Christianity in New Zealand

Lest we forget: it’s a Covenant!

Lest we forget: it’s a Covenant!

Many Māori see the Treaty in spiritual and Christian terms as is seen in one of their names for the Treaty: ‘Te Kawenata o Waitangi’ (‘the Covenant of Waitangi’). Covenant is a very appropriate word to use. The word itself is of Latin origin (con venire), meaning a coming together.

The Spirit of Waitangi

The Spirit of Waitangi

What is the “spirit” of the Treaty of Waitangi? Often discussion of this question is focussed exclusively on the text of the Treaty itself. But it is also helpful to consider the wider ceremonial context in which the Treaty was first enacted.

Christmas and Christians, Congress, summer closedown

Christmas and Christians, Congress, summer closedown

As Christians, we need to work hard to keep Christ central to Christmas. Our modern secularised society primarily sees Christmas as a special festive family get-together, with lots of food and drink, and as the start of the summer holiday season. Such a cultural tradition has its place, for sure, despite the pressures of getting everything ready.