Here is the Minutes of the Proceedings from the IDC held in Gisborne as at May 2010.
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
8/9 MAY 2010
HELD AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH HALL
GISBORNE ________________________________________________________________________________
SATURDAY 8 MAY 2010
Conference Opening
The Most Reverend David Moxon, President of the Inter Diocesan Conference, opened the Conference at 1.15 pm in the hall at Holy Trinity Church, Gisborne. He commented that in our Church today we celebrate Julian of Norwich who as a recluse lived by a church in a small room – as are we, in this Inter Diocesan Conference.
Opening Worship
Worship was led by the Chaplain to the Inter Diocesan Conference, the Reverend Blake Ramage.
Welcome and Introductions
Archbishop David Moxon extended a welcome to all present and invited a spokesperson from each of the seven New Zealand Dioceses to introduce their delegates individually. Bernard Faull introduced the Diocesan Registrars. The Archbishop welcomed to the Conference the Rev Canon Jim White, Dean of the College of the Southern Cross, Lloyd Ashton (Media Officer) the Rev Canon Brian Thomas, (Taonga) and the Reverend John Hebenton (National Youth Facilitator) who introduced Julie Hintz (StraNdZ Enabler) Emma Hocking and Josh Reid (Youth Stewards).
Archbishop David Moxon drew members’ attention to the guidelines for debate at IDC. He asked members who wished to name topics for discussion, to put these suggestions in writing by 3.30 pm and he advised members that nominations would close at 9 pm on Saturday 8 May with voting to take place at 10.50 am on Sunday 9 May, if necessary. He explained that in order to allow adequate time for Dioceses to name members of a proposed Nominations Panel, Motion 4, Voting for Tikanga Pakeha Members of the Standing Committee of the General Synod / te Hīnota Whānui, set down on the Order Paper for 3.30 pm, would be debated immediately following Motion 1.
Members were advised that both the Diocese of Waiapu and the Diocese of Christchurch had agreed to a 0.3% stipend increase as from 1 May 2010, information which had not been available when the Inter Diocesan Conference Programme of Business was circulated.
There were no Procedural Motions or Notices of Motion.
INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE PROCEDURAL MATTERS
MOTION: The Ven Tony Gerritsen The Ven May Croft
THAT the following officers be added to clause 1(6)(a) of the IDC Procedural Matters:
Te Kotahitanga Executive Officer
StraNdZ Enabler
Order of St Stephen, Network Coordinator
CARRIED
MOTION: Mr Ian Pask
THAT paragraph (3) of the Inter-Diocesan Conference Procedural Matters - Voting for Tikanga Pākehā members of the Standing Committee of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui (IDC’94) be revoked and the following substituted:
Appointment of Tikanga Pākehā members of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui
(1) Each Diocese shall, prior to the commencement of the biennial meeting of the IDC,
(a) Nominate from their membership of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui persons to be considered for appointment to the Standing Committee of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui. Preferably each Diocese should make at least two nominations, one from each order, indicating any preferences between the nominated persons (there is no restriction on the number of nominations a Diocese may make as this may assist the nominations panel to achieve a balanced representation for the Tikanga)
(b) Appoint one of their IDC representatives to the Nominations Panel whose task will be to:
(i) Receive nominations from each Diocese for the Tikanga Pākehā membership of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui Standing Committee.
(ii) Recommend to the IDC who should be appointed to represent Tikanga Pākehā on the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui Standing Committee having regard to the following criteria:
(2) The Administrative Secretary shall, during the IDC, convene the Nominations Panel and report the Panel’s recommendations to the IDC for confirmation.
Amendment: Lyndon Rogers Michael Hebenton
THAT a further bullet point be added as a criteria. namely ‘age balance’
The following motion was put.
MOTION: Mr Ian Pask The Rev Helen Wilderspin
THAT paragraph (3) of the Inter-Diocesan Conference Procedural Matters - Voting for Tikanga Pākehā members of the Standing Committee of the General Synod/te Hīnoata Whānui (IDC’94) be revoked and the following substituted:
Appointment of Tikanga Pākehā members of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui
(1) Each Diocese shall, prior to the commencement of the biennial meeting of the IDC,
(a) Nominate from their membership of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui persons to be considered for appointment to the Standing Committee of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui. Preferably each Diocese should make at least two nominations, one from each order, indicating any preferences between the nominated persons (there is no restriction on the number of nominations a Diocese may make as this may assist the nominations panel to achieve a balanced representation for the Tikanga)
(b) Appoint one of their IDC representatives to the Nominations Panel whose task will be to:
(i) Receive nominations from each Diocese for the Tikanga Pākehā membership of the General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui Standing Committee.
