April 2007
Cabbage patch theology: church people debate genetic engineering
By Paul Titus
An insect ravaged cabbage may seem an odd prompt to a theological discussion but it did the trick at Otago-Southland School of Theology in Queenstown last month. University of Otago chaplain Rev Greg Hughson brandished the cabbage when he presented a paper on spirituality, bioethics, and genetic engineering. Read more...
Vision Network gathers steam
By Julia Stuart
Getting Christians together is a major focus of Vision Network New Zealand. The organisation is a member of the World Evangelical Alliance and has about 500 member churches, congregations and church agencies around New Zealand. Read more...
Future ‘conservative’ for NZ churches
By Paul Titus
New Zealand Protestant churches are not only declining in numbers, they are becoming more conservative, says Massey University historian Peter Lineham. What it means to be a ‘conservative’ Christian today is a real puzzle, however, and the future of the church may be one of more variety and choice rather than less. Read more...
Methodists kick start home insulation project
Hundreds of old, cold homes in the Nelson-Tasman region are now warmer and healthier thanks to a grant from the Methodist Church. The Nelson Healthy Homes project provides ceiling and under-floor insulation, hot water cylinder wraps, and draught proofing to households who qualify for assistance. Read more...
Identity, vision and communication key challenges for Uniting Churches
The national Standing Committee of the Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand invited the Joint Regional Committee chairpersons to share in its regular March meeting in Wellington. UCANZ executive officer John Jones says the meeting aimed to strengthen the partnership between the Standing Committee and the 17 regions. Read more...
41 hours of poverty eye opener
Twelve young people from Wesley Methodist Church in Papatoetoe spent 40 hours on a 50m2 platform to raise money as part of the World Vision 40 hour famine. Read more...