General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari's speech at the Wasewase Methodist Womens Fellowship AGM

It is with great joy and gratitude that I stand before you today. I thank the Wasewase Methodist Women’s Fellowship for inviting me to speak on the vital themes of Women Empowerment and Leadership, within the broader context of being instruments of Peace. Your fellowship embodies a spirit of unity and strength that is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to join you in this gathering, where we seek to encourage each other and explore the critical roles that women play in leadership, both within our Church and in our wider communities. As we delve into these themes, let us open our hearts and minds, embracing the call to be instruments of peace, agents of change, and impactful leaders in our own right.

During this kōrero, I will touch on four key propositions:

1. Storytelling and Connection: Sharing our stories fosters empathy and solidarity, empowering women to challenge stereotypes and advocate for change.

2. Intergenerational Collaboration and Inclusivity: Working together across generations and embracing diverse perspectives enhances our leadership and resilience.

3. Diverse Expressions of Ministry: Recognising and supporting various forms of ministry, from pastoral care to creative arts, allows the Church to utilise the unique gifts of all members.

4. Empowerment and Systemic Change: Both individual empowerment and structural reforms are essential. We must create inclusive environments and dismantle barriers to women’s leadership.

But to get us started, I’m aware that for many of you this will be the first time that you are meeting me and so I would like to share with you some of my own story. As I said, telling our stories is part of who we are, a way to connect, to understand each other, and to find common ground. It allows us to see what has brought us to this moment, and it is through sharing our journeys that we can inspire and empower one another.

I grew up in Tai Tokerau in the North Island the eldest of six children. My upbringing in the Weteriana faith and my journey from a small Māori settlement to the ecumenical global stage shaped my understanding of leadership and empowerment. This background fuels my passion for women's leadership in our Church and communities.

I am married with three children - two daughters and one son. My father was of the Ngātihine and Ngāpuhi iwi and my mother is of the Te Whakapiko Hapū of Ngāti Manaia. My early life was spent on a farm in a small Māori settlement called Waiomio where I stayed until I was sent away to College in Auckland, following the tradition in our family. It started when a Methodist Māori deaconess, Sister Atawhai George, convinced my grandmother to send my mother to be educated in Auckland and so she went to Kurahuna boarding hostel to attend secondary school. Kurahuna as you may know was established by the Methodist Woman's Missionary Union, a forerunner to the Methodist Women's Fellowship. My mother would also in later years, send her daughters away to Auckland for their education. As I did mine. My youngest daughter is there now, finishing off her year 13 school year. So, there is a whakapapa there between the women of our whānau, the Methodist Womens Fellowship, and Kurahuna, that beyond financial support, and emotional and spiritual encouragement, embraces a legacy of commitment to female education that helped to create a ripple effect of empowerment within our family.

I was thirteen when our Church took the decision to embark on a bicultural journey, Māori and Tauiwi- to share resources, to share power, to take decisions together. At thirteen, I didn't know anything about that. That wasn't on my radar, but ten years later when the decision was taken to establish the Council of Conference to model the partnership between Taha Māori and Tauiwi, I was appointed as a rangatahi to serve on that first Council. And that was an exciting time for me because the Church was changing and I was right there in the midst of it, witnessing and contributing to this transformative journey. This experience was not just about observing change but about being an active part of it. It opened my eyes to the importance of leadership, collaboration, and the power of shared vision. It was a time when I truly began to understand the of our bicultural commitment and the significant impact it would have on our faith community. It was a time of learning, growth, and stepping into a role that was both challenging and rewarding.

As I look back on those years, I realise how pivotal they were in shaping my understanding of what it means to be an instrument of peace and an advocate for empowerment. The journey of our Church towards a genuine partnership between Māori and Tauiwi has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity. These are the principles that guide me today, and I am passionate about sharing this journey with you all as we continue to build a Church that truly reflects the love and justice of God in this whenua.

Not all my Church work has been locally based. I spent 14 years living in Switzerland working for the World Council of Churches in education and ecumenical formation. You know, when you are working for an organisation that is a fellowship of 352 member churches (of which our Methodist Church is a founding member) representing more than half a billion Christians around the world, it really gives you an insight into the vast diversity and richness of the global Christian community. This experience opened my eyes to the different ways in which faith is practised and lived out across various cultures and contexts. It highlighted the common challenges we face and the unique solutions that different communities bring to these challenges. Working in such a diverse environment also reinforced the importance of ecumenism- the idea that, despite our differences, we are united in our commitment to Christ and our mission to serve the world in his name. During my time there, I saw first-hand the power of education and formation in shaping not only individual lives but also entire communities. It also taught me about the significance of leadership development particularly in empowering women and young people to take on roles of influence and service. These experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and my approach to ministry. They've underscored the necessity of being open to learning from others, of being willing to step outside our comfort zones, and of embracing the global nature of our faith.

