To the Church To the World

He Tuhituhinga Whakahonore mo Pihopa John C. Paterson

 

 

Bishop John Paterson gave his Diocese plenty of notice of when he would retire from the role of Bishop of Auckland.   Time enough for two annual sessions of the diocesan Synod to go by, allowing clear space for free and open discussion about how the succession might best be approached.   In many respects the period proved to be one of grace, ensuring the process was well managed and the Church well served by the inevitable period of adjustment.

 

Amid the anticipation of the change in leadership. opportunities arose quite naturally to reflect and appreciate John's influential ministry, episcopate and time as Primate.   There has been much to weigh.   For example his: formative influence on diocesan Aotearoa new Zealand and Polynesia, life commitment to being a leader in this country's bicultural development and the development and implementation of this Church's revised constitution, and his remarkable contribution to the global Church in an era of considerable risk, challenge and change.

 

For some, there was a need to honour John in a way that attempted to establish a more permanent and accessible record of the many threads his gifts, skills, wisdom, hard work and deep faith have woven.   The idea of a Festschrift soon emerged.

 

Contributors were asked to

 

 

The responses were immediate and generous.

 

The contributions have self-selected themselves into three broad categories covering specific aspects of John's international work, reflections relating to his ministry as a diocesan Bishop and Primate and more personal thoughts from family, friends and colleagues.

 

It is with very special thanks I acknowledge the Bishop of Auckland the Rt Rev John Paterson.   The fact is, without his gracious and generous permission and co-operation the project could not have begun.

 

The idea for the book began with a comment from my sister and colleague the Rev Erice Fairbrother.   It was a small part of a conversation sowing a thought that rapidly gained momentum.

 

My sincere appreciation to the contributors who all, at relatively short notice, responded so willingly.   I am pleased also to record my personal thanks to the Rev Dr Tim Meadowcroft for his comprehensive support and patient, thorough and invaluable assistance with the editing process.   Tim's approach to sharing his time and knowledge has enabled my role to be enjoyable and an ongoing learning.

 

It is important to record that the book was only possible with the support and encouragement of my Board Chairman, the Hon Justice John Priestley, and the members of Vaughan Park Governance Board. The same is true for the members of staff at Vaughan Park.   They have been incredibly tolerant of my time and distraction as they continued to provide the pleasant day to day environment that is Vaughan Park.

 

This is the second book that I have been party to publishing with the expertise of Marcus Thomas.   It is a pleasure working with Marcus.   He brings a calm, creative contribution to the final presentation of material.

 

I wish, too, to acknowledge the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia.   It is a large and lively institution undergoing the reality of adjustment and change in turbulent times.   It is a Taonga offering opportunity for people to associate and celebrate God's gift of being human in a world that has been freely placed in our care.

 

While the future may see the writing of a biography, this book offers immediate reflections from a range of those who have served within Bishop John's many spheres of influence.   By virtue of the generosity of the essayists who have made this Festschrift possible a useful amount of material has been recorded directly from his era for the benefit of readers, researchers and writers to come.   In honouring John this way, I trust the book may also honour the church he serves and so clearly loves.

 

 

 

Price $30

 

Payment may be made by cash, cheque or direct credit to:

Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre

With email or fax orders an invoice will be sent.