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Anglican e-Life | 12 November 2025

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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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Anglican e-Life | 5 November 2025

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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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Anglican e-Life | 29 October 2025

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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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Anglican e-Life | 22 October 2025

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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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Anglican e-Life | 15 October 2025

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Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

October seems to be the month of ‘fairs’, celebrating the spring season. We have photos from the Garage and Car Boot Sale at St Peter’s, Upper Riccarton-Yaldhurst Parish. All are warmly welcomed to visit the parishes across our Diocese – see more in Upcoming Events (& Fairs) of this e-Life.

In Bishop Peter’s absence, I occasionally have the privilege of representing the Diocese at meetings, gatherings and events. One such instance occurred last week when I attended a meeting of the Christchurch Heads of Denominations group. This gathering is known as ‘Te Raranga’ (in English, ‘The Weaving’ or ‘The Net’). Leaders from most of the various denominations in our region gather three or four times a year to discuss matters of the moment for the church and to pray together.

This time we were hosted at Te Hepera Pai in Ferry Road by the Venerable Susan Wallace, Archdeacon in Te Pihopatanga O Te Waipounamu and Bishop’s Commissary following the death of her dear and much-loved father, Pihopa Rihari Wallace.

Susan gave the assembled leaders a brilliant and gripping summary of a Māori view of the outworking of the gospel in New Zealand, from the first sermon preached by Reverend Samuel Marsden at Oihi Beach on Christmas Day 1814, to the current strategy of the Te Waipounamu diocese for sharing the Good News. We were told that, from the moment when Māori decided to follow Jesus, the Gospel became part of this land; ingrained in the soil! The strategy is to take three ‘pou’ or posts and drive them into this gospel soil as strong anchors for the message.

The first pou is ‘Aroha!’–an unconditional, all-encompassing love that welcomes all. This, of course is redolent of αγαπη (agápē or pronounced as ‘aga-pay’) in the New Testament.

The second is ‘Rongo!’ –Peace. Peace with God through our Lord, with each other and with the earth. Again, reminiscent of a biblical concept familiar to us, namely Shalom, which is so much more than the mere prevention of conflict by a third-party force, but the removal, by God’s grace, of the things that cause division, which brings healing and unity such as we continue to pray for in Gaza and the Middle East.

The third is ‘Hari!’ –Celebration or joy. When people love one another and live in peace, celebration follows, usually involving singing and food! I think that we have a lot to learn from this Tikanga Māori mission action plan.

One way to start is to make time to attend the following:

Prayer Vigil for Peace

This Sunday evening, 19 October,

7pm to midnight at the Transitional Cathedral.

This is an opportunity to thank God for the advancement of the peace accord between Israel and the Palestinian people and to pray for its success, as well as for healing of hurts; the comforting of griefs, and the planting of hope in the Holy Land.

Deeper camp is a space for families and intermediate youth groups to grow deeper in relationship with each other and God. See the new promotional video in the Deeper article of this e-Life. Saturday, 1 November 2025 is a day full of activities and fun! There will be music, talks, waterslide, bouldering wall, archery, air rifles, competitions, crafts, a preschool space and lots more. It is a great opportunity to connect with some fun community and faith. This is a dedicated space for whānau and intermediates to create connections in your parish and across our Diocese. Any questions: please email Azaria Brooker. Book in for Deeper through this link.

This Sunday we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. In recent weeks, we have focused on the matter of faith; the mustard seed in 17:5-10; the faith of a healed, gentile leper in 17:11-19. This week, in 18:1-8, Jesus asks the question in verse 8:

“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Maybe a strange question to be asking, following a story about an oppressed widow and a diffident judge – or maybe not? How easy is it for us, despite our faith, to miscast our life of prayer and relationship with God along the lines of that between a put-upon individual on the one hand, and an apparently disinterested God on the other?

My prayer for us is that we will grasp our mustard seed of faith and trust that our prayers reach a God who loves us utterly and boundlessly, caring deeply about the people who concern us and things that trouble us. In addition, we can trust the Almighty One, who sees ahead, not only to hear us, but to act as may be best for us and for those for whom we pray!

Arohanui ki a koutou katoa

Vicar General Mark Barlow

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Anglican e-Life | 8 October 2025

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From Vicar General, Mark Barlow:

E te whanau O te Pihopatanga O Otautahi, kia ora koutou katoa!

