The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) Moderator has encouraged congregations to hold on to their faith and focus on the Lord in the ongoing pandemic. “These past months have seen our resolve, our core, our faith put on the platform of public opinion. The scrutiny and comments have highlighted ignorance and lack of understanding that Christianity is not a social club – but it is faith in a God who is in the storm with the world,” wrote Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio in his message for April.

The Moderator also shared about the official opening and dedication of Crossway Community Church, a testament to a resilient community and people.  After the Christchurch earthquake and the rebuilding that followed, the parish had moved 11 times to different sites before settling on its current site. Ably led by their minister Rev Dr Jooh ong Kimm, the Union parish is a Presbyterian and Methodist partnership.