Thought for the Week 15 September 2024
Tena koutou katoa
As we approach Māori Language Week (14-21 September) it is timely to remember that being able to share through a common language helps build relationships and understanding across cultures. Māori Language week encourages us in this regard.
Let’s remember at this time our Church’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi as set out in our Book of Order.
1.5 (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.’
The younger generations of our country are growing up with a knowledge and understanding of te reo through day care centres, kindergartens, schools and te reo feels quite natural to them and very much part of their lives. Some of us have gone to courses and become fluent in the language. Still others struggle a bit to learn and master the pronunciation of te reo, yet are gaining in understanding and finding they recognise different words appreciating the richness of the language.
On Tuesday mornings, in Oamaru, I am part of a group of ministers who meet for morning prayer. We finish our morning prayer with the following:
Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in peace.
Haere i runga i te rangimārie i runga i te aroha me te ngākau
hihiko ki te mahi ki te Ariki.
Amen. We go in the name of Christ.
Āmine. Ka haere mātou i runga i te ingoa o te Karaiti.
I encourage you to begin or continue your journey speaking, reading, understanding te reo and I recommend these te reo resources on our Church website: https://www.presbyterian.org.nz/moderators-message-maori-language-week-te-wiki-o-te-reo-maori-2024
Ka kite ano
Rose ~ Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Categories: Thought for the week