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Council of Asian Congregations

Report

1. Background

1.1 In 1995, in recognition of the growing numbers of Asian congregations and Asian members in our midst, the Assembly established an Asian Ministries Committee as part of its national structure. By 1999, it had become clear that the establishment of a Council of Asian Congregations would better serve the needs of the Asian communities in our Church. The 2000 Assembly agreed to the formation of the Council of Asian Congregations under a constitution as proposed by an Assembly task group.

1.2 The aims of the Council are to facilitate worship, fellowship and mission together among the various Asian congregations within the Presbyterian Church. The Council seeks to assist our congregations to become understand and become part of the wider Presbyterian Church. The Council provides a Forum in which the Asian congregations can speak to each other and from which the wider Church can be addressed. It provides a forum in which the Asian congregations can meet and listen to the people and concerns of our whole Presbyterian movement.

1.3 It should be noted that the word "Asian" covers many cultures and languages. Within the Presbyterian Church, these include Cantonese, English speaking Chinese, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin and Taiwanese congregations. There are now 20 Asian congregations throughout New Zealand. What binds these different groups in to one Council is the experience of being migrants in this country, with all the joys and difficulties that brings. Also, the Asian congregations that we have in the

Presbyterian Church all come from Confucian based cultures and this brings a certain commonality. All our congregations have chosen to join the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and seek to identify how best they may make their contribution to the worship life and mission of this Church.

2. Since 2000

2.1 The Council of Asian Congregations was formally launched in a service on the 24th of May at St David's, Auckland at which the Moderator preached.. The Rev Kim Yong-huan, who had been the Korean Liaison Officer of the Asian Ministry Committee, retired in 2001 and on the 11th of April 2002 the Rev Paul Kim became the Asian Liaison Officer. Paul's job is to assist the Council to carry out its aims.

2.2 The Council arranges 2 "Asian celebrations" per year, which enables the Asian congregations in Auckland to come together to enjoy the musical and other talents within the Asian congregations. These have become quiet large occasions.

2.3 On the 13th of July 2002, the Council had its first AGM at which the Executive and Council were elected. The Right Reverend Rob Yule preached during worship and the Council would like to thank him for his unfailing interest and encouragement to the Council. Following the AGM the Council arranged an Elders' and Deacon's training session with the Rev Dr John Roxborogh as facilitator. We are very grateful to John for his time and wisdom. Quality trained leadership is vital for the further development of our Churches, and training days in some form will be a regular feature of the Council's work.

2.4 Similarly we also thank Professor Ian Watson of the Administration and Finance Policy Group who led a seminar on the national Church's financial structures and priorities. This assisted our congregations to understand how the level of their financial contributions is determined and how the money is spent at a national level. Contributions such as those provided by Ian and John are vital for the working of our Council and we thank them for their support. The Northern Co-Director of the Mission Resource Team, the Rev Simon McLeay is also on the Executive Committee. We would like to thank the Rev Doug Lendrum for his support in that role in the past and for his continuing interest in the Council.

3. Future

3.1 The Council of Asian Congregations will continue to build on this pattern of combined celebration and worship and on leadership training days. The Council is also committed to finding ways to relate closely to the wider Church. A key developing priority is youth. A major sports competition is planned as part of our strategy to develop our youth work. The competition is also designed to allow young people with no particular Church background to participate. The intention is in part to present the gospel in a clear, serving and caring way to young Asians. The competition includes teams of young people from all parts of the Church and not just those of Asian backgrounds.

4. Conclusion

4.1 The Council of Asian Congregations does not have or seek Presbytery or Synod status within the Presbyterian Church. All Asian congregations are members of their local Presbyteries. However, our intention and hope is that the Council will be an active and dynamic forum for developing new ways of serving the gospel in this land, and especially among those people from Asia for whom New Zealand is their new home.

Stuart Vogel

English Secretary

Council of Asian Congregations

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