(ii) Recommend to the IDC who should be appointed to represent Tikanga Pākehā on the General Synod/te Hīnoata Whānui Standing Committee having regard to the following criteria:
(2) The Administrative Secretary shall, during the IDC, convene the Nominations Panel and report the Panel’s recommendations to the IDC for confirmation.
CARRIED
REPORTS TO THE INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
Each Diocese had prepared a short PowerPoint presentation which highlighted aspects of Diocesan life which had been a cause for celebration and which named the Diocese’s biggest challenge. Celebrations and challenges included:
Auckland
Celebrations:
Challenge:
Need to be an outward focused church with better communication, better youth leadership, to be vibrant and relevant in communities and empowering local leadership. With a new episcopacy, it is time to get strategic.
Christchurch
Celebrations:
With the development of a strategic plan, Growing Forward, the following are key focuses for the Diocese
Challenge:
Education is the ministry challenge to raise the standard for theological qualifications and mission-shaped training for laity and clergy.
Dunedin
Celebrations:
Strengths of younger leadership recently appointed:
A great deal of life and innovation is coming out of parishes which is contributing considerably to the community
Challenge:
Called to maintain an Anglican ministry across a large and remote geographic area with sparse population.
Nelson
Celebrations:
Challenge:
To turn the strategic plan from theory into reality.
Waiapu
Celebrations:
Challenge:
Meeting the varied and changing needs of a widespread Diocese and providing training for both lay and ordained. Many parishes without stipendiary clergy.
Waikato and Taranaki
Celebrations:
In response to the Commission for the Future Review:
Bishopric of Waikato
Bishopric of Taranaki
Challenge:
To integrate the sense of mission and working together to build on the relationships between the two Bishoprics. To do this Standing Committee has initiated a Diocesan strategic direction exercise to build sustainability into the future.
Wellington
Celebrations:
Challenge:
How to get parishes to work together collegially in small geographical clusters
Deepening our spirituality
Leadership growth for clergy
TIKANGA PAKEHA ANGLICAN CARE NETWORK
MOTION: Conference Chair
THAT this IDC recognises the ground-breaking work of the Reverend Duncan MacDonald for his key role in helping with the founding of the Tikanga Pakeha Anglican Care Network, his on-going support and resourcing of the Network over several decades as he steps down from the Network and his on-going and vital contribution to community-facing ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
CARRIED
In moving the above motion, Archbishop David Moxon read the wording of a citation to the Reverend Duncan MacDonald and presented him with a gift on behalf the New Zealand Dioceses. Duncan MacDonald responded by commenting that it is possible to create change but one also needs the skills and the passion to see these changes through to fruition. This Church is resource rich but the challenge is how best to use this resource. He also paid tribute to his mentors over the years and to many dedicated women who have made Anglican Care what it is today and made a plea that the church does not forget the ‘baby boomers’.
Conference adjourned at 3.10 pm for Afternoon Tea
Conference continued at 3.30 pm with The Very Rev Peter Beck in the Chair
The Dioceses of Wellington and Nelson gave their PowerPoint presentations. These are recorded above.
The Conference broke into groups to discuss the challenges raised in the Diocesan reports.
REPORT BACK FROM DISCUSSION GROUPS
Groups selected challenges to address and summarised issues that had been raised in discussion.
Group 1
Mission Focus
Geographical issues
Sustainability and viability of the Church
Theological education
Other challenges include:
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Group 7
BOOK LAUNCH
Archbishop David Moxon introduced Bishop Richard Randerson. Bishop Richard was then invited to speak about his new book Engagement 21 - A Wake-up Call to the 21st Century Church in Mission. He thanked various people who had helped him and drew members’ attention to the Foreword where good friends and colleagues, both laity and clergy were thanked for their input.
Engagement 21 challenges the Church to radically review its mission strategy if it seeks to gain traction in today’s world. A mission-focused theology, a deeper understanding of modern society and more effective skills in ministry are central to the task. Based on a survey of 96 clergy and laity in New Zealand and Australia, Engagement 21 reports a widespread grass-roots desire for change. It also documents 126 creative ministry projects that are signs of a new mission paradigm. Designed for individual or group reading, the book is priced to facilitate local study and mission planning (see details below). There is a Gospel to proclaim, its truth crucial to life in this post-modern age. New vessels are essential to convey this treasure.
