Letter to the Editor, Tuesday May 17, 2016

Out of date

There are a number of points to make with regard to Bishop Jim White and your recent article on the Waimate North parish. ( Six do not a congregation make, May 3).

The bishop is clearly out of date with his comments on only six people attending services. Since the appointment of a new priest-in-charge in January, congregation numbers have increased markedly. It is now not unusual to have 20 people at a service.

We have no information as to how the giving of St Stephen's to the Maori Pastorate, including the hall and the vicarage, is to work. Who is in overall charge? What services will there be? Who is responsible for any costs?

Along with the churches of Holy Trinity and St John's, St Catherine's is also listed with Heritage New Zealand. Does Bishop Jim not know this?

He states, "The Anglican Church is not about buildings."

Nevertheless the Auckland Diocese owns the churches, and therefore has the responsibility for ensuring their care and maintenance. Prior to March 2015 this responsibility was carried out by local volunteers, who organised any necessary work to be carried out speedily.

Since Bishop Jim decreed 14 months ago that all maintenance had to be approved by Auckland, little or no work has been done - even though the bishop has been advised of repairs required in all three listed churches.

In the case of Holy Trinity, at Pakaraka, work is only now being carried out - over a year since Auckland was first notified it was urgent. As a result the damage has been found to be extensive, and obviously far more costly to repair than if it had been attended to sooner.

EILA SEARLES
Kerikeri