Methodist Publishing Board Report
Last year’s Methodist Conference affirmed the continuation of Touchstone and the Board introducing a subscription model of around $1.50 per copy from the beginning in July 2023. The number of parishes willing to commit to paid subscriptions did not stack up and it was no longer feasible to print Touchstone.
From July 2023 Touchstone has been available online in a magazine format with links sent via a wide email distribution list. In addition to links directing readers to the online version, a reduced version of the publication has been produced as a printable PDF for readers unable to access or use the online option. We have heard that some churches are printing of the PDF version and making it available to those who prefer this format rather than reading it on line.
The reaction has been muted. In fact there was little reaction from our readers to indicate this move was not valid. Maybe people accept that this is the way things are done these days.
The Methodist Church has produced a newspaper since 1859 and the many different publications have shown that the Church has been flexible and able to pivot to changing contexts and times. Our communications have evolved rather than remaining static. However the core mission has not changed. Each iteration of the newspapers had a specific focus in sharing the voice, mission, and theology and bi-cultural journey of Methodism in Aotearoa and bringing these values and voices to issues here and globally.
As part of that on-going journey to begin to address the future of Touchstone and the wider communication needs of our Haahi, a wānanga was held in late August where members of the Publishing Board came together with representatives from Te Taha Māori, Pasifika and Tauiwi to consider our past to create a vision for the future of communications for MCNZ.
In discussion the group reiterated that our mission and values inform our direction in all communications. Within the current environment, it determined that the purpose of all key messaging is to:
• Inform
• Empower
• Transform
Nowadays, there are many different ways of communicating. Touchstone is one way however we need to consider others especially if we are going to appeal to the younger members of the Church. To help us make the transition, the Board deliberately recruited younger members.
Four new members have joined the Board to make it more representative of our Haahi - John Carr (Tauranga) Amelia Takataka (Hamilton) Felonitesi Manukia (Auckland) and Christina Morunga (Northland). They have made a marvellous contribution to the life and work of the Board and their appointment was endorsed by the Conference. Other members of the Board are Pauline McKay (Convenor) Tara Tautari (General Secretary) Ady Shannon (Touchstone Editor) Joeli Ducivaki and Barbara Peddie.
The main challenge for the MPB will be how Touchstone fits with the other communication tools that we have. For example how do Touchstone and Connexions complement each other? Is Connexions for more ‘in house’ news and Touchstone providing in-depth analysis and theological reflection on social and other issues?