In 2019, when I was in a process of discernment about whether I should apply for the role of general secretary, I was acutely aware that there had only been one woman before me (the wonderful Jill van de Geer) and that there had never been a Māori person in the role. This awareness brought with it a mix of emotions- a sense of honour at the possibility of breaking new ground, but also the weight of responsibility that comes with such a significant step. I understood that my decision would not just be about my own journey, but about paving the way for others who might follow. It was about challenging the status quo and demonstrating that leadership in our church can and should reflect the diversity of our community. It was about embodying the very principles of empowerment and inclusivity that we so often speak about, but which require action and commitment to bring to fruition. During this process, I sought guidance through prayer, conversations with mentors, and reflection on the scriptures. I was reminded of God's call to each of us to use our gifts and talents in service to God's mission. I felt a deep sense of being called to step into this role, not just for myself but for all people like me (women and brown!) who aspire to lead and serve within our Church. Ultimately, I took that step, inspired by the belief that our Church is at its best when it embraces the full spectrum of its members voices and gifts. Woman's leadership and empowerment in this space is not merely an add on or a token gesture; it is essential to the health and vitality of our faith community. When women are empowered to lead, we see a more complete picture of God's Kingdom. We witness the unfolding of diverse perspectives, experiences, and gifts that enrich our collective worship, decision making, and mission.

The journey toward inclusivity and empowerment is ongoing, requiring continuous efforts to create spaces where women can thrive, with their contributions valued and voices heard. This entails actively removing barriers, challenging stereotypes, and supporting one another in our diverse callings. Recognising the complexities of women's experiences and challenges demands embracing intersectionality in our dialogue on empowerment and leadership. Women, facing common struggles for equality, navigate diverse landscapes shaped by factors like race, ethnicity socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. For underrepresented groups like indigenous women for example, systemic barriers compound challenges, exacerbating inequalities in access to opportunities. Similarly, women facing economic hardship or discrimination based on sexual orientation encounter unique obstacles on their leadership journeys. By acknowledging these intersecting identities and experiences, we validate diverse narratives and deepen our understanding of structural inequalities. Embracing intersectionality enriches discourse on women's empowerment by centring all women's voices and experiences, fostering inclusivity, and guiding more comprehensive strategies for achieving gender equality in leadership. In my role, I am committed to advocating for and fostering an environment where women feel encouraged and equipped to take on leadership roles. This commitment extends to ensuring that our structures and practises reflect our values of equity and inclusion. By doing so, we honour the diverse ways in which God calls and equips each of us.

This is why the work of the Wasewase Methodist Womens Fellowship is so important. You have your finger on the pulse as to what is happening in the lives of the women whom you represent and their families and wider communities. You understand the struggles and challenges that are being experienced by whānau in Aotearoa today. On Thursday, we had the release of the Government’s budget. Depending on how you add up the figures, you will know what's in it for households. And you know what it takes for your members to survive and more than that, to grow and thrive in this context. What barriers prevent them from reaching their full potential.

And in this context, what never fails to amaze me is the resilience and generosity of our families, who, despite facing numerous challenges and pressures, continue to give and contribute to the Church. They selflessly offer their time, talents, and resources in service to God and others, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Whether through volunteering, participating in ministry initiatives, or simply offering a listening ear and a word of encouragement, they exemplify what it means to live out the gospel message in tangible and meaningful ways.

In a world that often emphasises self-interest and individualism, the sacrificial giving and service of our families stand as a powerful counter-narrative - a reminder of the impact that acts of kindness and generosity can have on the lives of others. This same spirit of selfless service is beautifully exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who's actions and teachings embodied the essence of faith-filled leadership. Jesus consistently placed others before himself, reaching out to the marginalised, the underrepresented and advocating for justice and compassion. His leadership was not about asserting power or dominance, but about serving others with humility and love. He washed the feet of his disciples, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately sacrificed his life for the redemption of humanity. In doing so, Jesus set a profound example of what it means to lead with faith, compassion, and selflessness.

