Showing posts with label new zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new zealand. Show all posts

Monday, March 23, 2020

Sexual harassment victim wins landmark apology from Anglican Church

From New Zealand-

A parishioner who fought the Anglican Church for 15 years after being sexually harassed by a priest has won a landmark settlement and apology, including an acknowledgment the Church can be held to account for its ministers' behaviour.

Until now, the Church has refused to be held liable for clergy, saying they were not its employees but were essentially employed by God.

However, in a successful settlement negotiated after the woman took her case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal, the Church admitted it was responsible, and will now improve its vetting, training and complaints process.

The Church will also pay the woman $100,000 in recognition of the gravity of humiliation and hurt she suffered, and in recognition of its flawed handling of the complaint.

More here-

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Hallelujah: New Zealand Anglicans can have sex outside of marriage

From New Zealand-

God has looked favourably upon New Zealand Anglicans this week with confirmation that sex outside of marriage, while not actively encouraged, is not cause for condemnation. This comes days after the Church of England (the mother church of the international Anglican Communion) released pastoral guidance stating that “sexual relationships outside heterosexual marriage are regarded as falling short of God’s purposes for human beings.”

The five-page statement laid out the Church of England’s stance on sex outside of marriage as well as civil relationships, both same sex and opposite sex. On whether or not the church would allow priests to preside over and bless civil relationships (of any kind), “the House of Bishops affirms that clergy of the Church of England should not provide services of blessing for those who register a civil partnership.”

More here-

https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/29-01-2020/hallelujah-new-zealand-anglicans-can-have-sex-outside-of-marriage/

Monday, December 23, 2019

New Zealand’s iconic cathedral will finally be rebuilt

From New Zealand-

Next year marks 9 years since an earthquake devastated the quaint cityscape of New Zealand’s Christchurch with its splendid cathedral.

Christchurch, the biggest city on New Zealand’s South Island, was already rebuilding from a previous earthquake when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck during the lunch hour on Feb. 22, 2011.
Not only was Christ Church Cathedral, seat of the Anglican bishop of Christchurch, partly ruined, but much of the downtown was destroyed or left uninhabitable. Even more tragic were the deaths of 185 people.

A temporary replacement designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and constructed out of cardboard — yes, cardboard — was erected in the aftermath as a debate ensued over whether Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Victorian-era cathedral should be rebuilt. The debate turned heated with litigation and interventions from politicians and historic preservationists.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/new-zealands-iconic-cathedral-will-finally-be-rebuilt.html

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The different fates of Christchurch's Catholic and Anglican cathedrals

From New Zealand-

There's more than one battle in this long saga and only one of the cathedrals will have a happy ending.

Both buildings were severely damaged by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and aftershocks, and both sit derelict.

The future of the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Barbadoes St looked safe after the Bishop Barry Jones supported restoration.

Meanwhile, the iconic ChristChurch Anglican Cathedral in the city centre looked doomed after its Bishop Victoria Matthews opted to demolish and rebuild.

But several years after the disastrous events of 2011, their fates have switched.

The Gothic-designed ChristChurch cathedral will be rebuilt and its classical Catholic counterpart will be deconstructed and a new one built closer to the city centre.

More here-

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018725000/the-different-fates-of-christchurch-s-catholic-and-anglican-cathedrals

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Prince Charles now 'royal patron' of ChristChurch Cathedral rebuild

From New Zealand (with video)-

Prince Charles has thrown his support behind the reinstatement of one of New Zealand's iconic landmarks, as the week-long royal tour nears an end.

The ChristChurch Cathedral is in a state of disrepair following the Christchurch earthquakes.
The future king is stepping in, announcing he'll become the royal patron of its reinstatement.
The royal patronage recognises and reinforces the significance of the cathedral as the centre of Anglican worship in Canterbury, a heritage treasure, and city icon," said Rev Peter Carell, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch.

"We are thrilled that the Prince of Wales has also made a substantial donation to the project, which we hope will encourage others. His Royal Highness' commitment to our special place will enhance interest in the cathedral nationally and internationally."

More here-

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/11/prince-charles-now-royal-patron-of-christchurch-cathedral-rebuild.html

Monday, October 21, 2019

NZ gets two Anglican Churches. Maybe Australia will too

From New Zealand-

There is a great line that economics writers use to disparage each other: “They predicted ten of the last three recessions.”

Church splits are a bit similar. It would be easy to have predicted ten of the last three schisms.
For example, an imminent split in the Anglican Church of Australia has been written about for the last two decades – normally in the Sydney Morning Herald.

This is not to diminish the seriousness of the current situation facing Australia’s Anglican Church. The dispute over same-sex blessings that escalated after the Diocese (region) of Wangaratta authorised blessings of civil marriages of LGBT people and the Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies responded by asking those leaders who want to change doctrine to leave, was quite rightly described by Davies as a “crisis”.

More here-

https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/nz-gets-two-anglican-churches-maybe-australia-will-too/

Saturday, September 14, 2019

‘Wai’ now Bishop Quayle

From New Zealand-

A moving powhiri on a dazzling spring day, a haka and the ordination of the first Maori Woman to the bishopric of the New Zealand Anglican Church happened at Rathkeale College on Thursday.

