Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for this week’s Clergy Conference (today is our final day of meeting). The theme of our conference is Reimagining the Future. What could we and should we change in our Diocese as we move forward in Regeneration of our Diocese, as change in society continues and as all ministry units face rising costs of ministry and property. Our deliberations will feed into proposals coming to this year’s Synod as we seek to be a Diocese which as far as possible within our canons, statutes and Acts of Parliament seeks to be adaptable to changing contexts for the ministry of the Gospel.
While at our conference we have been enjoying meeting in the new community centre at All Saints’, Burwood in the Parish of Shirley. It was a privilege to take part in the opening of the centre on Sunday afternoon with Mayor Phil Mauger, in a centre filled with congregational members, local community supporters and political leaders. I congratulate the Reverend Dr Carolyn Robertson and her parish team, the external contractors and CPT staff who have worked so hard through several years to ensure the vision for this building became a reality.
I remind you of two calls to prayer: A Call to Prayer for our younger generations, our first third, is being planned for 5pm, Sunday 25 May 2025. This is at the end of Youth Week and the invitation and encouragement is for Christians to gather in small or large groups to prayer for our tamariki, our children, our rangatahi, our young people. Then, the Reverend Tim Handley (Westland), on behalf of the Diocese, is working on a Day of Prayer, 9am to 5pm, Saturday 7 June 2025. Further details about are being mailed out to ministry unit leaders and to all members of the Diocesan Prayer Community.
Christ Church Cathedral in the Square has been in the news this past week. First, Frank Films has published an 8-minute video online about “When will Christchurch get its heart back? – Cathedral Square”. Secondly, Chris Lynch has published a responsive opinion piece titled “The Cathedral doesn’t define Christchurch and it’s time to stop pretending it does”
Meanwhile, Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) is quietly moving forward in continuing work on how we might complete the cathedral. No one can disagree with Chris Lynch that a significant focus of inner-city life in Christchurch is currently in and around the Riverside Market. My disagreement with Chris is that we have not gotten a completed Square yet – it is not only the cathedral that needs completing but also the vacant sections around the Square, along with cafes and restaurants to supplement the few that are already there. A completed Square, with a buzzing Te Pae, our well used Tūranga – main city library, and people moving in and out of hotels, offices, cafes and restaurants, sitting midway between the Riverside market, inner city shops and the arts precinct with a busy Court Theatre, Theatre Royal and The Piano, will take on a life of its own. If only we have a vision to see what can be rather than what currently is not.
It is very distressing to read and hear global news these days. There is no peace in our world. The situation in Gaza is horrible. Ukraine remains a killing field despite promises of ceasefire talks. India and Pakistan have a fragile ceasefire following exchanges of fire against each other. Pray for peace!
All are welcome to the Hura Kōhatu (unveiling of the grave) for the late Bishop Richard Wallace at 11am Wairewa [Little River] Urupā Saturday, 31 May 2025 followed by Hākari at Te Pā Mihinare o Te Waipounamu, 290 Ferry Road, Waltham. Please RSVP to admin@waipounamu.org.nz
This coming Sunday, 18 May is Easter 5. The Gospel reading is John 13:31-35. “By this love you have for one another everyone will now that you are my disciples.” Let us never underestimate the power and the impact of the love we have for one another.
Arohanui,
+Peter.