Hymnwriters Downunder – Methodists sing the praise of God in Aotearoa New Zealand a new book by retired Methodist minister Rev Dr Terry Wall, will be launched at the MCNZ Conference Wesley Historical Society AGM and dinner on Friday 18 November. Alan Upson previews the upcoming edition.

In his latest book, the author draws on his extensive background of pastoral ministry, preaching, and knowledge of Church and theology to discuss the dawning of a new hymn writing movement from geographically world-isolated Aotearoa. 

Using hymns by Colin Gibson, Shirley Erena Murray, Bill Wallace, Marnie Barrrell, Norman Brookes and Norman Goreham, Terry points out an enlightening movement of Spirit in a time of resistance to change. His enthusiasm is caught up in the introductory words, “Quietly, often under the radar, in this climate of internal tension and dispute, a renewal has been underway that needs to be welcomed with thanksgiving.” Clear signs of direction and hope are to be found in these new hymns - that some might feel have been forced on them as they long for a return to a past that has been outlived. 

The book starts with a chapter on the birth of Methodism, briefly defining its spirituality and theology. This forms a base from which to compare the past to the present. Introducing the hymnwriters and using words of the hymns themselves, he draws out a number of themes. The different colours of the writers’ awakening of Spirit in the hymnody of our day, come together in a promise for a better world. In the refreshing composition and poetry of the awakening hymns, hymnwriters downunder clear our thinking about a dawning Kiwi theology, captured in song. 

We live in interesting times. We could easily sink in despair about our failure to care for creation and guilt about the world we pass on to future generations. The unique hymns that grow out of Aotearoa, its people, the gifts of diverse cultures and faiths tell a different story of a Creative Spirit, healing the people and land, and of compassion put into practice, creating a gathered belief in the better. 

This is an irrepressibly hopeful book, clearly structured and easily read. In telling of the spirituality of the hymnwriters, Terry writes of their gifts of defining the beauty and inspiration of a Christ embedded in our present day, as to those of past eras. The book is also meditative in nature as it draws on and reflects past wisdom - a timely book to be enjoyed. 

Hymnwriters Downunder will be available from the author. Contact Terry at lynne.terry.wall@gmail.com Cost: $25 + $5 postage