December 2006

Difference in the air at Conference of firsts
By Paul Titus
In his welcoming speech during the powhiri that opened Methodist Church of NZ Conference 2006 in Rotorua, Rev Alex Webster referred to the Celtic concept of ‘thin places’. Read more...

Church leadership to come under microscope
The role and tenure of the Methodist Church of NZ president and vice president will come under scrutiny next year. Conference has asked the Church to discuss key aspects of the presidency during 2007. Read more...

Christian physicist joins hunt for hidden landmines
By Elaine E Bolitho
His Christian faith has led a Wellington nuclear physicist to help find a way to eradicate landmines. Read more...

Dioxin fallout close to home
By Paul Titus
A recent television documentary on the effects of dioxin poisoning on workers and nearby residents at the Ivon Watkins Dow chemical factory in New Plymouth struck a nerve with Methodist presbyters Revs Brian and Marion Peterson. Read more...

Ethics of human embryo research debated
The use of human embryos for research is currently under debate in New Zealand. Chairperson of the Interchurch Bioethics Council Dr Audrey Jarvis says there are two major questions to be answered. Read more...

Dunedin Presbyterians voice dissent
Dunedin’s Octagon was the scene for public protest last month, when a group of Presbyterians launched a petition drive against their Church’s decision to bar people in sexual relationships outside heterosexual marriage from leadership positions. Read more...