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Refocusing our justice mission

Bishop Richard Randerson is offering a series of seminars to this Church to aid Aotearoa New Zealand Anglicans in their work for social justice.

Taonga News  |  29 Jun 2018

Social Justice Network expert and retired bishop, Rt Rev Richard Randerson is offering koha-basis* seminars on key social issues to bolster Aotearoa New Zealand Anglicans’ work in this field.

Bishop Richard is currently taking bookings for seminars, but also has free-of-charge powerpoint presentations to share, which provide background research on euthanasia, climate change, poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand, humanism versus Christian faith, a theology of wellbeing and church responses to same-sex relationship blessings.

These powerpoints are available to churches and Christian communities who wish to hold their own seminars, or use the presentations as study resources.

Bishop Richard’s seminars and powerpoint presentations address the following topics:

End of Life Choice (Euthanasia)

This issue, which is currently under debate before a Justice Select Committee(JSC), raises important questions of Christian ethics, spirituality and end of life pastoral care. It also concerns the Aotearoa New Zealand public who have sent 35,000 submissions to the JSC. The powerpoint or seminar provides an overview of the issues and a summary of the submission made by the diocesan bishops.

Climate Change and the Church’s Response

The new Government has brought fresh energy to this urgent issue, especially with its proposed Zero Carbon Bill. To help Anglican churches raise our voices in this debate, this seminar and powerpoint outlines the seriousness of the climate change situation, examines our related theology, and sets out practical action that can be taken at a local level.

Same-sex relationship blessings

This seminar offers an overview of oft-quoted biblical texts opposing same-sex relationships and their recognition by the church. It presents the conflicting viewpoints, reflections on biblical interpretive methods that lead to different readings, and a summary of the decisions made at General Synod 2018.

Are we a Moral Nation?

This seminar examines critical issues of poverty and social justice facing the nation, and looks at the fundamental values and biblical principles this raises for Christians. It outlines examples of social injustice and considers practical steps whereby local churches and Christian communities can respond. This seminar includes reflections from Archbishop Justin Welby.

God in the 21st Century

This session looks at the public sphere where Christian belief is under threat if humanists such as Richard Dawkins or Lloyd Geering command the conversation. This seminar urges the church to do more than reaffirm traditional images and doctrines. It explores the middle ground between traditional theism and atheism, and addresses the issue of whether God is Being or a Being, affirming the revelation of the divine mystery in Jesus Christ.

A Theology of Wellbeing

This presentation examines key biblical references from Genesis to Revelation that concern justice, along with challenging discussion questions focused on personal faith and commitment, and how that relates to the church’s response in mission. Ideal for a church or home study group.

Bishop Richard is offering two additional regional seminars on Christian engagement in workplaces and local communities.

Building Church Outreach to the Local Community (seminar only)

Based on a successful three-hour workshop in Napier last October, this session draws on the insights of grass-roots social service and justice agencies to develop strategies for parish action. Ideally run as an ecumenical regional event as a means of developing strategies by local churches.

Lay Vocation in the Workplace (seminar only)

This all-day workshop sets out to enable lay church members to address issues of faith and ethics in their working environments. This workshop will help lay people to identify their gifts and opportunities as Christian agents for building more human and ethically-based workplaces.

Christian speakers from different work environments will contribute.

Initial workshops have been planned for Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday 4 August, and Wellington’s All Saints’ Church in Hataitai on Saturday 15 September.

For more information on obtaining powerpoint presentations or booking seminars contact Bishop Richard Randerson, Tel: 04 976 6050. Email: richardrandersonnz@gmail.com

*Seminars are offered in terms of 'gift economy' that is by support with expenses and/or donation in recognition of the work offered.

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