Touchstone

September 2025

Welcome to the  September issue of Touchstone.

Methodism has always been firmly grounded in gospel and the pursuit of social justice. Two statements recently written by the President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand,  Te Aroha Rountree,  bring a unique ‘Methodist grounded in Te Ao Māori’ perspective to issues of national and global significance - the pending referendum on Māori wards and the need for action and solidarity to halt the genocide unfolding in Gaza. As Te Aroha says in her Message of Aroha regarding the humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza, “The call for justice is not political rhetoric; it is a moral imperative grounded in our faith and our understanding of the Gospel. We remember the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17)’

As voting for the local body elections begins (postal voting is from 9 September to 11 October), faith communities are urged to speak out about the threat to Māori wards. The government’s call for a referendum is a divisive action that  flies in the face of Te Titirti principles. An article jointly written by members of the Informal Tiriti Honouring Network, Brian Turner, Barry Jones, TeRito  Peyroux-Semu and Ian Faulkner, provides a valuable overview of what is proposed, what is at stake and why it is important for all Christians to be informed.

Rev John Carr responds to the recent call from David Seymour reminding churches to “stay in their own lane” – in refence to congregations speaking out against Seymour’s push to remove Māori wards. As John writes, “That lane is the road of justice, compassion and faithfulness”.

Articles report on a number of special  and inspiring events and projects; Rev Alisa Lasi baptised a group in a Hamilton pool; Missions in Otautahi and Otepoti are combining innovation and collaboration to bring housing to the homeless (Christchurch Methodist Mission) and learning opportunities for tamariki throughout the motu (Methodist Mission Southern) and  in Whangarei the community came together recently to celebrate the golden anniversary of their much-loved Golden Church.

As the Season of Creation is upon us. Rev Dr Jione Havea reflects on the duty of care we have for earth.

I hope you will find news and contributions that inform and inspire.

As always, I welcome your feedback..