Springtime is in full swing across our Diocese. From Pet Blessing Services, fundraisers like plant sales, Sunday services, to the renewal of Franciscan vows, we celebrate the richness of parish life together as a diocese. Read more in this e-Life.

This week we have read the news about the appointment of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally is a significant choice for our world-wide Anglican Communion, and sadly, one that is not universally well received. In some quarters, Dame Sarah’s appointment is seen as potentially leading to a further fracture of the already fragile integrity of our denomination, especially in the so-called Global South where her convictions about same-gender relationships are deemed to be unbiblical and doctrinally unsound.

I am heartened and encouraged by the joint statement published by our three tikanga archbishops, and in particular a communique from Archbishop Don Tamihere which reads:

“Archbishops Sione Ulu’ilakepa, Justin Duckworth and I celebrate and unequivocally support the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE as the 106th Archbishop-designate of Canterbury. Throughout her vocation, she has led through care and servanthood, serving as Chief Nursing Officer for England while also living out her call to ordained ministry, a path marked by deep integrity.

Honoured as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her service to nursing and midwifery, she has also redrawn the map of possibility within the Church of England. She became the first woman to lead an ordination service, the first to serve as Bishop of London, and now stands as the first Archbishop-designate of Canterbury. Each step in her calling is both her achievement and a sign of God at work, breaking barriers and empowering women in faith.

All through scripture, in every generation, there is significant and crucial female leadership. This is nothing new to us. The call of God upon women has always been present and powerful, and to ignore it is to misrepresent the truth of our faith.”

Please pray for archbishop-designate Sarah as she prepares to begin this crucial ministry at such a critical time in the life of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

Reverend Mark Chamberlain has finished his role as our Parish Mission Impact Review Coordinator. Nine MIRs (Mission Impact Reviews) have been completed this year with very positive responses from both clergy and parishioners. To date, 18 people have served in the MIR team, with five of them having received training are new this year. Thank you, Mark, for all your contributions and work in our diocese. Archdeacon Nicky Lee continues to do a marvellous job with the administration of MIRs. Questions relating to MIRs should be directed to Archdeacon Nicky Lee from now on.

I am saddened to advise of the death of Reverend David Hastings on Thursday, 2 October, aged 84. David was ordained deacon in 1979 and priested the following year in Blenheim. He served as Curate in Blenheim, before serving in Cheviot, 1982-1985, Tahunanui 1985-1991, Awatere Joint Venture 1991-1995, Picton 1995-2001 and Ashburton 2001-2005. He also served at various times as Police Chaplain in Nelson and coordinating Chaplain for Police HQ, Archdeacon for Rural Ministry, Regional Dean for Marlborough and Chaplain for Palliative Care at CDHM Ashburton. A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at St Columba’s Anglican Church, 452 Main South Road, Hornby at 11am on Thursday, 9 October. The funeral service can be viewed live here. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Please uphold Reverend Graham Button in your prayers. Graham has had a serious fall which has led to an extended stay in hospital.

Deeper camp is a space for families and intermediate youth groups to grow deeper in relationship with each other and God. Saturday, 1 November 2025 is a day full of activities and fun! There will be music, talks, waterslide, bouldering wall, archery, air rifles, competitions, crafts, a preschool space and lots more. It is a great opportunity to connect with some fun community and faith. This is a dedicated space for whānau and intermediates to create connections in your parish and across our Diocese. Any questions: please email Azaria Brooker. Book in for Deeper through this link.

Last Sunday in our gospel, the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. This week in Luke 17:11-19, we read about people who had no extended connection with Jesus and suffered terribly compared to the 12 because they were lepers. These men, one of whom was a Samaritan, had no need for increased faith in order to cry out to the Lord for mercy. Their desperate plight and the nearness of Jesus were all that their ‘mustard seeds’ needed. Sadly, most of them were so intent on fulfilling the terms of the law, that they failed to give thanks to and for the one who had healed them.

Once again, it would be easy to look down my nose at the ungrateful 11 and even to judge or condemn them. Instead, however, I find myself examining my own life and, I confess, finding ample evidence of my own ingratitude for the many blessings and mercies that God has lavished upon me. Like the Apostles last week, I desire a life more deeply characterised by faith, but even more, one that is marked by gratitude.

With love,

Ven. Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 1 October 2025

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Greetings from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.

