anglicantaonga

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Dunedin reshapes for the future

Dunedin will condense more than 21 diocesan bodies into four groups concentrating on discipleship, mission, social transformation and stewardship.

Ivica Gregurec & David Bryant  |  16 Sep 2014  |

Anglicans in Otago and Southland have moved to reshape their Church for radically different ministry and mission.

Meeting in Oamaru from 12 -14 September, the Diocesan Synod set up a process to condense more than 21 diocesan bodies to four groups that will concentrate on discipleship, mission, social transformation and stewardship.

The new structure will aim to redefine what constitutes a church community. Alongside parishes, non parish-based faith communities and regional deaneries will change the way they relate to the diocese and gain a voice in synod. 

The changes came in response to Bishop Kelvin Wright’s synod charge at St Luke's, Oamaru last Friday, when he stressed the Church is in a time of transition that calls for radical thinking.

The bishop challenged his people to refocus diocesan life around four priorities: fostering deep personal experiences of God's saving action in Jesus Christ, unity in Christ, participating in God's generous love for the world, and showing Jesus to the world through actions and deeds.

Bishop Kelvin said that for the diocese to have a viable future, it needed to rediscover these four essentials of the faith and put them into practice.

Bishop of Te Wai Pounamu John Gray addressed synod for the first time in some years, sharing his dream for bicultural mission in the lower South Island.

In response, Bishop Kelvin expressed determination to move the diocese forward in its bicultural commitment over the next 2-3 years. 

Following debate in conference, synod put aside proposed changes to statutes 711-713 on liturgy until it became clearer what the changes would mean for worshipping communities.

However, it committed to best practice in employment relations and commended the “People Matter/He Taura Tangata” resource for use within the diocese and wider church.

Diocesan staff unveiled a colourful bicentennial campaign for Advent 2014.

The campaign will include 2014 gospel education and mission resources for churches, schools, children’s ministries and families.  

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