Our Vision
The Diocese through this decade is working on Regeneration. We dream of each of our ministry units being populated with new generations of believers. We pray for each of our churches to have a spread of generations in its congregations.
Our focus is on making disciples, strengthening families and building communities.
Come and join us!
Our Story
In 1850 Christchurch and the Canterbury plains and foothills were settled with migrants from Great Britain, many of whom were members of the Church of England. Anglican churches were founded. Anglican missioners shared the Good News with local Māori.
In 1856 the Diocese of Christchurch was established, Christchurch was declared a city by Queen Victoria, and Bishop Henry Harper arrived as our first bishop.
Nearly 170 years later we are onto our ninth bishop. The Diocese incorporates all of Canterbury, Westland and the Chatham Islands, divided into 54 parishes and one Cathedral ministry unit in the centre of Christchurch.
Safeguarding and Complaint Process
Safeguarding is about prevention of harm and early intervention to minimise the opportunity for the child, young person or vulnerable adult to be harmed.
If you wish to make a complaint about an office bearer in the Anglican Church (for example, a priest, deacon, bishop, licenced lay minister, trustee, etc) we encourage you to put it in writing and send it directly to the independent Registrar, either by email or post.
What is faith?
Is Christianity true?
What happens when I die?
Finding faith in a busy world.
Coming soon: We talk to 5 people with fresh stories of finding faith & community.
News and Announcements
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Read more: New leader of Presbyterian Church is Southern man who asks what we believe
New leader of Presbyterian Church is Southern man who asks what we believe
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Read more: Primatial Statement on the Appointment of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
Primatial Statement on the Appointment of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
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Read more: New plan to reopen Christ Church Cathedral as it was built – in stages
New plan to reopen Christ Church Cathedral as it was built – in stages
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Read more: Primatial Statement Regarding the Holy Land
Primatial Statement Regarding the Holy Land
Anglican e-Life
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Read more: Anglican e-Life | 12 November 2025
Anglican e-Life | 12 November 2025
From Vicar General, Mark Barlow:
Last weekend, there were four baptisms at Woodend-Pegasus Parish on Pegasus Beach. Acting Deacon-in-Charge Reverend Sammy Mould, and Reverend Stephanie Clay, with Youth Minister Nadia Fox baptised Melissa, Jane, Saffron, Neve and Temprince. Meanwhile at Sumner Beach, Vicar Reverend Harry Newton and the Parish of Sumner-Redcliffs celebrated David’s baptism. Let us pray for each of the newly baptised, asking God to bless them (and their loved ones) in their journey with the Lord.
One of the many blessings that we enjoy as a Three Tikanga Church is the opportunity to learn from and be blessed by fellow Anglicans from different cultures and traditions. One of the things that I have always loved about Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Pasifika is the way in which elders are held in such high regard and treated with respect and honour. Sadly, in the Pakeha world, we do not always follow suit.
In a culture that is heavily focussed on novelty, innovation and youth—not bad things in themselves—it can be easy to overlook or forget the importance of the contributions made by those who have trodden the path before us.
I am writing this on 11 November, Armistice Day, when we remember those who laid down their lives in the horror that was the Great War and honour those who survived subsequent conflicts. For many old soldiers, it may be one of the few occasions when their existence is acknowledged and celebrated in any meaningful way. We truly have a lot to learn from other cultures when it comes to honouring and respecting our elders every day.
I was greatly blessed and privileged to break bread at the altar and in the dining room with a goodly number of retired clergy, spouses, and widow(er)s last Thursday. It was a joy to catch up with some that I hadn’t seen in a while, to renew contact with old friends, and to honour the achievements of some celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination. May the Lord God bless, preserve and keep them, every single one.
On Saturday 29 November 10.30am at the Transitional Cathedral, Wanjiru (Ciru) Muriuki, André Muller and Bruce White will be ordained deacons. All are welcome – clergy are asked to robe with red stoles.