Topics include:
Note: while the data contained in Engagement 21 is drawn mainly from Anglican circles, it is relevant to all denominations, and suitable for ecumenical, inter-tikanga and church/community partnerships.
Archbishop David Moxon dedicated the book with prayer. Bishop Richard Randerson offered a copy to each member and it will be on sale for $19.95 (reduced for quantity purchases).
Conference adjourned at 5.30 pm for Dinner
Conference resumed at 7.00 pm with Mr Anthony Hill in the Chair
Archbishop David Moxon congratulated Mr Hill on his recent appointment as Health and Disability Commissioner.
OTHER REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS
Conference had the opportunity to express appreciation for the work undertaken by the various bodies which report to the Inter Diocesan Conference and/or to raise any matters of significance or matters of concern emerging from the reports. No comments were made.
REPORTS TO THE INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
MOTION: Conference Chair
THAT the written reports and accounts as printed in the Programme of Business for the Inter Diocesan Conference 2010 be received.
CARRIED
TIKANGA PAKEHA ECUMENICAL GROUP
MOTION: The Rt Rev David Rice The Rev Brian Dawson
THAT
(1) the words ‘Tikanga Pakeha’ in Standing Resolution 13 be deleted and replaced with the words ‘Inter Diocesan’
(2) section 6 of Standing Resolution 13 be deleted and replaced with the following:
(6) The tasks and responsibilities of the Tikanga Pākehā Ecumenical Group shall include the following:
(a) to take responsibility for maintaining a relationship with the international/national ecumenical bodies which have been identified as specifically ‘tikanga pakeha’. They include:
Christian World Service (CWS)*
Churches Education Commission (CEC)*
Church Women United
Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand – CCANZ or any new national ecumenical initiative
Inter Church Hospital Chaplaincy (ICHC)*
Inter Church Tertiary Chaplaincy (ICTC)
Student Christian Movement (SCM)
Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand - UCANZ
Work Place Support Services (ITIM)
(b) to report on Tikanga Pakeha ecumenism to the Council for Ecumenism and the Inter Diocesan Conference Coordinating Group (IDCCG)
(c) to recommend to the Inter Diocesan Conference Coordinating Group the names of two persons to be nominated by the Inter Diocesan Conference Coordinating Group for appointment at each Ordinary Session of General Synod/te Hīnota Whānui to the Council for Ecumenism.
(d) to meet with other like ecumenical groups established by Tikanga Maori and Tikanga Pasefika
(e) to ensure that each Diocese is represented on the Tikanga Pākehā Ecumenical Group;
(f) to encourage Diocesan ecumenical activity
CARRIED
DIOCESAN YOUTH WORKER SALARIES
MOTION: The Very Rev Ross Bay The Ven Tony Gerritsen
THAT this IDC
(1) receives the report of the Working Group on Diocesan Youth Worker Salaries;
(2) affirms that such work undertaken at a diocesan or regional level is valid ministry; and
(3) recommends to the New Zealand Dioceses that such positions be remunerated at the level of stipend applicable to that diocese, including the provision of housing or an appropriate level of housing allowance.
CARRIED
STRANDZ
MOTION: The Rt Rev Richard Ellena The Rt Rev Victoria Matthews
THAT
Recognising the development of StraNdZ overseeing the development of ministry to children throughout Tikanga Pakeha,
and noting that the Board of Oversight for National Ministries to those under 40 has representation from StraNdZ,
and noting also that a ‘StraNdZ Enabler’ is funded by IDC through the Board of Oversight,
Yet noting that StraNdZ does not have any formal status within IDC
This IDC
(1) formally establishes StraNdZ as a group appointed to develop ministry to children and of children within Tikanga Pakeha, in accordance with the following Standing Resolution:
18 STRANDZ
(1) There be constituted a group known as StraNdZ to focus on the development and encouragement of Children’s Ministries within the dioceses of Tikanga Pakeha.
(2) StraNdZ purpose is to:
(3) That StraNdZ comprise:
(4) An Executive subcommittee may be appointed from within StraNdZ to act as a reference group for the Enabler.
(5) StraNdZ be accountable to the Tikanga Pakeha Ministry Council for ministry issues.
(6) StraNdZ shall on all employment matters, consult, advise and liaise with the Board of Oversight for National Ministries to those under 40.
