Over the past few days we have seen some awesome reflections on #GS10 being posted on here. Now it’s time to catch up on all of the business that’s been influencing them all.
Monday found Synod discussing the Anglican Covenant. What does it mean? Who does it affect? And, if accepted, what does it say about us as a church? A stimulating debate full of diverse opinions which led the synod to the most important question facing it: are we ready to announce where we stand on this issue? The answer eventually came by way of a motion passed asking for more time for the church to consider and consult at parish and diocesan levels over the covenant paper. It seems the controversy lay in the content of the covenants fourth clause – the clause which seem to have been dubbed as the one that says “who’s in” and “who’s out” of the church. If we agree to the covenant, we agree to its clauses – number 4 included. So, the church has decided to ask for more time to consider the wider implications.
On the subject of being inclusive, the synod passed a bill to change the name of the Diocese of Waikato. The name change means it will now include the words “and Taranaki” so the “Diocese of Waikato” is no longer. Now we have “The Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki.”
The three tikanga youth made their presentation to the synod pre-empting the bill, which was later passed, allowing for the overhaul of current youth ministry governance and structures. The result of the bill passing means a Youth Commission will be set up to replace TORU and other three tikanga youth bodies in a move to clean out the clutter that has taken over youth ministry governance.
It was day, it was night, it was morning.
Tuesday rolled on and alcohol was on the morning agenda. What impact is alcohol having on our communities? Psychology and Medicine Professor Doug Sellman presented to the synod a 5+ solution to New Zealand’s alcohol crisis. The key message he wanted to get across was one of alcohol impact on today’s society which provided all gathered with a few reality checks and allowed synod members to address issues which concerned them. The motion attached to the presentation was moved and accepted.
The issue of resource sharing between the Tikanga made its appearance and a three Tikanga working group was established to look into the ways the church could manage their resources properly.
It was day, it was night, it was morning.
Wednesday saw the confirmation of the resource motion and working group. It also witnessed the naming of the archbishop elect for Polynesia. Right Reverend Doctor Winston Halapua Dr Halapua, 64, will take the position on behalf of Tikanga Polynesia and become the third figurehead for the provincial church alongside current archbishops Brown Turei and David Moxon. Upon his instillation as archbishop his episcopal jurisdiction will cover the islands of Tonga, Fiji, both Samoa and American Samoa, and the pacific island congregations in Auckland. The Auckland University theology lecturer and Principal of the College of the Diocese of Polynesia at St Johns was nominated by the church members of his Tikanga. The decision was made official by Archbishop Turei yesterday morning. Dr Halapua’s appointment follows the death of Archbishop Jabez Bryce earlier this year. It is expected he will leave his Auckland base and return to Suva to take up the archbishops seat.
It was day, it was night, it’s today!
Final day of synod has arrived and members are still moving motions and confirming bills. Dinner is on its way and so I am off!
Tootles!
