The World Council of Churches, Te Rūnanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Hāhi o Aotearoa and the Methodist Church of New Zealand have held a joint consultation in Auckland centred on 'Transforming Discipleship and Creation'.

Running from 6-11 October 2024 at Auckland's St Francis Retreat Centre, the gathering brought together church leaders and theologians from across Oceania, fostering a space for meaningful dialogue on the challenges, opportunities, and potential for cooperation among churches and local communities in Aotearoa and throughout the Pacific region.

Four Anglican delegates took part in the consultation: Rev Warahi Paki (Cultural Advisor at Laidlaw College), Linda Paki, Huhana Matenga and Dini Tukana. 

General Secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Tara Tautari reported that the consultation was rooted in indigenous practices of wānanga and talanoa, which created an open and relational environment that encouraged deep sharing and listening.

"Storytelling was central to our time together, enabling participants to share their experiences and wisdom. This approach enriched our conversations, affirming the transformative power of stories as a tool for truth-telling, relationship-building, and meaningful change."

Guided by the Tuākoi 'Lei Declaration of the Pacific churches, participants discussed what it means to embody discipleship in the pursuit of ecological justice. 

Tara Tautari reflected on the power of visiting the archaeologically significant site at Ihumātao, which has long been a site of contention over Indigenous guardianship and use.

"We stood in solidarity with social justice activists whose commitment to the whenua resonated deeply with our mission as people of faith. Together, we affirmed that the call to justice is both an act of survival and a sacred duty to protect and preserve God’s creation."

Ms Tautari asserts that the consultation underscored the urgent need for a global ecological conversion, a transformation that cannot be postponed any longer.

"As a community of faith, we recognise that the time for action is now. The participants made a collective commitment to move beyond words and take concrete steps toward ecological justice, answering the call of God and responding to the pressing needs of our communities and the Earth." she said.

The follow-up report from this consultation will aim to capture the narratives and voices of those present to bear witness to the commitments made and inspire action within the wider Church community. 

"We give thanks for the Spirit’s presence throughout the consultation and for the rich fellowship shared." said Tara.

"It is our hope and prayer that the bonds formed, and the commitments made will bear lasting fruit as we walk together in discipleship and creation care. Let us not simply speak of change but actively pursue it, answering the call to care for God’s creation with faith and determination."

Participants at the WCC programme included: Rev Charissa Suli, Rev Mark Kickett (Uniting Church Australia); Rev Taniela Ratawa (Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma); Rev Simote Vea, Vaioleti Vea (Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga); TeRito Peyroux-Semu, Rev Keita Hotere, Te Aroha Rountree, Rev Tara Tautari (Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa); David Moko ( Te Hāhi Iriiri o Aotearoa); Rev Warahi Paki, Linda Paki, Huhana Matenga, Dini Tukana (Te Hāhi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tīreni, ki Ngā Moutere o te Moana Nui a Kiwa); Rev Billy Wetewea (Protestant Church of Kanaky); Myrielyn Komolo, Gertrude Rotoava (United Church in Solomon Islands; Kyriaki Atzvi (World Council of Churches.