by Bruce Millar

This generation of migrants needs to be a "sacrificial one" says Rev Paul Kim, liaison officer for the Council of Asian Congregations. A generation that cultivates leadership in youth, even though they themselves are facing the challenges of integrating into a new society. Without this development of bilingual leaders he sees that there will be a 'silent exodus' of youth (as observed in America). Youth who need socially integrated churches that give them a strong sense of identity as Asian New Zealanders.

This is the vision that has brought the Presbyterian Council of Asian Congregations into reality. This council represents 20 Asian churches around the country, whose nationalities reflect the growth in ethnic diversity within New Zealand.

On Saturday 13 July 2002, the Council of Asian Congregations held their first Annual General Meeting (AGM) since approval for their establishment was given at the year 2000 Presbyterian General Assembly. Korean, Chinese, Indonesian and Taiwanese delegates came from churches all over New Zealand to take part.

Before the AGM began Rev Rob Yule, Assembly Moderator, encouraged delegates who see our society becoming increasingly 'secular', to also see that the Presbyterian Church is committed to developing a long-term movement of faith and character. . . to 'generational change'.

The AGM saw the election of nine board members (the executive committee). These include one representative from the Indonesian community, one Chinese, two Taiwanese, and five Korean. Rev. Paul Kim is the liaison officer, Rev. Stuart Vogel the secretary, with Rev Simon MacLay as an advisor in his role as Mission Resource Team Co-director.

Guest speakers included Rev. John Roxborough who spoke to delegates of the importance of quality leadership while Professor Ian Watson outlined the financial dynamics within the Presbyterian Church.

Many migrants, such as those from Korea, come from a strong Presbyterian background. Rev. Kim believes that "There is great potential to be realised if the church can bring these people from the margins of the church into the centre". The setting up of the council is a vital first step in integrating Asian people into the Presbyterian Church as well as settling them into main-stream New Zealand.