MCNZ Facing Failure, Making Amends, Implementing Change

The findings and recommendations may not bring closure to the many people whose lives and futures have been destroyed by the appalling actions of those charged with their care. However, the report may provide assurance that survivors’ voices have been heard and in sharing their stories, the hope is that others will be spared being subjected to similar treatment. Those impacted include a number of people in the care of the Methodist Church of New Zealand and its related institutions. General Secretary, Rev Tara Tautari, shares the work being undertaken to ensure there is redress for those affected and safeguarding procedures in place to ensure that it never happens again.    

On 18 October 2022, I was staying at a hotel near our 409 Church offices in Tamaki. Since early morning, I had been in prayer, uncertain about what the day would bring. This day marked my appearance before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Seated before the Commissioners as I prepared to address the profound injustices within our Church community, my wairua felt heavy within me, although my mind was calm. And so I began what was to be a day-long talanoa with the following words:

"On behalf of the Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, we apologise to every person who has been abused while in the care of the Church and its related institutions. The Church did not have adequate safeguarding policies and processes in place, and this led to unimaginable suffering of some children, young people and vulnerable adults. In some cases, the abusers were employees of Church related institutions; in others, the abusers were Clergy members. In some cases, the abusers were students at our Methodist College. In each case, there is no excuse for the abusive behaviour, nor for the harm inflicted on innocent people. Such abuse has no place in our faith, and we apologise unequivocally to all those survivors. We acknowledge that the trauma experienced as a result of abuse has had long-term impacts on the lives of survivors and not only on survivors, but also on their whānau and their loved ones. We apologise unreservedly to all those who have witnessed and lived with the consequences of the trauma experienced by survivors. The Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand commits itself to ensure that safeguarding policies and processes are in place in the Church and its related institutions.”

Church Must be a Safe Haven for All

The importance of churches in New Zealand being safe spaces for all people cannot be overstated. As places of worship and community gathering, churches hold a unique responsibility to foster environments where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel welcomed, respected, and protected. Creating safe spaces within churches is not just a moral imperative but also a fundamental aspect of living out the teachings of love, compassion, and justice that lie at the heart of our faith tradition. For survivors of sexual harm, in particular, churches must serve as havens where they can find support, healing, and validation for their experiences, free from judgment or stigma. Moreover, prioritising safety within churches sends a powerful message to the wider community about the values of inclusivity, integrity, and accountability that guide faith communities in New Zealand. It is through this commitment to creating safe spaces that churches can truly fulfil their mission of nurturing spiritual growth, fostering meaningful connections, and embodying the transformative power of faith in action.

Since our appearance before the Royal Commission of Inquiry, our Church has advanced in its safeguarding efforts. Our safeguarding policy, to be presented at this year's Conference, underscores our commitment to a safe environment, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our bicultural partnership.

Following a 3-day pilot training workshop in October 2022, four subsequent workshops have been conducted by trained and skilled facilitators Shirley Rivers, Darryn Hickling, and Mary Caygill.

Workshops will be augmented by e-learning and webinars, designed to prioritise the safety of children across diverse care environments. Additionally, our ongoing mandate for Professional Supervision continues, while we are in the process of crafting a programme for Spiritual Companionship, which we believe will further enhance our commitment to safeguarding initiatives.

Supporting the Survivors

As General Secretary, I have the responsibility of overseeing our Church's redress scheme, which has brought to light 60 plus survivor claims for redress. These courageous individuals have come forward from various care settings within our Church community, including Children's Homes we operated, Wesley College, and our churches. Their decision to share their stories reflects tremendous bravery and resilience in confronting the painful realities of their past experiences. From my meetings with survivors, it is clear that what they seek most is to be believed and validated in their journey toward healing and justice.

I’ve met with survivors in maximum security prisons, in lawyers’ offices, and in their homes. I’ve met with survivors as part of restorative justice processes. The discussions were intense and graphic. The Royal Commission’s report will include recommendations as a result of the inquiry. The Methodist Church will feature in the report, that is for sure. In the meantime, our own redress scheme continues.

Facing Failure and Embracing Tansformation

This is not a comfortable ride - discomfort is often necessary for growth and transformation. Certainly, our Church needs to be transformed. To break the code of silence and confront the painful truths that have been buried beneath the surface for far too long. To face our failure, and to commit wholeheartedly to making amends and ensuring such abuses never occur again. The journey ahead will demand honesty, humility, and a willingness to listen to those whose voices have been silenced or ignored or not believed and to act upon their truths with compassion and justice. It will require us to dismantle systems of power that have perpetuated harm and to rebuild with accountability and transparency at the forefront. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but it is essential, if we are to truly embody the values of love, compassion, and integrity that our faith teaches. So, as we embark on this journey together, let us brace ourselves for the discomfort, knowing that on the other side lies the possibility of a Church renewed, restored, and strengthened in its commitment to healing and justice for all.

Like each of you, I am deeply invested in ensuring that our Church becomes a safe space for all, where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and protected. May God continue to accompany us and our Hāhi on this journey.

Na reira, e te whānau, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā anō tatou katoa.