Over the past few days, GSTHW has met in Ahuriri, Napier.  Prior to Synod convening, we spent a day in a General Conference between Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Pakeha.  This day of conversation reminded us again of our vibrant life and hope that we hold together in the Gospel that we seek to live out and proclaim.  We acknowledge that we have not always lived up to the standards that God would ask of us through the example of Jesus Christ.  As we welcomed Tikanga Polynesia, and as GSTHW 2016 got underway, we experienced the warmth of relationship that our three Tikanga church demonstrates.  Despite our differences, which are often a source of pain as well as joy, we are all part of the Body of Christ. 

Before we say a word about the discussions and resolutions around the A Way Forward report, we do want to share that equally high on the agenda, and occupying an equally substantial period of time, were the challenges facing us with the reality of climate change.  We heard our Tikanga Polynesia sisters and brothers describe the very real impact of rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.  It is clear that on this topic, our Church has a real opportunity to give voice to the cries of God's creation, and to call each one of us to account about how we treat that creation of which we are a part.  We also spent an evening hosted by Hukarere Girls' College; members of General Synod Te Hinota Whanui witnessed the breaking of ground on the site of the new chapel, and shared a delicious meal as we listened to kapa haka performances by the young women of Hukarere, and young men from Te Aute College.  A rich and inspiring reminder of the vibrancy and energy of faith that is contained within our Anglican Schools.

As expected, there was considerable discussion of the A Way Forward Report.  These discussions were lengthy, honest, hard-going at times, and raw.  There was not a person who was untouched by the range and depth of emotions that are held, silently and out loud by so many across the range of views on the matter of same-sex relationships.  Aspects of this discussion have been reported on the Anglican Toanga website, and we encourage you to read these reports very carefully. 

What became abundantly clear was that while Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Polynesia were (even with their own internal differences) prepared to accept Motion 4 and its recommendations, Tikanga Pakeha needed more time.  The focus of this request was to ask for further work to be done on our structural life to explore how we might live with two integrities. 

Therefore, GSTHW 2016 resolved through the passing of Motion 29 to:

 - Receive with thanksgiving the A Way Forward Report;

 - That the report and its recommendations do lie on the table until GSTHW 2018, with a firm expectation that a decision to move forward will be made there;

 - Establishes and commits to pray for a working group to be appointed by the primates to consider possible structural arrangements within our three Tikanga church to safeguard both theological convictions concerning the blessing of same-gender relationships;

 - That this working group to report by the end of July 2017.

In the moving of this motion, we cannot adequately convey the depth of manaakitanga and aroha that was extended to Tikanga Pakeha.  We are profoundly blessed in our relationships, and we wept tears of gratitude because of this.

We are acutely aware that within our Diocese, a range of views on the blessing of same-gender relationships exist.  We are not resolved on this matter.  However we are committed to finding a way of journeying together, and as your Bishops we take this immensely seriously.  We will continue to listen prayerfully to those views, and over the next period of time we will be inviting parishes into an Indaba process of intentional conversation and listening to one another on this topic.  We will be sharing details of this in coming weeks.

In the midst of all of this conversation and careful discernment of God's will for us at this time, we remain profoundly committed to leading our Diocese in our threefold vision: that grounded in prayer, we are equipped for discipleship, and connected to community.  We rejoice in God's call to us as your Bishops, and we are deeply inspired by the privilege that it is to be in this role.  We commit to praying for you all, as we are grateful for the prayers you lift up for us.

Holy and ever-living God,

by your power we are created and by your love we are redeemed;

guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,

that we at give ourselves to your service

and live this day in love to one another and to you;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Our Diocese has the honour of hosting GSTHW 2018, which will be held in New Plymouth.  We look forward to that with anticipation and hope, grateful of our need for God's grace at all times.

In Christ, crucified and risen,

 

++Philip     +Helen-Ann.