This Sunday, the second before Advent, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. Now in chapter 21:5-19, Jesus warns his followers of significant events to come; specifically, in terms of the destruction of the Temple and generally as regards earthquakes, famines and pestilences. Why is he warning them about things that will be beyond their control? Surely, he didn’t expect them to try to prevent these? No, the call on them, as it remains for us, is to remain faithful throughout. In the first place, not to be deceived by fake messiahs, and secondly to endure hatred, betrayal and even disaster for his name’s sake!
It was a genuine blessing and a wonder last Thursday to spend time with many who, in their 70s, 80s and even 90s, have inspired me with their single-minded devotion to our Lord and their endurance in the face of trials and tribulations. As I prepare to travel through Advent and Christmas again, I am resolved to follow their example. Hopefully, you will determine to join me for the journey.
Arohanui
Mark
Vicar General
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Read more: Anglican e-Life | 5 November 2025
Anglican e-Life | 5 November 2025
Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.
In the cover photo collage, we have the fun-filled Ellesmere Parish Fair, and Deeper 2025 with over 95 people across our Diocese gathering at Woodend for deeper fellowship, worship, kai, and indoor/outdoor activities. Many thanks to the organisers, leaders, helpers, and participants who made Deeper a wonderful family-friendly gathering for our Diocese last Saturday.
We are pleased to announce that from Sunday, 1 February 2026, the Venerable Nick Mountfort will join the Diocesan Ministry Team based at the Anglican Centre. Bishop Peter has appointed Nick to be Archdeacon for Ministry Education.
Earlier this week I took a stroll along the banks of the Liffey, which runs through Lincoln, on a warm and sunny afternoon. As I walked along, I was giving thanks to God for the many blessings in my life, of which there are many.
We had a very successful Parish Plant Fair on the weekend, raising more than $15,000.00; there was a wonderful baptism service the next day with a full church, and I was having an actual day off! I have to confess that it would have been easy to have become a bit smug about these ‘blessings’ were it not for some others that awaited me along the path.
My reverie was interrupted by the approach of a very large Muscovy duck which, without any fear, waddled right up to me wagging its tail feathers, as if in greeting. Naturally I replied, marvelling at its trust. Within a few paces, my gaze was distracted by a large rhododendron bush, utterly festooned with pale pink flowers. I had to stop to admire it. As I stood there transfixed by its beauty, a magnificent golden monarch butterfly fluttered by above me with the casual ease of a creature in no particular hurry but seemingly enjoying its journey. “Are you just showing off, Lord?” I prayed. “Absolutely!” came the reply, “Were you?” Somewhat chastened and purged of any trace of smugness, I had the blessings of the weekend put into perspective and became truly thankful to the One who graciously bestowed them.
This Sunday’s gospel is Luke 20:27-38 which contains another challenge to see things from God’s perspective rather than our own. Like the Sadducees, we can become smug about the rightness or logic of our own theological positions, and even want to use them to test or defeat another, as they did. Like us, they didn’t know what they didn’t know until Jesus enlightened them, opening their hearts to the greater priorities of the one who is not the God of the dead but the God of the living.
With love
Mark Barlow
Vicar General
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Read more: Anglican e-Life | 29 October 2025
Anglican e-Life | 29 October 2025
Kia ora from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.
Around our Diocese: Sumner-Redcliffs parishioners and Vicar, Rev’d Harry Newton celebrated Leah’s baptism on the beach with her family and loved ones two weeks ago. The following week, Dame Sue Bagshaw was the guest speaker at the annual Christ’s College Pink Lunch for the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.
Yesterday in the calendar we remembered Saints Simon and Jude, two apostles who were disciples of Jesus during His earthly ministry. The reason that we remember them on the same day is that, according to church tradition, these two travelled and ministered together, carrying on the principle of two-by-two in Persia. Eventually, they were even martyred together, apparently in what is now Beirut.
Reflecting on the significance of such a faithful ministry partnership, I could not help but remember and give thanks for the people with whom I have shared partnerships in ministry. Sometimes fellow clergy, sometimes lay leaders, sometimes wise and mature mentors in the faith, sometimes new believers fuelled by the zeal of their recent conversions.