Waitohiariki Quayle will be known as Bishop Quayle of Upoko o Te Ika [lower North Island] and serve the Maori Anglican bishopric of the lower North Island.

Hundreds of people from around the North Island came to witness this historic event.
Bishop Quayle said she felt the “wairua [spirit]” present and felt, “very emotional as a servant of God”.

Quayle did need to dry her eyes during the ordination.

“It’s very personal,” she said, saying it was a significant day for New Zealand women.

More here-

https://times-age.co.nz/wai-now-bishop-quayle/

Thursday, August 8, 2019

First Māori King's 160-year-old flag handed back to 'rightful owners' in Auckland ceremony

From New Zealand-


The first Māori King's flag has been returned to its "rightful owners", after being owned by the Anglican Church for around 160 years.

Bishop Ross Bay, from the Anglican Diocese, officially signed over ownership to the Kīngitanga in a ceremony hosted by Parnell's Holy Trinity Cathedral on Thursday. 

"There was no doubt that [the flag] belongs in Ngaruawahia from whence it came, 160 years ago. They are the rightful owners," Bay said. 

Pōtatau Te Wherowhero was the first Māori King and founder of the Te Wherowhero royal dynasty. He became king in 1858 and reigned until his death in June 1860. 

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/114861069/first-mori-kings-160yearold-flag-handed-back-to-rightful-owners-in-auckland-ceremony

Monday, July 22, 2019

Bishop’s words of hope at Christian unity service

From New Zealand-

Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn spoke words of comfort, reassurance and hope, with reference to Christians working for justice, at an ecumenical service to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in June. 

Bishop Dunn gave the sermon at the service held at the Anglican Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell on the evening of June 16. 

Others who helped lead the service included Anglican Bishop of Auckland Ross Bay, Fr Bishoy Mekhaiel (parish priest of St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church), Rev. Prince Devanandran (director, mission and ecumenical, of the Methodist Church), Most Rev. Fakaofo Kaio (moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand) and Very Rev. Anne Mills (Dean, Holy Trinity Cathedral).

More here-

https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2019/07/22/bishops-words-of-hope-at-christian-unity-service/

Sunday, May 19, 2019

New Anglican diocese created in New Zealand as wider Province moves towards same-sex blessings

From Christian Today-

An independent diocese has been created by orthodox Anglicans in New Zealand following moves within the wider Province to allow same-sex blessings.

The establishment of the Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa/New Zealand follows the passing of a resolution by the Synod of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia paving the way for churches in the province to bless same sex relationships.

'Motion 29' recommended no change to the Church's official definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but said that individual bishops should be able to use existing canonical provisions to hold "a non-formulary service" allowing for the blessing of same-sex relationships.

The resolution, which was passed earlier this month, also stated that the existing canon should be amended to make clear that members of the clergy will not face disciplinary action for refusing to conduct the blessings. 

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/new-anglican-diocese-created-in-new-zealand-as-wider-province-moves-towards-same-sex-blessings/132455.htm

Friday, May 3, 2019

World's first Māori woman bishop elected

From New Zealand-

The Archbishops of the Anglican Church in New Zealand have elected the world's first Māori woman Bishop.
Archdeacon Waitohiariki Quayle has been appointed Bishop of Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.
She was ordained deacon in 2013 and priest in 2014 by Bishop Muru Walters at the Church of Te Hepara Pai in Masterton.
Archbishop Don Tamihere admitted the Church waited far too long to elect a Māori woman as Bishop.
"Archdeacon Wai's election is a very significant moment for our Church, and I believe for Māoridom as a whole," he said.
"She becomes not only the first Māori woman to be elected bishop, but the first Aotearoa New Zealand-born woman to be chosen to serve as bishop in any Tikanga.

More here-

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/worlds-first-m-ori-woman-bishop-elected

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Milestone reached in Christ Church Cathedral rebuild as design advisers appointed

From New Zealand-


The Christ Church Cathedral rebuild has reached a "significant milestone" with the appointment of new engineers and architects.

Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) announced on Wednesday that Holmes Consulting Limited Partnership would be the structural engineering experts and Warren and Mahoney Architects would be the architectural consultants involved in rebuilding the Anglican cathedral in central Christchurch.

Both companies have several New Zealand offices and some overseas.

It was hoped design work on stabilisation would be finished by the end of the year.

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/112383720/milestone-reached-in-christ-church-cathedral-rebuild-as-design-advisors-appointed 

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Kenyan priest to lead New Zealand Anglican diocese

From New Zealand-

A Kenyan Anglican priest has been elected a bishop in New Zealand.
Steve Maina, 48, will oversee the diocese of Nelson and, upon consecration, the bishop-elect will succeed Richard Ellena.

Mr Maina hails from Kagio in Kirinyaga County and comes from a family of priests with his father and grandfather having been Anglican priests.

Speaking exclusively to Sunday Nation from New Zealand, bishop-elect Maina said he was proud of his parents for raising him in the church.

