14 March 2008
What would Colin McCahon, a man deeply concerned with religious questions, make of the monetary focus of the Cross controversy?
The only time religious art hits the headlines is when someone steals it – or it’s sold in auction by someone who it seems should have known better.
The fact that the biggest controversy surrounding a cross today is who actually owns it (a work by Colin McCahon) contrasts rather sharply...
19 June 2008
New Zealand used to be known as a great place to bring up kids. Sadly, it’s now near the bottom of the class of developed nations when it comes to our children’s wellbeing.
To help counter this alarming trend the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is asking its 419 parishes to do what they can in their churches and communities to prevent child abuse and to act quickly if abuse is suspected.
Presbyterian...
30 July 2008
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has expressed concern about the treatment of Ni-Vanuatu RSE workers in New Zealand. Disturbed by reports from workers, a Presbyterian Church minister recently sought the help of a lawyer who reported a Marlborough contractor to the Dept of Labour. The employer is being investigated for imposing on workers a petrol levy of $20 per person per week.
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Rev Pamela Tankersley says, "Last week I met with the leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu and...
Two significant cultural events in July emphasise the strong connections between Tuhoe and the Presbyterian Church.
Whakatane Museum will host a five-week exhibition entitled Hihita and Hoani: Missionaries to Tuhoe. Many valuable taonga gifted to missionaries will be on display at the exhibition, which coincides with the completion of the first stage of an upgrade of the museum.
At the same time, Auckland will host the premiere of Vincent Ward’s film The Rain of the Children, which tells the story of Puhi Tatu, who married the son of prophet Rua...
5 June 2008
World Environmental Day provides an opportunity for us all to share the ways in which we are being active stewards of our world and caring for creation, says Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Moderator the Right Rev Pamela Tankersley.
“As Christians we recognise a responsibility to all of creation including the generations yet to come; the efforts we make now will allow our grandchildren to enjoy the lifestyle we too often take for granted.
“Throughout the country our churches are finding ways to recycle, reduce and reuse. They...
Friday 30th May 2008 03:46 PM
Pacific peoples have a significant role to play in enriching and strengthening both the spiritual and cultural life of New Zealand says the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Rev Pamela Tankersley. She labels the recent study from Massey University titled, Growing Pains, Evaluations and the Cost of Human Capital, as divisive and short sighted.
“This study looks for negatives and ignores the positives. Pacific peoples have enriched New Zealand social capital with a wealth of cultural values and practices, something that no...
Church leaders from the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army churches announced their support today for the launch of a new programme to raise public awareness of issues of social justice and compassion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a meeting in Wellington, the Church leaders – Archbishop David Moxon, Rodney Macann, Archbishop John Dew, Reverend Brian Turner, Right Reverend Pamela Tankersley and Commissioner Garth McKenzie – have put their support behind a call for more action based on five issues they consider to be central to...
Sermon preached at the Service held on the Treaty Grounds,
10.30 am, Waitangi Day, 6 February, 2008
The Rt. Rev Pamela Tankersley
Moderator of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand
Isaiah 42:1-9 The Lord’s Servant
Psalm 119:1-8 The Law of the Lord
Matthew 5:1-11 The Beatitudes
The Treaty of Waitangi is read in English and in Maori
I...
Reports of more young people on the sickness benefit for mental health reasons are a sad reflection on society according to the Presbyterian Church.
“The world should be full of potential for 16-year-olds. Instead, we’ve got a generation of young people that are falling through the cracks. They’re attempting suicide in increasing numbers because they can’t face the pressures of day-to-day life.
“Around thirty 15-24 year olds are admitted to hospital every week in this country as a result of deliberately harming themselves, and two are...
Ministers in Presbyterian churches were amongst those supporting White Ribbon day last Sunday.
“The church is often the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff that picks up the pieces after a family tragedy. We want to part of the solution, not just the ambulance,” says the Church’s leader, Moderator the Rt Rev Pamela Tankersley.
By wearing white ribbons and organising or participating in White Ribbon events up and down the country, the Presbyterian Church is helping to bring the anti-family violence message to the Church’s 30,000 members...