When Bishops Helen-Ann Hartley and Philip Richardson came together in 2014 in episcopal partnership – The Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki has two bishops of equal standing, unlike any other diocese in the Anglican communion – they sketched a threefold, three-year vision:

That grounded in prayer(that was 2015’s focus) the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki would be equipped for discipleship(that’s been the episcopal focus for this year)...

And at this month’s diocesan synod, which was held at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton, the two bishops described the third strand of their vision – connected to community – by which they intend to shape their diocese for 2017.

Bishop Helen-Ann laid the theological foundations for that ‘connected to community’ emphasis:

“We are,” she told the synod in the Presidents’ charge, “hard-wired for relationship, with God and one another.”

The upside-down community

She continued: “As Christians, followers of Christ, we are committed to vibrant, healthy, attractive servant communities and we are also committed to building the ‘Kingdom of God, here on earth – as it is in heaven’.

“A good portion of the Gospel is taken up with Jesus’ teaching about the nature of the Kingdom of God. It is an upside down community – Jesus reversed the general value system by pronouncing blessing on the poor, the hungry and those who weep.

“As the Church we are called to be this sort of community, a sign, a glimpse of what God is calling the whole creation into being; a community that lives for others.

“Seeing the needs around us; responding, healing, accepting, forgiving, reconciling. A sign of the God who is in our midst.”

The two bishops contrasted the rules which govern the world, with those which govern the Kingdom of God:

“In the world,” said Bishop Philip, “the way is power; in the Kingdom of God, the way is love.

“In the world, the focus is self; in the Kingdom of God, the focus is others.

“In the world, the rule is law; in the Kingdom of God, the rule is trust.

“In the world, the practice is get; in the Kingdom of God, it is give.

“We are all citizens of both the Kingdom, the new community of God, and this world. This needs to characterize every interaction we have both within our faith communities… (and in) the communities in which we are set.”

Assurances of dignity sought

This theme of community was echoed throughout the Synod, as representatives debated various social justice issues: refugees, natural disaster response, social and affordable housing, inequality and poverty – and the plight of trans-gender people in prison. 

That last motion was moved by Karen Morrison-Hume, Missioner of Anglican Action, which has 30 years’ experience in helping people reintegrate into the community after prison.

The motion – which was carried – included a statement, part of which reads:

‘(That) this Synod supports the human rights of all people to be free from sexual assault, violence, and discrimination and implores the Government to ensure the safety and dignity of trans people imprisoned in New Zealand.’

The theme continues

The ‘connecting to community’ continued in the presentations to the Synod.

Students at St Paul’s spoke about their school’s ‘Over the fence’ initiative, which draws volunteers from their school community to spend time with children at neighbouring low decile schools. 

The Rev Mike Hawke spoke about the Anglican Mission Board’s work in supporting disaster relief in Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea – while Bishop Helen-Ann spoke about the new Diocesan LiFT course (Living Faith Today) which will form the basis of all lay licensing, as well as encouraging everyone to become more confident in sharing their faith. 

The Diocesan Director of Vocations, the Reverend Stephen Black spoke about new moves in discerning vocations that have already started bearing fruit.

As the Synod wound up, Bishop Helen-Ann reflected: “We have experienced considerable change and transition in the past two years, and we face the future with hope and realism about the challenges that lie ahead. Thanks be to God for all his grace and mercy in sustaining us.’

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To read the unedited Waikato and Taranaki 2016 Presidential charge, click here.