Touchstone June 2024

Welcome to the June edition of Touchstone. Every month in Aotearoa numerous causes and organisations select a day - or a week - to publicise and promote their work, language, mission or memorable occasion. In her report, Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu lists just some of the events she attended, or recognised in May: Fakame, Mother’s Day, Wesley and Pentecost Sunday, Trinity Sunday, NZ Sign Language Week, Pink Shirt Day (dedicated to raising awareness about bullying), Rotuman Language Week, Samoan Language Week, “and other significant causes and anniversaries in our local contexts”.

A number of articles highlight significant June events. Christian World Service offer resources and ideas to commemorate World Refugee Day (20 June), St John’s Cooperating Parish in Whangarei share their plans for Mātariki (28 June), Rosalie Sugrue challenges readers with her letter reflecting on the limitations and labelling of those who are disabled (Disability Sunday 16 June). The opening article celebrates the success of three Methodist-connected opportunity shops that rely on the support of dedicated volunteers (Volunteering Week 19 – 25 June).

In response to the ACT Party’s controversial proposal to introduce a Treaty Principles Bill, our church leaders, President Rev Peter Taylor, Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu, and Tumuaki, Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha, have written a letter calling on the Government to preserve the integrity of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. An article jointly written by Rev Dr Arapera and Rev Barry Jones, provides an excellent overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the importance of Te Tiriti as the basis of our nation.

I hope you will find information that inspires and informs you.

Nga mihi nui Ady Shannon