(7) The Administrative Secretary of the Inter Diocesan Conference will act as accountant to StraNdZ.
(2) Amends Standing Resolution 15, Tikanga Pakeha Ministry Council, by adding a new clause (3)(f) which reads:
(f) The StraNdZ Children’s Ministry Enabler,
and that the letter sequence of the following paragraphs be adjusted accordingly
(3) Amends Standing Resolution 2, Board of Oversight for National Ministries for those under 40 by deleting clause (4)(a)(ii) and substituting the following:
(4)(a)(ii) a Children’s and Families (StraNdZ) Enabler Tikanga Pakeha [in consultation and agreement with StraNdZ]
CARRIED
INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE BUDGET FOR 2011/12
MOTION: Mr Ian Pask The Rev Helen Wilderspin
THAT the Inter Diocesan Conference budget for the years 2011 and 2012, as printed on the green pages of the Programme of Business, be approved.
CARRIED
NIGHT PRAYER
Prayer was led by the Chaplain to the Inter Diocesan Conference, the Reverend Blake Ramage
Conference adjourned for the day at 8.15 pm
SUNDAY 9 MAY 2010
Conference resumed at 10.55am
OPENING PRAYER
Opening Prayer was led by the Chaplain to the Inter Diocesan Conference, the Reverend Blake Ramage
Conference continued with The Rev Joanne Kelly-Moore in the Chair.
ELECTIONS
No elections were necessary. The Chair read out the names of those who had been nominated or appointed to the various national bodies. These positions are as follows:
NOMINATIONS FROM IDC TO BE FORWARDED TO GENERAL SYNOD
| General Synod Standing Committee Auckland The Rev Joanne Kelly-Moore Christchurch Mrs Ruth Wildbore Dunedin The Rev Helen Wilderspin Nelson Mr Ian Pask Waiapu The Rev Brian Dawson Waikato Mr Gerald Bailey Wellington The Ven May Croft |
| Anglican Missions Board Mrs Mary Estcourt The Rt Rev Philip Richardson The Rev David Pask |
Archives Committee The Rev Earle Howe
|
| New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board The Ven Lawrence Kimberley |
Commission on Communications Mrs Jennifer Pearson The Rev Spanky Moore The Rev Jayson Rhodes
|
| Youth Commission Benjamin Brock-Smith Andrew Spence
|
Commission on Treaty and Partnership Issues The Rt Rev Philip Richardson The Ven Jenny Dawson |
| Tribunal On Doctrine House of Laity Mr Anthony Hill House of Clergy The Rev Dr Andrew Burgess The Very Rev Trevor James |
Tribunal Under the Church of England Empowering Act 1928 House of Laity House of Clergy Mr Gerald Bailey The Rev Diana Rattray Mr Ian Pask The Rev Roger Barker Mrs Victoria Mann The Rev Jo Kelly-Moore Dr Tony Fitchett |
| Judicial Committee Mr Richard Gray QC Judge Chris Harding Judge Anne McAloon The Ven David Tonkin |
Te Kotahitanga The Rt Rev Richard Ellena The Rev Alec Clark
|
| Anglican Insurance Board Mrs Alison Jephson |
|
NOMINATIONS FROM IDCCG TO BE FORWARDED TO GENERAL SYNOD
| Social Justice Commission Mrs Jenny Campbell Mr Peter Bargh |
Council for Anglican Women’s Studies The Rev Erice Fairbrother The Rev Carole Hughes |
| Commission on Treaty, Church and Nation The Rt Rev Philip Richardson Professor Ray Harlow |
Council for Ecumenism The Rt Rev David Rice The Rev Noel Hendery |
| Common Life Liturgical Commission The Rt Rev Ross Bay The Ven Monty Black |
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE INTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
| Distribution Advisory Committee Mr Ian Pask The Rev Joanne Kelly-Moore |
| Policy Committee on Christian World Service The Rev Robert Kereopa |
| Inter Diocesan Conference Coordinating Group Auckland The Rev Carole Hughes Christchurch Mr Jeremy Johnson Dunedin Mrs Barbara Dineen Nelson Mr Ian Pask Waiapu The Rev Jo Crosse Waikato The Most Rev David Moxon Wellington The Ven Jenny Dawson |
The Chair outlined the process to be followed for the discussion of the first topic, the St John’s College Review.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
St John’s College Review
The Rt Rev Philip Richardson stated that in his view this was a critical opportunity to address issues that have existed in the College for a long time. He outlined some of the governance history of the College. A very comprehensive 3 tikanga review was undertaken and a report prepared some years ago with 17 recommendations and the legislation which flowed from this report legislates for autonomy rather than unity. He explained the way the role of the St John’s College Board of Oversight had developed over recent years and the role played by the Heads of Colleges.
