WCC NEWS: Consultation on discipleship and creation in Aotearoa New Zealand explored calls to seek justice

A consultation entitled “Transforming Discipleship and Creation” took place from 6-11 October in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Cohosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), Methodist Church of New Zealand, and Te Runanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Hāhi, the gathering included personal sharing, exposure visits, case studies, and reflection.

12th General Assembly of the Pacific Conference of Churches, 2023, Photo: PCC - Pacific Conference of Churches 16 October 2024 The consultation brought together 20 participants, including church leaders and theologians from across Oceania. The structure of the consultation was informed by the Indigenous methodologies of wānanga and talanoa, creating an open and relational environment that encouraged participants to share, listen, and engage deeply with one another. Storytelling emerged as a fundamental aspect of the gathering, enabling participants to share their experiences and wisdom. “This approach not only enriched our understanding but also built meaningful relationships, affirming the power of stories as a tool for truth-telling and transformation,” reads a communique released by the participants. “Together, we affirmed that the call for justice is not only about our survival but also about the preservation of God's creation—a sacred duty entrusted to us.” Participants reiterated the time for action is now. “The participants committed to moving beyond words and taking concrete steps toward ecological justice, as an imperative response to the call of God and the needs of our communities and creations,” reads the communique. “It is our hope and prayer that the bonds formed and the commitments made will bear lasting fruit as we continue to walk together in discipleship and creation care.” Participants explored their calling to seek justice for and with those most affected by the climate crisis due to the exploitation of creation. Both the Methodist Church of New Zealand and Te Runanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Hāhi, particularly through the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, have a longstanding history and commitment to addressing their role as disciples in transforming mission for both humanity and creation. Given the increasing urgency of our times, coordinated mission work for the integrity and protection of creation is a priority.  The consultation provided a space for constructive dialogue on challenges, opportunities, and potential cooperation among churches and local communities in Aotearoa and across the Pacific. This effort focused on becoming disciples of creation, and the consultation fostered ecumenical dialogue and collaboration to protect nature.   Learn more about the WCC work on Mission and Evangelism Commission on World Mission and Evangelism "Convening in Kenya, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism maps out work" (WCC news release, July 2024) Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland