Media Release May 10

Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

CULTURES AND VOICES OF ANGLICAN CHURCH GATHER


A diversity of voices and cultures from nations of the Pacific have gathered in
Waitangi for the meeting of the governing body of the Anglican Church in
Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

The General Synod / Te Hinota Whanui meets every two years with 150
attendees. A focus of this gathering is to mark 200 years since the first Christian
missionaries arrived in the Bay of Islands.

The three Archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and
Polynesia lead the Synod; reflecting the three tikanga structure of Maori, Pakeha
and Pacifica, Archbishops Brown Turei, Philip Richardson, and Winston Halapua.

The three Archbishops believe the challenge for the Church is to respond in
practical ways to the issues society is wrestling with, including child poverty and
the care of creation.

Archbishop Brown Turei says the Synod demonstrates diversity in culture,
language and opinions.

Gathering as a diverse three tikanga Church, in the birthplace of New Zealand
Christianity, highlights for us the challenges faced 200 years ago when Maori and
Pakeha lived side by side for the first time. A task of this Synod is to show the
unconditional love of God and to consider how that prompts us to respond to
challenges that face our society and our Church.

The Synod will be in session until Thursday evening, media are welcome to
attend open session of the Synod.

For media inquiries please contact
Revd Jayson Rhodes
021 661319
communications@anglicanchurch.org.nz

Follow synod on #Synod2014