My dear sisters and brothers,

This is a week of celebrating our animals and all the joy they bring! Come along with your beloved pet[s] to Christ Church Cathedral from Monday, 29 September to Friday, 3 October for a tour inside with a professional photo, and an optional blessing. Bookings via Humanitix. A special service will wrap-up Pet Week celebrating St Francis of Assisi (the Patron Saint of animals) Feast Day behind the fences on Saturday, 4 October at 10.00am — or at the Transitional Cathedral if it rains. Pets are very welcome.

A couple of Sundays ago, I had the distinct blessing and privilege of admitting a long-standing member and dear friend into full communion with the Anglican Church. This isn’t something that we normally do but in this case, it was highly appropriate. Many decades ago, my friend came to the end of his desire and capacity to remain in the denomination of which he was a part. This led to a more creation-centred faith, expressed in the natural world.

Recently, however, my friend chanced to read an article on, of all things, The Shroud of Turin. This piqued his interest to the point of ordering and devouring a book which detailed all of the latest research carried out on the Shroud. As a result of his research, he came to the conclusion that this was indeed the genuine article. Further reflection led him to rediscover his faith and belief that Jesus was and is the crucified and resurrected Son of God and so, in his eighties, and for the first time in over 40 years, my friend received Holy Communion in church on Sunday, 21 September!

This was a joyous occasion for him, the many members of his family who were present, old friends who came along to support him and the whole congregation at Tai Tapu. I had my share of joy as well as I subsequently reflected on the lengths that the Good Shepherd goes to in order to gather lost sheep.

We have received word that the Reverend Eunice Penman has died in hospital in Timaru early this morning. Eunice was a well-loved member of St Philip and All Saints’ Church, Marchwiel. She was ordained as an LSM Priest for Marchwiel Parish in 2007 but has been unable to offer ministry for a number of years due to ongoing health and mobility issues.

I am pleased to announce that the Reverend Kay Webster has been appointed to the position of Senior Associate Priest in the Parish of Fendalton. Kay takes up her new role on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

This Sunday’s gospel has the ‘apostles’ wanting more faith! I can sympathise with them, and particularly when I examine my own track record when it comes down to it. Thankfully, like The Twelve, I don’t really need very much. A tiny morsel, the size of a mustard seed is all that is required. Clearly, the problem that the disciples faced, which may be familiar to us, was not how much they had, but what they did with it.

A few years back, I had a parishioner who had had a massive heart attack. I visited her in the ICU where she was in a coma, on a respirator and not expected to live. As I laid my hand on her to pray, my mustard seed felt very small indeed. My prayer went something like, “Well Lord, my mustard seed is indeed very small, but I am grasping it in my hand and offering it to you on behalf of my friend. Please restore her to her family.” She was in church last Sunday, a picture of robust good health. May we be willing to risk grasping and exercising our mustard seeds, knowing that it isn’t what you have, but what you do with it that counts.

Ven. Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 24 September 2025

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This week’s letter comes from the pen of the Dean Ben Truman and Vicar General Mark Barlow.

Greetings!

Last week was a busy one in the life of the Cathedral as we publicly announced our revised plan for a staged reinstatement of the Cathedral in the Square. “Re:Open“, as we like to call it, gets us back into a 700-seat nave with belltower by the end of 2030. That makes it just in time to mark the 20th anniversary of the ‘quakes and the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral. Fittingly, we’re largely following the footprint of the 1881 Cathedral which was opened without the transept and apse.

While it remains a complex and expensive project, I’m delighted that we’ve managed to halve the funding gap to $40-45million, and I’m confident that we’ll achieve that. It’s been heartening to see the positive response from most quarters, including both leading mayoral candidates and a number of council candidates. Please do continue to pray for the project and those leading it. I happened to be in Greymouth last Sunday where the Cathedral and Bishop Peter were prayed for. We are so blessed with the support of so many.

If last week was full, this coming week is no slower as we host all of God’s creation in the Square for Pet Week. It will see 350+ owners with who knows how many pets enter the Cathedral in the Square for a blessing. Each booking comes with a koha to SPCA and many of the guests will bring some pet food to re-stock their foodbank. Registration and more details are elsewhere in this e-Life. I’m rather looking forward to some special guest animals including Willowbank’s Tuatara, some Antarctic huskies, and even the Crusaders’ horses! I know several other ministry units across the Diocese will be holding their own pet-blessing services in this season of creation, and in the lead-up to St Francis’ Day (4th Oct). God bless you in that outreach, and God bless the church cleaners who’ll be dealing with the aftermath!