The work of women in the Church and broader community further illustrates this faith-filled leadership. Women in the scriptures, like Deborah and Priscilla. Women who are committed to God's calling. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led Israel with wisdom and courage, demonstrating that leadership grounded in faith and righteousness can bring about transformative change. Priscilla, alongside her husband, was a key figure in the early Christian church, teaching, and mentoring others. Her dedication to spreading the gospel and nurturing the faith of others highlights the essential role women play in the spiritual and communal life of the Church.

In our contemporary context, women continue to lead with faith and resilience, often under challenging circumstances. They have diverse expressions of ministry and serve as presbyters, educators, caregivers, and advocates, embodying the teachings of Jesus through their actions. Their leadership is characterised by a deep sense of empathy, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of their communities. By nurturing and empowering others, they help to build strong inclusive and compassionate communities of faith. But that wasn’t always the case. Throughout history, the Church has often perpetuated and even reinforced patriarchal norms, inadvertently sidelining women from positions of authority and influence. Despite the teachings of equality and justice within Christianity, women have frequently been excluded from leadership roles, with their voices marginalised or ignored. This failure to uphold gender equality not only contradicts the principles of love and inclusion espoused by the Church but also hinders its ability to fully reflect the diversity and richness of God's creation. By recognising and openly addressing these past shortcomings, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that have inhibited women's leadership within the church, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

Sisters, one thing that has been brought to my attention and is puzzling to me is the absence of a female presbyter within the Wasewase whānau and it raises important questions about the barriers and challenges that may have hindered women's progression into leadership roles within the Synod. While it's tempting to assume that no barriers exist, the reality is often more complex, and I believe that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. One barrier to appointing a female presbyter may stem from entrenched historical and cultural norms within both our Church and broader society. Traditional gender roles have often confined women to supportive rather than leadership roles, while patriarchal structures in religious institutions may consciously or unconsciously perpetuate gender bias. This lack of representation of women in leadership positions creates a cycle of underrepresentation, with few visible female role models to inspire and mentor aspiring women leaders. Furthermore, systemic barriers such as limited access to education and training opportunities may hinder women's ability to develop leadership skills and pursue careers in ministry.

In addressing these barriers, it's essential to recognise the importance of ministerial formation in equipping women for leadership roles. Conference in taking a decision last year to plot a new direction for the way in which the church will undertake mission resourcing and ministerial formation has opened the way for a renewed look at how we support our women in theological education and ministerial formation. By investing in comprehensive ministerial formation programmes tailored to the unique needs and experiences of women, the Church can empower them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to assume leadership positions. This includes providing access to theological education, formation training, mentorship, and support networks specifically designed to nurture and empower women for ministry.

Last week I co-facilitated the Trinity Methodist Theological College symposium on ReWeaving Theological Education- remembering 180 years of Theological Education in Aotearoa. During that gathering I had first conversations around the development of a special Womens Leadership Initiative to encourage women into ministry and to enable their ministerial formation. My hope is it under the leadership of the new Te Hāpai ō ki Muri and the Kai Hapai we will see some traction on this initiative. In the interim, it is incumbent upon Wasewase and the Woman's Fellowship to embrace this challenge and commence planning for the appointment of the first Wasewase female presbyter. Achieving this goal will require careful planning and strategic deliberation. But we are up for the challenge and with God's grace, guidance, and our collective dedication, I'm confident that we can succeed. This milestone will mark a significant step forward not only for women in the Church but for the whole Church. And let’s not stop there. Let’s keep creating opportunities for Womens empowerment and leadership in diverse ministries throughout Wasewase.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the opportunity to share with you today. I believe that together with God’s grace, we have the power to shape a future where the voices and leadership of women are not only heard but celebrated and embraced. So let us commit to taking tangible steps, whether it's mentoring young women, advocating for structural changes, or actively supporting initiatives that empower women. With open hearts, minds, and a shared commitment to being instruments of peace and agents of change, I am confident that we will continue to motivate and empower one another as we journey forward.

Let us remember that our actions speak louder than words. It is through our dedicated efforts and unwavering resolve that we will bring about the meaningful change we envision. Together, let us turn our aspirations into reality, ensuring that the spirit of empowerment and leadership thrives within our communities. Thank you and may we all be blessed with the strength and determination to make a lasting impact.

Nō reira, e te whānau, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.