anglicantaonga

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Up-country to the foot of the cross

Auckland synod heads out of town on a pilgrimage to the Marsden Cross in the Bay of Islands.
• Bishops' charge to synod 
• Bishop Kito's sermon at the Eucharist

Jayson Rhodes  |  06 Sep 2014  |

For the first time in 20 years, the Auckland Diocesan Synod left Auckland City to meet in the Bay of Islands for two days. 

The move north, for nearly 300 synod delegates, was to make a pilgrimage to the Marsden Cross at Oihi Bay – a pivotal site in the bicentennial year of this church. 

The pilgrimage also reflected a synod with a strong thread of mission – past and future – through all its activities and debate.  

The trip to the Marsden Cross was a chance to reflect on the mission that emerged from the first European permanent settlement at Rangihoua. It also offered an opportunity to see the new walkway and building for Rangihoua Heritage Park, which will be opened on December 21. 

On December 25 a Christmas Day service will be held at the foot of the Marsden Cross. 

Te Tai Tokerau Hui Amorangi also shared in the weekend synod, with Bishop Kito Pikaahu preaching at the opening Eucharist.

Part of Friday evening was reserved for a panel discussion between representatives of the diocese and Te Tai Tokerau.

This panel focussed on mission of the future and what it might look like as both tikanga explore a ‘we’ approach to any plans. 

In their synod charge, Bishops Ross Bay and Jim White signalled that the diocese would adopt the Indaba process of Bible study.

The model will be used early next year so that diocesan members may listen and learn from one another as they shape decisions about the future. 

The bishops said that while Indaba was used to deal with conflict at Lambeth 2008, there was no particular conflict in focus for the Auckland process. Rather, the model would allow purposeful discussion so that the diocese could better direct the mission of the Body of Christ.

A significant debate on the Decade of Mission was held on Saturday morning. 

The first motion to win strong support was the need for a community voice on child poverty.

Synod also wished to address issues such as work tax credits not available to families who rely on a benefit. 

Synod, with its focus on mission, was seen as a time to gather up its heritage and to commit to the future.

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