In the midst of that action, I managed to escape for a week’s holiday and allowed myself to un-plug myself from the horrors of the news in recent weeks. I filled that gap by finishing off Tom Holland’s book, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, and starting Justin Brierley’s The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God. Now, impacted by those books, as I find myself re-connecting with the news, I’m appreciating more and more just what Good News we’ve received and how desperately the world needs it. Truth, beauty and goodness. Peace, hope and love. Mercy. Grace. Lord, may our faithfulness in receiving, living, and sharing your Good News ever increase.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Hilary Willett as Vicar of the parish of Hanmer Springs (0.5FTE). Hilary and her family are coming to us from the Diocese of Auckland. She will be inducted on Friday, 12 December.

We are also pleased to note the appointment of Reverend Joan Clark as Associate Priest for Rolleston in the Parish of Lincoln (0.2FTE). Joan’s appointment is effective immediately and back-dated to Monday, 1 September.

Reverend Allan Wasley, a former priest of this Diocese, departed this life on Monday, 22 September following a long period of ill health. Allan served in the parishes of Merivale and Rangiora before moving to the dioceses of Dunedin and finally Nelson. His funeral will be at the Wakefield Worship Centre on Saturday 4 October at 1.30pm.

Anne Brown (widow of Reverend Colin Brown) died peacefully on 21 September at the age of 97. Her funeral will be at St Barnabas, Fendalton Parish on Monday, 29 September at 2pm.

We have noted quite a number of bereavements in recent times, and I encourage us all to uphold in our prayers those who are grieving.

This Sunday, the gospel reading is the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). This is an interesting and challenging story as it raises questions about Jesus’ thoughts on eternity, and justice beyond this life, amongst other matters. My eyes, however, have been drawn to what he has to say about Moses and the Prophets. The inference in the story is that the rich man and his family had access to the Torah and the writings of the Prophets, but disregarded them in favour of sumptuous living.

We live in a society with equally ready access to the Bible, but which has abandoned or disregarded it in favour of other priorities. I have to confess that there are times when I want to pray to God for some sort of spectacular miracle to shake people out of their spiritual torpor. Jesus, wisely, tells us that even such an event would not persuade those who don’t wish to hear. In reality, it is the compelling truth of the gospel that leads to changed lives, especially when lived authentically by those who believe. May the Good News be preached, lived and radically received in our schools, congregations, workplaces and neighbourhoods.

If you aren’t already signed up to Anglican Mission’s “Pray the News” newsletter, I commend it to you as an excellent way to view the week through a Gospel lens. I’ve needed that re-alignment and the renewal of hope as I’ve dipped my toes back into the news this week.

May God bless you in all that you do, and all that you view this week.

Dean Ben Truman and Vicar General Mark Barlow

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Anglican e-Life | 17 September 2025

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My dear sisters and brothers

Following a successful Diocesan Synod and the completion of a host of last-minute tasks, Bishop Peter is now on study leave until 17 November. Deputising for him as Vicar-General, I hit the ground running this week, being rapidly thrust, once again, into the hurly-burly of diocesan life and affairs. I would greatly value your prayers over the next two months, while juggling archdeaconry and parish responsibilities as well as the demands of the Diocese. I deem it a great privilege to be trusted by the bishop with this responsibility, and on the outset, I need to acknowledge the dedication, skill and patience of our outstanding team at Cardale House, without whose kindness I would be overwhelmed. I also want to pay tribute to the Parish of Lincoln and its wonderful leadership group, who recognise that releasing me to fulfil this assignment is a gift to the Diocese.

Last Thursday, the Cathedral Reinstatement Project launched Re:Opening the Cathedral in stages. You can read more in this media release on the Diocesan website. Some youth groups across the Diocese had a fun Games Night in the Cowles Indoor Stadium, led by Rev’d Sammy Mould, Azaria Brooker, and Nathan Muirhead. Soon after The Abbey in Wellington, a group of our young adults connected in Hororata to make woodfire pizzas, build a bonfire, and build new friendships.

Recently, we noted with sadness the death of Melissa Shoaf, a wonderful wife and a great support to Reverend John Shoaf. A service to honour her and commend her to God’s care will be held this coming Sunday 21 September at All Souls Church, Church Lane, Merivale, commencing at 2pm. The service is being live-streamed and may be viewed using this link.

