President Rev Andrew Doubleday joined Vice President Étuini (Edwin) Talakai, General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari, representatives from Te Taha Māori, Tauiwi and youth leaders in a pre-recorded whakatau and remembrance service that included prayer, readings and hymns. Conference concluded on Saturday morning with a Service of Recognition featuring a Q&A presentation where Michael Lemanu interviewed retiring presbyters from 2020 and 2021.

In the intervening days, via a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions, participants watched, discussed, deliberated, listened and learned as Conference unfolded online in a novel alternative to the planned gathering in Wellington. Ady Shannon presents an overview of Conference 2021.

In a first, all Conference events were held online via Zoom and online streaming. Registered participants were invited to attend an ‘Introduction to Conference’ Zoom meeting the day before. The briefing included information on the format and style of Conference and shared tips on how best to manage the peccadilloes of Zoom, interrupted internet connections and the many features necessary for a virtual Conference attended by 290 members and observers in separate and disparate locations.

President Andrew Doubleday reminded attendees that “Nothing takes God by surprise,” in an opening address delivered from the Conference hub at Christchurch North Parish. It was a fitting reminder for a gathering that even a year ago would have been outside the realms of what was realistic and viable for a biennial event that reports on, determines and celebrates so much of the life and direction of Weteriana. Tuesday’s introductory session proved invaluable as attendees shared tips in a combined spirit of flexibility, adaptability and patience as technical teething problems unfolded. Resolution was swift; once all attendees switched off their microphones, there was an immediate positive impact on proceedings that continued for the duration of Conference.

Outstanding Delivery

Exceptional planning and preparation resulted in a rich and enriching Conference. In one of a series of international messages from global ecumenical friends, peppered throughout the three-day programme, Rev Sharon Hollis, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, said, “I pray that as you gather together to discern, to discuss, to decide you may know the blessing of the Spirit who joins us across time and space and holds us whether we gather in person or online.” Given the respectful and diverse conversations that played out over the course of Conference, that prayer was answered.

A combination of live discussions, business proceedings, performances and live-streamed pre-recorded presentations carefully scheduled, edited and curated ensured that Zoom fatigue was never an issue. Comprehensive reports were professionally presented by representatives who were in command of the camera and the content of the projects and areas they were reporting on. The consensus decision-making model, so intrinsic to the Methodist Church, was sharply in focus despite there being no direct physical contact between those asking questions and those providing answers. Raised-hands and thumbs-up symbols on screens indicated questions and affirmations in a graphic display visible to all.

A series of pre-recorded presentations gave insight into how Covid has impacted church and its people in so many ways. The Church response to change and pandemics over the past year has been creative, diverse and effective.

Day one started with a whakatau and service to honour those who have died. In the afternoon, the presidential team-elect was announced, and Rev Peter Taylor (President-elect) and TeRito Peyroux (Vice President-elect) Zoomed in from Invercargill and Auckland respectively, to address delegates. Most reports and suggested decisions were read and received with little debate. One exception was the NZMWF request for a long-term funding commitment from MCNZ to assist NZMWF members with the financial impact of attending conventions and meetings. A passionate and eloquent appeal from outgoing NZMWF President Siniva Vaitoha affirmed her commitment to and exceptional skills in advocacy for women.

Rangatahi a Priority

Recognising the importance of rangatahi to MCNZ was raised by many as a priority for action. TeRito Peyroux, reporting on behalf of Mission Resourcing, expressed frustration that over 20 years, she has witnessed the loss of talented and gifted youth. Despite ongoing decisions at Conferences acknowledging the importance of youth inclusion in leadership roles, rangatahi are still not widely represented on boards and committees. The General Secretary and President have jointly agreed to look at all board appointments and to strengthen the Conference commitment to achieving better youth representation across all areas of leadership and decision-making.

Next year, Michael Lemanu, Tauiwi Children, Youth and Family Ministries National Coordinator, will be training for ministry. Michael has been a tireless and talented youth mentor and his involvement in Conference this year was significant. His availability for 2022 has yet to be determined, depending on his candidacy. However, Conference received an assurance from Mission Resourcing that the youth ministry will continue.

All Voices Heard

Thematic workshops were a new innovation for encouraging broader discussion. Participants joined any one of 16 workshops with facilitators tasked with encouraging discussion from all participants on a range of subjects, including:

Ø Bicultural Church

Ø How are we Known?

Ø A New Law Book?

Ø Resourcing Mission

Ø Covid-19

The President prepared an introductory video for each workshop, sharing the anticipated scope of discussions. Delegates were encouraged to participate in a group of their choice. Before participants broke out into chat rooms, the President reiterated, “The purpose of the Conference discussion groups is not to reach decisions but rather to gauge the temperature of the Church.”

Workshop facilitators’ reports can be found throughout the publication.

Rich and Enriching

There were many memorable moments, outstanding contributions and significant sharings. Highlights included:

Ø Rev Susan Thompson presenting tributes to those who have died – the content, tone, pace and delivery was superb.

Ø The Methodist Alliance compilation video that captured the essence of their mission in all its diversity as they ensured the vulnerable, aged, homeless and others were housed and fed during crisis times. Social justice and genuine kindness in action.

Ø Rangatahi sharing the impact of Covid on their lives and ministry. They have learned to connect, engage, share resources - including family recipes - and worship in many fresh, vibrant, helpful and innovative ways.

Ø Musical interludes showcasing talented musicians and singers, many fluent in te reo. Music and Methodism go hand in hand.

Ø A prayer breakfast inspired by the success of an online prayer breakfast held for the NZMWF Conference earlier in the year.

Ø Grafton Downs presenting an initial donation of over $2 million to Conference towards social housing. The ongoing gifting of two percent of sales from Paerata Rise towards social housing throughout Aotearoa will make a massive difference.

Ø Michael Lemanu fronting interviews with retiring ministers, capturing the most rewarding and challenging times of a career in ministry. Poignant, moving, candid and insightful.

Ø Extensive Climate Justice presentations and discussions conducted in workshops and subsequently in a 90-minute plenary session. Action on climate change is a priority for MCNZ.

Ø Consensus decision-making taking place virtually in a mutually respectful, supportive manner.

Mahi Ahead

Many of the suggestions from Conference will act as a catalyst for further discussion and work. Revision of the Law Book, rangatahi representation on committees and boards, reviewing the role of the Council of Conference and PAC, and considering the potential merger of Mission Resourcing and Mission & Ecumenical are all areas for significant discussion and action in the future.

Conference 2022 will provide the forum for presenting reports and making bold decisions that reflect the structure, role and direction of MCNZ in its current context.

Conference 2022

Rev Kulimoi’anga Fisi’iahi, virtually accepting the Conference banner, extended an invitation to all Conference attendees to join bicentennial celebrations next year at Conference in Te Tai Tokerau, Kerikeri. After promising, “There will be kai moana in abundance”, Kuli delivered a rousing rendition of How Great Thou Art, in te reo and English.

In closing, Rev Andrew Doubleday complimented all in attendance for their patience, tolerance, friendship and warmth. “This was not the easiest of circumstances as we have negotiated our way through Conference. We started out feeling like rabbits in the spotlight, but your grace got us through.”

Given the unusual circumstances, it was a credit to everyone involved that business concluded ahead of schedule and that the tone of the live banter and online chats was enthusiastic, convivial and animated. Bicentennial celebrations aside, Conference 2021 might herald a new era in how and where MCNZ Conference convenes in the future.

Additional facilitators’ and presenters’ reports on various sessions can be found throughout the publication. For the Conference agenda, board and committee reports, and service booklets, visit: www.methodist.org.nz