“I owe who I am to my parents who invested in me from an early age. I was raised in the village. I worked in the farm and supported my parents,” he recalled.

More here-

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Human chain to protect Friday prayers at Pōneke mosque

From New Zealand-

Muslims worshipping at the Kilbirnie Masjid in Wellington this Friday will be shielded by a human chain surrounding the mosque complex during their Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers.

It was during prayers last Friday that worshippers were attacked at the Masjid Al Noor and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch.

The Anglican Assistant Bishop of Wellington, Eleanor Sanderson says, “supporting a life of prayer is central to all three Abrahamic faiths.  This is a tangible way that our people can come together to protect what should always be protected”.

Co-organiser of the human chain event, Daniel Kleinsman, says it’s not a new idea.
“It’s been organised overseas when Muslim and Jewish communities have been attacked.  It’s a powerful symbol of support and love, but it’s also practical.  It seeks to create a physical barrier of protection for those persecuted at this time.”

More here-

https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/human-chain-protect-friday-prayers-poneke-mosque

Muslim leader says Christchurch terror attack has brought community together

From New Zealand-


Anglican dean of Christchurch Lawrence Kimberley told Stuff why the event was held.

"I thought it was very important that there was a clear statement from the Christian churches that says we're standing in solidarity and love with our Muslim brothers and sisters."

Kimberley said he would like to be part of a delegation with other Christian leaders to meet with Muslim leaders to formally give their condolences. 

"[We'll] see if there's any ways we can assist practically and, in the long term, to build relationships of trust between us and a deepening of understanding between the two faiths."

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111472151/muslim-leader-says-christchurch-terror-attack-has-brought-community-together

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

'Kenyan Kiwi' named bishop-elect for Nelson Anglican Diocese

From New Zealand-


Nelson's new Anglican bishop-elect is a proud "Kenyan Kiwi" with a mission to reach out to younger generations.

Reverend Steve Maina-Mwangi was announced as Bishop-elect of the Nelson Diocese this week, replacing Richard Ellena who retired at the end of last year.

The Kenyan-born clergyman was one of three nominees put forward to the Electoral College last year, along with Michael Brantley of Wellington and Nelson's Canon D. Graham O'Brien.
Maina visited his new diocese on Wednesday, joined by his wife Watiri, to formally accept the position before Senior Bishop of NZ Dioceses Archbishop Philip Richardson.

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/111240861/kenyan-kiwi--named-bishopelect-for-nelson-anglican-diocese

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Split grows over same-sex blessings in Anglican Church in New Zealand

From Christian Today-

The decision by the Anglican Church in New Zealand to allow blessings for same-sex relationships has led to a widening rift with those who believe in the traditional position on sexuality. 

The Synod of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia (ACNZP) passed a resolution last year stating that although there was no change to its teaching on the nature of marriage 'as between a man and a woman', vicars could request permission from their bishops to hold a 'non-formulary service' to bless a same-sex relationship.

That move has disappointed some vicars who are choosing to break away and start new churches instead of remain in a Church that they feel has strayed from the Bible. 

The latest vicar to go is Andrew Allen-Johns, who stepped down from AnglicanLife Rangiora in Christchurch to lead a completely new church outside of the ACNZP.

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/split-grows-over-same-sex-blessings-in-anglican-church-in-new-zealand/131777.htm

Friday, February 15, 2019

Anglican splinter group grows as first same-sex blessing goes ahead in Canterbury

From New Zealand-


Another Anglican vicar has resigned over the decision to allow same-sex blessings as the first ceremony takes place in Canterbury under the new rule.

Rangiora vicar Andrew Allen-Johns resigned from his parish earlier this month and established a new church in central Christchurch called Anchor. The move comes as a male couple became the first in Canterbury to have a same-sex blessing under the Anglican church.

One of the pair declined to comment as they wanted the blessing to remain a private matter.

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/110560114/anglican-splinter-group-grows-as-first-samesex-blessing-goes-ahead-in-canterbury

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Anglican priest apologises for 'deeply offensive' comments in which he likened offshore processing of asylum-seekers to the Holocaust

From The Daily Mail-

An Anglican priest apologised after he compared the offshore processing of asylum-seekers to the Holocaust.

At the end of December Father Rod Bower erected a sign outside of Gosford Anglican Church which read 'Manus is how the Holocaust started'. 

With it, Father Rod wrote a lengthy post on Facebook where he explained that a photo of men behind a wire fence on Manus island 'evoked for him a remembrance of photos he'd seen of the Holocaust'. 

More here-

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Outspoken priest Rod Bower raises ire of Jewish groups

From New Zealand-

Activist priest and Senate hopeful Rod Bower has been rebuked by Jewish groups for the “offensive” and “irresponsible” comparison of the processing of asylum-seekers on Manus Island and Nauru to the Holocaust. 

The Rector of the Gosford Anglican Church used his now ­famous parish sign to offer support to another priest, Catholic Father Bob Maguire, who said pictures of refugees on the islands “reminded” him of Nazi concentration camps.

Father Bower, who announced plans to run for the Senate last ­October, erected his own sign which read: “Manus is how the Holocaust started.”

More here-