Thought for the Week 4 February 2024

Tēnā koutou katoa

As we approach Waitangi Day on 6 February, talk of the Treaty and what it means for our country and our people is to the fore. There is some rhetoric that is inflammatory and harmful. Some policies from within the new coalition government have prompted uncertainty, anger and fear. There are many voices speaking into this space – some helpful and some not.

Within our PCANZ Book of Order we have set out the following:

(2) It is within the context of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) that the Church recognises a bicultural partnership between Te Aka Puaho and its other church courts. These bicultural partners work together within the mission of God

And  

(4) The Church affirms that it is cross-cultural in that it recognises that the richness of the Christian Gospel and its proclamation can be found in the sharing of experiences, wisdom and learning from many different cultures. The Church stands in opposition to any view that   favours one culture over another as holding a monopoly on the interpretation or transmission of the Christian Gospel. In affirming the Church to be cross-cultural, the Church is also affirming that the Christian Gospel creates community across cultures.’ [PCANZ Book of Order]

This is who we say we are as a Church. We honour the Treaty, see relationship at the heart of how we operate: relationship between Tangata Whenua (the indigenous people of the land) and Tangata Tiriti (all others who have come here). We uphold respect for and the worth of people of other cultures.

It has been encouraging to see more people engaging with workshops and gatherings at Te Maungarongo marae in Ohope – exploring Tikanga Māori, The Treaty of Waitangi, Te Ao Māori and more. Relationships are being built, conversations are taking place, knowledge   extended, understanding is growing. This is all very helpful as we journey together.  As followers of Christ, we seek to follow his example of seeking justice, healing the broken, having compassion for others, bringing good news to the poor, treating all people well. In  order for our society to flourish we need all people to do well in their context so this is something we would wish to support and foster.

As we face the current divisiveness in our country, we continue to pray for, and seek to action in our own contexts, justice, equity, respectful dialogue, attentive listening to others, finding ways forward that honour all people, and living out our faith as followers of Christ – the one who came to bring fullness of life to all people.

Right Rev Rose Luxford

Moderator

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand