Many New Zealanders will be concerned about the news of the devastating tropical cyclone affecting the Pacific, with reports of severe damage being caused Vanuatu.

The Rt Rev Andrew Norton, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand, joined other New Zealand denominational leaders in calling for peace in Syria and Iraq.The detail of the open letter signed by church leaders is below.

Bible Society has produced more than 12,000 'think' inspired Gospels of Matthew for free distribution at Eastercamps, including to the nine Presbyterian Eastercamps held around the country.

Gordon Fitch of PYM says they are, “Stoked to be able to hand out the Bible Society youth-friendly Gospel of Matthew at our Easter Camps this year. The camp directors love the quality and campers love the look of them. Not all youth attending camps own a Bible, and so it means all campers are able to fully participate in small group discussions."

Presbyterian Youth Ministry has published findings from a survey that asked youth workers how supported they felt in their ministry, and what, if anything, ministers could do to better support them in their work. Key findings from the research are published on the PYM website. Read more

The Council of Assembly is pleased to announce that the Rev Dr Steve Taylor has been appointed to the role of Principal at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.

Steve, an experienced church minister, theological educator and academic leader, will take up the role in late 2015, and the Rev Dr Kevin Ward will continue in the Acting Principal role in the interim.

Dr Mathews George Chunakara, a lay member of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in India, has been elected unanimously as the new General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA).

The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of the CCA, which is the largest ecumenical organisation in Asia, and strives for the unity of the church in Asia, joint action in mission and Asian contribution to Christian thought and worship.

It is with great joy that Council of Assembly announces the appointment of Rev Dr Geoff New to the position of Dean of Studies at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.

Geoff will take up the position in mid-2015.

Rev Dr Colin Marshall, Council of Assembly Convener, believes that Geoff will be a wonderful addition to the Knox teaching community, and foresees great days ahead for the ministry and leadership program under Geoff’s guidance.

Studying theology in 2015?  Apply for a Knox Centre Theology Study Grant. Deadline for applications is 31 March 2015.

Sunday 1 Feb 2015 Knox Church, Christchurch, celebrated its official re-opening. Moderator the Right Rev Andrew Norton dedicated the church and shares this message: