Touchstone October 2024

Welcome to the October edition of Touchstone.

Someone in the office this week commented that adjusting to Daylight Saving is a little like coping with jetlag. I agree; adjusting to altered time requires effort and adaptation.

The lead article this month, written by politician, trade unionist and former NZ Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan, shines a light on the change and adaptation required following the release of the Abuse in Care Commission of Inquiry final report and recommendations.  To date, the muted response from many organisations named in the report is disappointing and does not reflect  ‘recognition, justice and compensation’ for survivors and their whanau.  As Rosslyn points out, we cannot look away.

On 12 November when the Prime Minister gives a formal apology to survivors, we can only hope and pray that the statement will come with recommendations and policy changes for actions that reflect a major change in the way Aotearoa State and faith-based institutions deliver and monitor care and support for the vulnerable children, young people and adults in our country. 

This month we celebrate many events that remind us of the importance of church in transforming communities here and globally. TeRito Peyroux-Semu reports on several inspiring events she attended over the past month, and Rev Keita Hotere and Rev Philomena Kinera reflect on a highly successful ordinands’ retreat. Rev Tara Tautari and Felonitesi Manukia provide two perspectives on the World Methodist Council meeting held in Gothenburg, Sweden in August. Faith leaders from 87 countries gathered in a spirit of prayer, worship and deep reflection on God’s call to church in today’s world.

Many parishes celebrated the importance and contribution of lay preachers on Sunday 18 August. In Ōtautahi, a new social housing complex shows what can be achieved by partnering a Methodist parish with a Methodist Alliance housing provider. As the war in the Middle East increases in scope and intensity, Rev Donald Phillipps looks back on historical calls from MCNZ representatives to Government for a commitment to world peace and disarmament.  Those advocates could not have imagined the change in battle tactics at play today, however the urgent need for global peace initiatives has not changed.

I thank the many people who have contributed to this edition of Touchstone and as always, welcome feedback on the content.