Touchstone

June 2026

Welcome to the June edition of Touchstone.

Dr Fatou Bensouda was awarded the 2025 World Methodist Council Peace Award. Formerly Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in Banjul, The Gambia, and now The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, she was deeply honoured to be the first Muslim recipient. In this month’s lead article for Touchstone, Her Excellency Dr Bensouda writes,

“Receiving this award speaks not only to me personally, but also to the generous vision of the World Methodist Council, and to its willingness to recognise that the pursuit of peace belongs to no single faith, nation, or tradition.

“In a world often divided by fear, suspicion, and the wounds of history, such gestures matter. They remind us that justice, compassion, and human dignity are shared obligations. They remind us that peace is not the property of one community alone. It is a responsibility we owe to one another.”

From her perspective as a lawyer, a former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and an African woman Dr Bensouda reflects oh the cost of impunity and the importance of accountability. It is a powerful comment.

We acknowledge the sudden passing of Rev Prof Dr Jione Havea, a distinguished Pacific theologian, biblical scholar, pastor, teacher, mentor, editor, and prophetic public voice. A tribute written by Nāsili Vaka’uta, Jione’s friend and colleague, captures the immense scope of his life's work and the knowledge, grace, and wisdom he shared.

MCNZ Vice President Rev Peter Norman has been extremely busy over recent months juggling the demands of his Vice-Presidential responsibilities with parish ministry and participating in a range of gatherings, networks and meetings here in Aotearoa and further afield.

Rev Peter writes, “We are living in a time of rapid change, yet we continue to discern our direction by paying attention to where God's Spirit is moving among people and communities. These connections matter. They remind us that ministry does not happen only within church buildings. It happens wherever people work together to build stronger, healthier, and more compassionate communities".

Rev John Carr expands on this concept of church happening beyond church walls in an article that reflects on his role as a mentor and coach to young wrestlers. The care, connection and manaakitanga he offers to youth and their whanau goes hand-in-hand with the tuition he offers in wrestling technique.

Listening, learning, and serving others to build stronger communities are common themes in this month’s articles. These values underpin the mahi of parishes and Methodist Alliance partners, shaping initiatives that are making a positive difference in the lives of both young and old.

Artificial Intelligence – its adoption, capability, usefulness, and ethical considerations for embracing the technology – is the focus of a reflection by Rev Dr Mary Caygill and the first of a two-part series by Peter Lane.

Drawing on the content of the encyclical – Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity): On Safeguarding the Human Person in the time of Artificial Intelligence), recently released by Pope Leo XIV, Rev Mary reflects on the importance of critical thinking and how that is impacted by AI. As Pope Leo warns, 'having access to information is different from having wisdom'.

Peter’s article explores the issue of a responsible Christian response to AI and what that might require. Peter writes AI may assist human work, but it must not displace human responsibility.

I invite you to read the articles in this edition of Touchstone, which highlight the transformational work of the people of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa.

As always, I welcome your feedback.