Some time in the last year the good people at Auckland Council decided to review their rates policy relating to landowners not currently paying rates. Churches were informed of this review but safe in the knowledge of the exemption provided under Schedule 1, Part 1, Clause 9, of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, (revised … More Should churches pay rates?
On Sunday the church around the world focused on Saint Mary Magdalene. It was her day on 22 July. For many centuries Mary has been thought of as a prostitute or at very least the model “penitent sinner.” If you actually read about her in the Bible you discover none of that is true; she … More St Mary Magdalene
In May 2018 the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand agreed to allow for the blessing of civil marriages of same sex couples. This was limited to situations where the clergy and dioceses concerned wish to do so, and their bishop agrees. My previous blog It was a small step, a minimum, … More Where has our leadership gone?
History was made today by our Anglican Church. The blessing of same sex relationships has finally been permitted. After years (and years) of debate, discussion and argument we finally made it over the line, just. What passed? This is not marriage; nor even a fully authorised church liturgy; but clergy who wish to and when … More Same sex blessings at last
Time for Love; the Bible and Same Sex Attraction is a documentary made by the Auckland Rainbow Community Church and Ponsonby Baptist Church. I was privileged to speak at the launch of the film on Sunday and this is what I said: This film is a gift, a generous gift. It is made for those … More Time for Love
Last week I was somewhat surprised to find myself on a panel at a conference about immigration. The Caddanz conference is an annual one for academics and others working and researching in the immigration field. This year via the auspices of the Race Relations Commission the role of religion was a topic. The “radical reverend” … More Bringing religion back into public conversation
My apologies to readers who are not interested in internal Anglican Church machinations but inside the church we continue to go round in ever decreasing circles as we attempt to bring about marriage equality. Some of us are ready to move now; others never want to move; most are just looking to the church to … More The report about the report about the report
On the day after the country was galvanized by changes in the leadership of the Labour Party, at St Matthew-in-the-City we hosted a pre-election conversation. It wasn’t a conversation with the politicians. Political parties were not mentioned. It was a conversation amongst people of faith about what questions to ask, what issues to reflect on … More Faith and politics or the politics of faith
On Thursday July 20 I was part of a panel at AUT organised by the university’s Diversity Office. There were 4 speakers from different faiths as well as the Professor of Diversity Edwina Pio. The conversation was a rich one and these were my remarks: It is a privilege to be with you all today … More Discovering religious diversity: breaking the stereotypes
On the 22nd of February 2011 at 12.51pm I was in Christchurch having lunch with Bishop Victoria Matthews. I am ever grateful that her choice of restaurant meant we were sitting on large bench seats in a corner away from windows. As we sheltered under the sturdy tables I learnt that in the advice “duck, … More Christchurch and its Cathedral
