The Revd Jekheli SIngh Jekheli Kibami Singh read from her contribution at the launch of our latest publication.[1] My story begins with my Sümi context of Nagaland and continues in my current ministry context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Brief Context of Sümi I am a woman of the Sümi Naga tribe (aka Sema), one of various ethnic groups found primarily in Zunheboto district, Nagaland, in the northeast of India. The majority of Sümi profess to be Christians. There is a strong connection between reading and understanding the biblical texts and understanding gender roles and relationships. Women often navigate around these societal, gendered parameters. Despite the male-priority … [Read more...]
Over 800 names so far
Jenny Quince The Revd jenny Quince reads at the launch at St Luke's, Rotorua The Revd Jenny Quince describes her discovery of over 800 women priests, in her contribution ….. When we first started researching just how many women had been priested in Aotearoa and Polynesia we were overwhelmed by the numbers presented. We also thought about privacy issues surrounding this kaupapa and have decided to put all the names collected so far on the Altar, to bless them and to make it “a work in progress.” Many Diocese kept good records and others not so good. This has been a huge learning curve for us because I have over 800 names so far. In 1963 Deaconess Glenys Lewis was … [Read more...]
May it be so
The Revd Dr Patricia Allan Patricia Allan spoke at the launch Talanoa, Telling our Stories, Kōrerohia o tātou pūrakau:40 years of the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia The Revd Dr Patricia Allan told the story of how, after 2000 years, women were admitted to the priesthood of some Christian churches. This was first written for the 40 year commemoration, in Christchurch Cathedral, in December 2017. This is an excerpt from her sermon. You are here today because you are part of that story – my daughters, granddaughters, families, friends and colleagues. Welcome. ‘Women make progress over the dead bodies of their … [Read more...]
Talanoa is blessed and launched!
Talanoa, Telling our Stories, Kōrerohia o tātou pūrakau40 years of the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Dean Wendy Scott blessed and launched our latest publication with great warmth, on Tuesday 20 October 2020, in the lovely contemporary church of St Luke in Rotorua. Two people from each tikanga were invited to read : Patricia Allan and Jenny Quince read from their chapters, standing in person at the lectern. Then, Zooming in from Fiji was Miliakere Oli, from Auckland came Jacynthia Murphy, from Samoa came Sonja Hunter and from Te Kuiti came Jekheli Singh. Each woman read a selection from their chapter, which you … [Read more...]
Nau mai, Ruihana! New Councillor for tikanga Maori.
I hope to contribute to a legacy of female leadership that enhances that which I stand upon.Ruihana Paenga Ruihana Paenga, National Rangatahi Coordinator Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa Ko Hikurangi te MaungaKo Waiapu te AwaKo Ngāti Porou te Iwi Ruihana has been part of the AWSC since 2014 as a link representative, and she is excited and honored to step-up to the role of council member. She is interested in the origins of the AWSC and hopes to contribute to a legacy of female leadership that enhances that which she stands upon. Ruihana is the National Youth Coordinator for Tikanga Māori working with youth enablers, developing the next generation of leadership in the … [Read more...]
Bula, Kelera Oli! New Councillor for tikanga Pasefika.
Time management, right priorities and balance Kelera Oli I am excited to expand the scope of my work in God’s calling, in the Women’s Ministry. Kelera Oli Kelera Oli was born into a Christian family and baptized in the Anglican Church in Naviavia, Savusavu in 1966 and confirmed for Holy Communion in 1979 at St John’s Church, Wailoku, Suva. Kelera is experienced in all the groups within the church particularly in the Women’s groups. She has played an active part of the Association of Anglican Women for about 30 years and has served the leadership team for more than 10 years. She is also affiliated with the Mother’s Union . Kelera has participated as a liturgist and preacher … [Read more...]
Congratulations, Helen Roud!
The new Convenor of the Council for Anglican Women's Studies is the Ven Canon Helen Roud. The Ven Canon Helen Roud, Convenor Council for Anglican Women's Studies Tena koutou katoa, Bula vinaka, Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, warm greetings in Christ. I was delighted to join AWSC council in July 2017, just in time to travel to Tonga for a wonderfully informative council meeting. What struck me then and has continued since, is the glorious diversity of gifts, the faithfulness and commitment to growth, learning and leadership, and the joyful fellowship of the women I have the privilege to meet – in council and across our 3-tikanga church. I currently serve in Christchurch as an … [Read more...]
Vinaka Nai!
Nai Cokanasiga 'Sharing ideas from our different cultural backgrounds' will be one of the memories for Nai, as she ends her term on the Council. Nai Cokanasiga has been an active member of the Anglican Women in Ministry network, and attended many of the provincial hui. Bringing her experience at the House of Sarah in Fiji, her wide contacts and wisdom, Nai was an elected Councillor for four years. She has gently and thoughtfully upheld the women of tikanga Pasefika during her time with Anglican Women's Studies Centre.The Council will miss her kind and loving presence. Nai reports how much she enjoyed her time as a Councillor. 'I had so many learning experiences from all the … [Read more...]
Our publications
Have you read these books? Over the years, the Anglican Women's Studies Centre has gathered stories and events into uniquely crafted publications. While most are out of print, they are all available in the Kinder Library.http://www.kinderlibrary.ac.nz/ In 2020 we are publishing Talanoa, Telling our Stories, Kōrerohia a tātou pūrakau– 40 years of the ordination of women to the Priesthood. Over forty ordained women write of their experiences- a beautiful historic record, with equally beautiful photos. To be launched November 2020! 2018 Ka Tuituia Tātou e te Aho Tapu– the Sacred Thread that Weaves us Together 2015 Vashti’s Banquet: Voices from her Feast– essays to mark the … [Read more...]
WE ARE READY!! Thursdays in Black video for the pledge campaign is ready!
Sexual and gender-based violence has been on the rise especially during the time of COVID19, as the Ecumenical Women at the United Nations coalition, we invite you to join us in this global campaign and in making the Thursdays In Black pledge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIrcVTixtc&authuser=0 Let us work towards a world without sexual and gender-based violence. Make the #ThursdaysinBlack pledge #ThursdaysInBlackhttps://www.dropbox.com/s/nrhvodspvzrc14p/EW%20Thursdays%20in%20Black%20with%20Intro.mp4?dl=0 God continues to order our steps. May we continue to journey together in the work of ending all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in our lifetime. Let’s … [Read more...]