Whether they be short or long, we are all blessed to have had these associations, all of which are good to remember and to give thanks for. Unlike the two aforementioned apostles, ours have not (as yet) led to martyrdom, but I pray for all of us, and for the partnerships that we are in now, that they may be as faithful, devoted and effective as that of Saint Simon and Saint Jude.
One way that we can all partner together is in the business of being people of prayer. I hope that we can commit together to praying in these days for all who have been adversely affected by the recent stormy weather, especially for those who are still without electricity, and face the prospect of remaining so for days to come.
In the gospel for this coming Sunday (Luke 19:1-10), we have the chief tax collector Zacchaeus, despised by many but loved by Jesus. As I reflect on our Lord’s actions, I cannot help, like Zacchaeus, to be amazed and moved by Him. Here is what struck home. Jesus knew His man. Whether by reputation or by inspiration of the Holy Spirit He discerned the one in greatest need and, rather than scorning or avoiding this arch-sinner, the Lord revealed to him, and to the crowd, the true nature of God. A God of mercy who triumphs over judgement, a God who isn’t fazed by the condescension of others but brings salvation to the houses of sinners when they look into His face and see their worth to the God of Abraham.
This is the Master in whose footsteps we walk and whose ways we seek to emulate. May we be blessed and be a blessing as we do.
Arohanui ki a koutou katoa
Vicar General Mark Barlow
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Read more: Anglican e-Life | 22 October 2025
Anglican e-Life | 22 October 2025
Greetings to all from the Deputy Vicar General, Indrea Alexander.
In the cover photo collage: We were blessed to have the Reverend Jemma Allen lead our Safe Ministry and Boundaries workshops in October, while Sister Eveleen Retreat House hosted its final ‘Clergy Retreat’ for the year last week.
On Saturday 29 November at the Transitional Cathedral, Wanjiru (Ciru) Muriuki and André Muller will be ordained deacons. Following their ordinations, Ciru has been appointed Assistant Curate in the Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon, and André will work as Assistant Curate with Archdeacon Katrina Hill in the parishes of Linwood-Aranui, East Christchurch and Avonside.
It was estimated 100,000 essential public service workers could be on strike this week in a protest for better pay and working conditions – 50,000 teachers, 36,000 nurses, plus senior doctors, dentists, social workers, healthcare workers and more. We pray for all who are affected by workplace disputes, that wisdom, fairness, and peace may prevail.
We are sad to advise that the Reverend Hugh Paterson died on Saturday at Darfield hospital, surrounded by his family. Hugh was ordained deacon in 1960, then priested in 1962. He served as Assistant Curate in Highfield Parish, before serving in Kumara, Hokitika and Malvern. Hugh then served as Director of Rural Ministry and as Regional Dean in North Canterbury. Hugh retired to the Old Sheffield Vicarage and was a familiar much-loved personality in the Malvern Parish in his retirement years. Hugh’s funeral will be held on Thursday 23 October, 11am at Trinity Church, Darfield.
Monday, 27 October is Labour Day, a public holiday in New Zealand. In the 1800s, New Zealand workers sought the right to limit their work to eight hours a day. Labour Day was officially celebrated from 1900, though the eight-hour day was still not a legal entitlement. At one time, the chant was “eight hours work, eight hours play, eight hours sleep and eight bob a day.” The Living Wage movement, guided by the Lower Hutt Anglican Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit, currently calculates $28.95 an hour as the level of income required to provide fulltime workers with the necessities of life and allow them to participate with dignity as active citizens in society. Many workers receive less, with the minimum wage currently $23.50. According to the Retirement Commission in 2019, 12% of over 65s are still trying to pay off a mortgage.
At Synod there was discussion about how to better care for clergy, and it was asked whether to explore providing health insurance. That would benefit clergy, but I yearn to hear the church’s clamorous cry for a well-resourced public health system that will benefit all.
Due to the red weather warning, the AAW Social Concerns/Overseas and Outreach roadshow in Timaru on Thursday, 23 October will be postponed until further notice.
Arohanui,
Indrea.
Indrea Alexander, Deputy Vicar General
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Our Purpose
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
To respond to human need by loving service
To pursue peace and reconciliation
Protect the integrity of creation, sustain and renew the life of the earth