Anglican leaders meeting for the 67th General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui in Nuku'alofa Tonga this August have elevated ocean wellbeing to the top of this Church's theological and practical work in care for Creation. 

In the motion titled "One Mission, One Vaka/Waka, One Moana – Ocean Wellbeing" presented in Nuku'alofa and passed unanimously with acclamation, the Anglican Church in these Pacific Islands has committed to direct its Climate Commissioner, tikanga climate champions, Anglican Missions and participating ocean experts to:

 – Develop an Anglican Ocean Wellbeing framework grounded in Christian theology, Indigenous knowledge of the Moana (Pacific Ocean) and the lived experience of our communities, taking into consideration the work of the Diocese of Polynesia, and Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa on the concept of Manuika

– Develop liturgical resources on thanksgiving, care and advocacy for the ocean with the relevant three tikanga liturgical bodies

– Identify and promote practical actions that parishes, dioceses and Church bodies can undertake to protect and restore the wellbeing of our oceans and coastal communities 

– Strengthen the participation and leadership of Pacific voices in relevant national, regional and international conversations concerning oceans, climate change and environmental justice, and

– Explore partnerships with Pacific churches, communities, governments, regional organisations and other appropriate bodies working for ocean wellbeing. 

The General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui also authorised the Climate Commission to resource this work on behalf of the Church and report to General Synod Standing Committee on its progress. 

Download the full Motion on Ocean Wellbeing in PDF here.