Catholic and Anglican bishops gather for conversation, prayer

New Zealand’s Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops, including an Assistant Anglican Bishop from Polynesia, have met in Auckland to strengthen the connection between the two churches and explore areas for collaboration.

The gathering is held every year or two to allow discussion and sharing around matters of mutual interest, within and between the two churches, and in the wider society.

An important part of last week's meeting was a time of whanaungatanga – sharing the joys and challenges of bishops' ministry.

Conversation topics included the formal dialogues between the two churches, internationally and domestically, including some shared work to combat human trafficking and modern slavery. The bishops also considered wider ecumenical bonds and relationships.

The churches’ involvement in schooling and education, developments around safe ministry and experiences in synodality – intentionally listening, walking and working together – were also explored.

With several bishops participating in their first such meeting, new local and national relationships were formed, laying the groundwork for deeper connections to develop.