At the recent Synod service, Bishop Peter appointed and licensed Alex Summerlee as our new Diocesan Chancellor. In addition, he signalled that he would be making an appointment to the position of Vice-Chancellor in the near future. I am delighted to advise that Kirsty May (Barrister, and member of the Parish of Avonhead) has accepted the offer to take up this post in our Diocese. Thank you, Kirsty. Your experience as a member of Synod and Standing Committee will no doubt be invaluable in your role.

Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM who was invested in Canberra on Monday as a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, the highest grade of membership in the royal order of chivalry.

This Sunday is the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and erstwhile tax collector. In the Gospel reading (Matthew 9: 9-13), Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice” when challenging certain Pharisees who took exception to his choice to ‘recline and dine’ with tax collectors and sinners. It is very easy for us to be critical of these ‘sticklers for the law’ and thereby to perhaps overlook our own need for honest soul-searching and even repentance, when we recognise our own aversion to ‘sinners’ of any sort. May our hearts, homes and churches be repositories of mercy, this Sunday and always.

Tenei te mihi arohanui ki a koutou katoa!

Mark Barlow

Vicar General

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Anglican e-Life | 10 September 2025

Read more: Anglican e-Life | 10 September 2025
Dear Friends,

Important things have happened in our Diocese since last Wednesday. We had a valuable Rural Ministry Day at Darfield last Thursday, then our Synod began with the Synod Eucharist on Thursday night and concluded mid afternoon on Saturday. Last night, the Reverend Matt Maslin was inducted as the new Vicar of Bryndwr in a service led by our Vicar-General, Archdeacon Mark Barlow.

Our Synod traversed quite a bit of ground. Some important decisions – from my perspective at least – are that we approved Standing Committee having capacity between Synods to make changes to parishes (e.g. merging parishes) when circumstances arise which require this is done with urgency between sessions of Synod. We also approved Standing Committee being the body which determines Leave policy for clergy (in order that such changes can be made more simply and expediently than if we do it by changing clauses in a statute at Synod). We heard from CCRL about progress during the current “pause” mode for the Cathedral Reinstatement Project – and tomorrow there will be public announcement of that progress. We approved a strong motion on the situation in Gaza, and the text of our resolution is available on our website.

The full text of my Presidential Address to the Synod is available also on our website. There is more to say about other decisions and discussions but for this week, let this brief report suffice.

On Monday, the funeral service for my father, Bishop Brian Carrell, was held in a very full Transitional Cathedral and with many people tuned into the service through the Cathedral’s livestream facility. My mother, May, my family and I are grateful for the support we have received before and since the funeral, and for the great love that was present in the service. Thank you to all who have sent messages – they have uplifted us and helped carry us through this first part of our grief. Thank you to Dean Ben Truman and the Transitional Cathedral staff and volunteers who assisted with the service, and to the Reverend Dr Andrew Butcher, Fendalton Parish, for his homily. We have been blessed!

A memorial service for Melissa Shoaf, wife of the Reverend John Shoaf, will be held at All Souls Anglican Church, 30 Church Lane, Merivale, on Sunday 21 September, at 2.00pm. All welcome.

The Diocesan Missions events planned for 27 September: there will be two two events that day, in Ashburton and Merivale. Both will share the same programme, so that people in different parts of the Diocese can more easily participate. Each event will hear from the Reverend David Dell and the Reverend Luca Tovey-Duckworth from Anglican Missions. As well as an update on mission matters, Luca will share some material presented recently at The Abbey.

Deeper camp is a space for families and intermediate youth groups to grow deeper in relationship with each other and God. Saturday, 1 November 2025 is a day full of activities and fun! There will be music, talks, waterslide, bouldering wall, archery, air rifles, competitions, crafts, a preschool space and lots more. It is a great opportunity to connect with some fun community and faith. This is a dedicated space for whānau and intermediates to create connections in your parish and across our Diocese. Any questions: please email Azaria Brooker . Book in for Deeper through this link.

This coming Sunday, 14 September 2025 is Ordinary 24, and the Gospel reading is Luke 15:1-10. Like a shepherd with one hundred sheep or a woman with ten coins, God treats every human as precious. To lose one to sin is like losing a sheep or a coin. That which is lost must be found. The family made incomplete through sin needs to be completed again.

This is my last Wednesday message until Wednesday 19 November. From this weekend I am back into study leave mode for two months. Archdeacon Mark Barlow will be in the lead role as our Vicar-General while I am away, with Archdeacon Indrea Alexander, our Deputy Vicar-General.

Arohanui,

+Peter.

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