Touchstone August 2024

Editorial

Following six years of intense work the largest commission of inquiry in New Zealand, The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions report was publicly released on 24 July. As stated in the executive summary,

“It is a national disgrace that hundreds of thousands of children, young people and adults were abused and neglected in the care of the State and faith-based institutions. These gross violations occurred at the same time as Aotearoa New Zealand was promoting itself, internationally and domestically, as a bastion of human rights and as a safe, fair country in which to grow up as a child in a loving family. If this injustice is not addressed, it will remain as a stain on our national character forever.”

Dr Claire Achmad, Chief Children’s Commissioner, has written the lead article for Touchstone, reflecting on the findings and the hope for our children today. As she so rightly states, collectively we need to assume responsibility for ensuring all children and vulnerable people are safe and treated with respect and loving care.

August 9 is recognised as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The day celebrates  Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge and highlights rights of Indigenous Peoples to make their own decisions and carry them out in ways that are meaningful and culturally appropriate to them. Articles by Brian Turner on West Papua and Gillian Southey from CWS on Kanaky confirm there is little cause for celebration for many indigenous people.

Our General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari reports on her recent visit to Nairobi , Kenya  where she co-facilitated the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on World Mission and Evangelism meeting.  The meeting unfolded to a backdrop of protests on the streets as youth reacted to the disadvantages of living under governance of a powerful regime that controls and limits their lives and livelihoods.

In recognition of International Youth Day on 12 August, Simulata Pope shares the outcome of a gathering of Methodist youth leaders and we congratulate students from Wesley College for their musical achievements.

Rev Kulimoe'anga Fisi'iahi and Vice President TeRito Peyrroux-Semu participated in an outstanding 100th annual Conference of the Free Methodist Church of Tonga. Their reports describe a joyful and vibrant eight-day celebration firmly founded on cultural history, heritage and identity.

In closing, I extend our deepest sympathy to long time contributor, historian and Methodist taonga Rev Donald Phillipps for the recent loss of his son Martin, founder of band The Chills.

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