The Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand are asking churches and individuals to take up the invitation to pray for Nelson Mandela. 

Both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops of South Africa have asked their people to pray for the former President so too, New Zealand Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops are asking congregations to join with them in prayer. The bishops are asking for prayer for those who keep vigil with Nelson Mandela, for family gathered round him, and those watching from afar including people connected to South Africa now living in New Zealand.

Archbishop John Dew, on behalf of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand says, ‘Nelson Mandela has held onto hope and determination in the face of overwhelming struggles to seek reconciliation, justice and peace in his homeland and throughout the world. A fitting response is to respond through prayer at this time,’ says Archbishop Dew.

For the Anglican Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand, Archbishop Philip Richardson, says Nelson Mandela is symbolic for seeking the common good for his country and each individual. ‘The life and message of Nelson Mandela is shared with the international community and so it is fitting to respond in this country and across the globe and hold Nelson Mandela and South Africa in our prayers, says Archbishop Richardson.

Roman Catholic Bishops   

Archbishop John Dew                      

Bishop Pat Dunn                          

Bishop Denis Browne                      

Bishop Charles Drennan                  

Bishop Barry Jones                        

Bishop Colin Campbell                      

Bishop Peter Cullinane                      

Anglican Bishops 

Archbishop Philip Richardson

Archbishop Brown Turei

Bishop Ross Bay

Bishop Jim White

Bishop Kito Pikaahu

Bishop David Rice

Bishop Ngaruhu Katene

Bishop Justin Duckworth

Bishop Muru Walters

Bishop Richard Ellena

Bishop Victoria Matthews

Bishop John Gray

Bishop Kelvin Wright