The Virtual Vicar

05 Oct 2009

A computer-based chat room is one way a rural North Canterbury parish is keeping in touch with its surrounding community.
Amuri cooperating parish, which covers an inland area north of the Hurunui River to south of Hanmer Springs, offers locals a chance to hold on-line conversations with full-time vicar Craig Smith. A password is required to be able to log in to the chat room and type in questions and messages. Other people can also join in the conversation if given the password.

“Gone are the days of one interaction point with the people of a parish,” says Craig. “We need to give lots of different opportunities for people to touch the hem of the garment of the church: some people will ring, some will stop and chat, some will want to send an email or chat online.”
The chat room has been operating for 2 years and is kept functional by grandfather and volunteer computer whizz, Peter Wallace.

Craig says the high tech approach has not been all plain sailing, but that churches need to try innovative approaches to connect with people. The district is predominantly dairy and other farming, and there are many transient farm workers.

WORDS: MEGAN BLAKIE

PHOTOS: PETER WALLACE