At the invitation of Archbishop Winston Halapua, the bishops held their first 2013 conference in Tonga last week.
It was a chance for us to experience a part of the Church we seldom visit, but also to see, at first hand, the affects of climate change on our Pacific brothers and sisters.
The bishops and five of our spouses were treated to a traditional welcome at St Andrew’s School by the students and staff supported by the clergy and parishes of the Archdeaconry of Tonga.
That welcome set the tone – because throughout our stay we felt extraordinary hospitality and care from the people of Tonga, the Archdeaconry, Archdeacon Joe Leota and his wife Anne, and Archbishop Winston and Sue.
Paingamotu, the small island on which we met, is only 15 minutes by boat from Nuku'alofa.
It not only provided a beautiful meeting venue, but it also graphically demonstrated the affects of climate change – almost 20% of the island has been affected by rising sea levels.
Our meeting had the feel of retreat and pilgrimage with daily lotu(worship) on the beach. The context, the rhythm of daily Eucharist and prayer set the tone for some good work and honest dialogue.
Among the many agenda items we held in-depth and frank discussion about were the Marriage Amendment Bill, the Hermeneutical Hui process, the Ma Whea Commission (we prepared for our own meeting with the commission) and the Commission on Doctrine and Theological Questions.
We also talked about the ongoing partnership with the Methodist Church, about theological education and training, and about St John’s College Scholarship Committee processes and policies. And we dealt with a number of General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui matters and our three Tikanga life and relationships.
We talked too, about our understanding of Confirmation, and about how we saw this developing, and the resources we think may be needed to support Confirmation in the life of the Church.
And we spent time thinking about how portfolios are allocated among the bishops and how these might be regularly reviewed and refreshed.
The gracious, generous hospitality of our hosts enabled a relaxed yet in depth engagement, with a sense of enhanced trust and respect.
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