Big Issues - St Paul's Auckland

Transforming Poverty in Aotearoa

March 17, 2021

This year we continue exploring some of the Big Issues that challenge us to translate our Christian faith within a complex world. Our expert panelists, Chris Farrelly (Auckland City Mission), Jenilee Reddy (Te Whakaora Tangata) and Ronji Tanielu (Salvation Army) unpack poverty and social inequality in Aotearoa, and how we can be part of the story of bringing transformation and hope.

Colonialism, Biculturalism, & Partnership

October 21, 2020 • Brad Haami & Keith Newman

Aotearoa/New Zealand has a complex and unique history, particularly in relation to its original founders and partners: Māori and then Pākeha. In recent generations, our society has had to face questions of justice, restitution and partnership in these areas. Within this context, how does the Christian church engage with this chequered past through the lens of the Gospel? How do we become genuine partners across the racial/ethnic divide? What does an authentic indigenous faith look like? Join us as we explore this burning issue within the church and NZ culture.

Political Engagement & Cannibis Reform

September 23, 2020 • Simon O'Connor

The church down through history has often been an agent of radical social change. For instance, the early church was the first social organisation to establish a community of equal status across gender, class, and ethnicity. Through the lens of drug reform and the upcoming referendum on recreational Cannabis, how does the political process work in New Zealand and how can we influence that process? How do we engage in social and political change as people of faith today? What if we don’t always agree in the church on the details of reform? Join MP Simon O’Connor and Ronji Tanielu as we explore this topical and important issue.

Euthanasia & the Right to Die

September 16, 2020 • Sam Bloore

In recent times, our country has followed the rest of the western world in a whirlwind of social change, including reshaping fundamental human rights at the beginning and end of life. The Government has introduced new referendum in relation to the right to die. Within this fast-changing social context, how do we bring our faith to bear on important moral, ethical and political issues? Join Sam Bloore, Dr Amanda Landers, and Danielle van Dalen as we explore the upcoming referendum on Euthanasia.