Touchstone

May 2025

April was a big month in the Christian calendar; Easter this year was bookended by the death of His Holiness Pope Francis on Monday 21 April. Global tributes from world leaders, of faith and no faith, referred to his humility, deep compassion for the marginalised, unceasing efforts to reform the church and his call for world peace. We share a letter of condolence sent from our President Te Aroha Rountree to the Most Reverend Paul Martin SM, acknowledging the passing of Pope Francis. The correspondence aptly sums up the impact of his lifelong ministry that embodied the Gospel.

On 25 April, ANZAC Day services throughout the country honoured the servicemen and women whom we must thank for our freedom and independence. As Rev Keita Hotere says in her contribution, we have been selective in recalling and sharing the history of Aotearoa. We have a responsibility to honour the sacrifice of every person that served, suffered and died in all wars and conflicts.

During three days in April, more than 150 LGBTQIA+ Christians, allies, parents, and faith leaders from across the motu gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau for Awaken Maranga Mai 2025. Lexee Blackmore (they/them) attended the event and reports on the profound and affirming experience of being – for once - the majority within a church context. Their article is enlightening, inspiring and uplifting and highlights the importance of being an inclusive and welcoming church for all.

I welcome an article from another young, new Touchstone contributor; Lynne Leitulua Vatau, from Manurewa Methodist parish, who  represented Aotearoa at the South Pacific Area Young Women’s Leadership training. In Fiji in April Lynne reconnected with seven other young leaders, and programme facilitator Mataiva Robertson, to continue a leadership initiative WFMUCW launched last year. The programme is designed to address a growing concern identified by WFMUCW; the disconnect of young women from church communities. As Lynne writes, “It’s a beautiful and bold step forward for our region”.

I hope you will find content that informs and inspires your faith journey. As always, I welcome your feedback.