The story of Parihaka and its non-violent opposition to injustice should be (more) widely known. Parihaka was invaded by Pakeha on 5 November 1881. Surprisingly, or possibly not, the peaceful resistance of pacifist-because-of-Jesus Maori prophet, Te Whiti (which inspired Mahatma Gandhi) may be less known (even) here in New Zealand than might be expected.
Parihaka or Guy Fawkes Read More »
My six points for a 21st Century Anglo-Catholic spirituality. They are both characteristics and challenges.
Six New Anglo-Catholic Points Read More »
This is how Gloriavale could be saved. By religion and theology – not by authorities. https://t.co/8klqeP6Fse — Patrick Gower (@patrickgowernz) April 30, 2018 “Gloriavale Christian Community is a small evangelical Christian group based at Haupiri on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. Its population is estimated to be 550–600…Those who leave
Gloriavale and a More Forgiving God? Read More »
Standing Order 62 of New Zealand’s House of Representatives reads: On taking the Chair at the commencement of each sitting the Speaker reads a prayer to the House and the Mace is placed upon the Table. Prayer has begun each day in parliament since 1854. Concern was expressed, even in those days, that no religious
Prayer in Parliament Read More »
We have received a reply to my open letter to church leaders. Our church may be unique in formally disallowing marriage of divorcees whilst allowing blessing of committed same-sex couples. Read on. The topic in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia that engenders the most energy is (pick one): climate change and
Blessing Divorce and Marriage Equality Read More »
Dear leaders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia,* This is an open letter to you in response to decisions made at the recent meeting of General Synod Te Hinota Whanui with regard to blessing committed same-sex couples. In the light of tabling the A Way Forward report and not progressing its
Open Letter to Anglican Leaders
Is Marriage After Divorce Possible? Read More »
Preaching the opposite of what the Bible teaches On Sunday most preaching on the Widow’s Mite will preach the opposite of what Jesus in the Bible is actually teaching. On Sunday many men (and women) in long robes (and even those who deprecate robes and instead wear expensive suits or hip-pastor jeans with designs and
May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart. May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all
God Bless You With Discomfort, Anger, Tears, and Foolishness Read More »
