Wednesday November 26, about 20 Christian leaders from around the nation gathered at the Baptist Tabernacle to pray and dialogue regarding unity in our towns, cities and nation. There was representation from Tauranga, Hamilton, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Christchurch, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Northland, and various parts of Auckland.

Leaders were encouraged as they met and listened to other leaders, some of whom they had not met before. All had a similar desire to see a greater realisation of oneness in Christ’s body in New Zealand. Regarding the way forward phrases were heard such as, ‘cooperation not competition,’ ‘relationship and trust are vital,’ ‘we must resist the tendency to function independently,’ ‘repentance is a key to freedom and oneness,’ ‘worship and prayer are essential,’ ‘only the Holy Spirit can bring true oneness.’

Glyn Carpenter shared regarding Vision Network and what it has to offer the church in the nation as a connecting point, a base for, raising issues, dialogue, support etc. The day finished with participants partaking together around the Lord’s Table. A final comment was made, ‘We need more forums of this kind on a regular basis.’ 

Colin Shaw