The Rev Canon Jim White stated he believed in the College and the legacy that our forebears had left to the church. Life for most students is good. Most do a theological degree at Otago University and undertake study for a Diploma through the Anglican Studies Programme which focuses on professional development. Jim told members that he should not be labeled a white, conservative priest, as he has in fact had a politically active earlier career. He has been engaged in team ministry and involved in parish ministry with many students who have in earlier years passed through the College. He commented that some members of the Board of Oversight represent interests that lie outside the interests of the College. It cannot manage the Heads of College. He suggests the report does not go far enough but he believes the report must be accepted. He paid tribute to Canon Deborah Broome and Bishop Victoria Matthews who represent the New Zealand Dioceses and who have worked extraordinarily hard against great odds.
The Rt Rev Richard Ellena spoke as a member of Te Kotahitanga. The St John’s College Trust Board has sought a strategic plan for a body which has no vision. There is a lack of communication between the St John’s College Board of Oversight and Te Kotahitanga. Matters came to a head last year which resulted in the appointment of The Rt Rev Sir Paul Reeves as Commissioner to manage the current Commission of Enquiry in Relation to the Structure of the College of St John the Evangelist. As a member of Te Kotahitanga representing the New Zealand Dioceses, he said Te Kotahitanga is supportive of the report.
Dioceses caucused to discuss the issues raised by the speakers and reported back as follows:
Dunedin is in favour of adopting the report. The problem is considered to be one of personalities. A key issue is who is appointed Commissioner and the powers this person is granted.
Christchurch there are flaws in the report but the Diocese is supportive of the next step as outlined in the report.
Nelson is supportive of the report and supportive that Motion 18 be an Order of the Day as timetabled.
Wellington strongly supports the report and suggested that the problems are structural, political and personal.
Waikato agrees with the report and commented that the Trust Deed means that the College could not legally be closed
Waiapu is committed to a three Tikanga process and the hope is that the report will be supported by Te Kotahitanga
Auckland commented that at General Synod we will vote on this motion but this is really a small picture of a greater problem we face as a Church.
Conference adjourned at 12.15 pm for Lunch
Conference resumed at 1.30 pm in the Emerald Ballroom with the Rt Rev Victoria Matthews in the Chair
General Synod Motion 18 Resource Sharing
This motion asks the New Zealand Dioceses to reorganize their own resources and affairs and to revisit their trusts and enter into a partnership in mission with Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa that will address a shortage of stipendiary ministry at ground level. Another issue is the legal authority to establish college units on the St John’s College site. Archbishop David Moxon outlined the history behind this latter request which was the subject of much debate at the 1996 General Synod.
Anthony Hill warned that courtesy in any conversations that take place is going to be very important during debate at General Synod on this motion. After listening to the initial debate, the New Zealand Dioceses will be able to caucus to consider a collective response and way forward.
How can we address issues of concern that were identified in the various reports ?
Mr Graeme Elvin expressed his concern that many serious issues raised by reports had not been addressed at the meeting. In particular he referred to comments made by the Rt Rev Kelvin Wright as he concluded his report from the Diocese of Dunedin. He asked what avenues there were, outside the Inter Diocesan Conference, for exploring issues as a Tikanga.
VOTE OF APPRECIATION AND THANKS
MOTION: The Most Rev David Moxon
THAT this Inter Diocesan Conference expresses its appreciation and thanks to the host partner and all who have contributed to the success of this Inter Diocesan Conference.
CARRIED
In moving this motion, Archbishop David Moxon, particularly thanked the Chaplain to the Inter Diocesan Conference, the Rev Blake Ramage whose ministry had been especially appreciated. He thanked those who had managed the logistics of the meeting - the Session Chairs, the data projector operator The Rev Brian Dawson, the Registrars, the Administrative Secretary and Mrs Pat McKay at Holy Trinity who was unstinting in her support. He thanked the Bishop of Waiapu, the Rt Rev David Rice, in whose Diocese the meetings are being held.
CLOSING WORSHIP
Closing Worship was led by the Chaplain to the Inter Diocesan Conference, the Reverend Blake Ramage
The Most Reverend David Moxon closed the Inter Diocesan Conference at 3 pm
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