Global Conference open to all. Lynda Whitwell, Vicar’s Warden at Milson Combined Church reflects on her experience of the global conference held last week.

Next week is Health and Safety Week so we thought it would be good to interview Andrew Black, the Diocesan Safety Officer, to find out a bit more about him and his role.

The Anglican Movement website has recently become one of the many around New Zealand to become a shielded site. Shielded sites allow victims of domestic abuse to access a portal where they can find out ways to become safe, but without their abuser finding out about it in their browser history.