It was a day of reunions and celebrations on Thursday, as Archbishop Sir David Moxon and Bishop Emeritus Denis Browne were awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Waikato.  This saw the rare coming together of both Bishops and their successors: Bishop Steve Lowe, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hamilton, and Bishop Helen-Ann.  Archbishop Philip was also in attendance, along with many friends and whanau of the honorary graduands.  The University bestows this highest of honours upon distinguished individuals, and indeed each in their own merit, for commitments to education, community building and engagement, and social justice.  But both Bishops were also honoured as a mark of recognition of their many years of ecumenical witness and ministry in the City of Hamilton and across the region far and wide.  The day began with a liturgy in the Lady Goodfellow Chapel on the University of Waikato's campus, overseen by the Ecumenical Chaplain, the Rev'd Br Andrew McKean, and the Roman Catholic chaplain Fr Andrew.  After the graduation ceremony, there was an afternoon tea held in Anglican Action, to mark the vital work of both Bishops in the establishment of Te Ara Hou village.

Many congratulations indeed!