wfn.org | Historic Maori Church Burnt to the Ground

[rollins@intac.com]

11/2/95
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon James M. Rosenthal, Director of Communications
Anglican Communion News Service
157 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UT, England
Tel. 44 0171 620-1110    jim.rosenthal@ecunet.org
Fax 44 0171 620-1071

762 ACC

(New Zealand Churches News) An appeal for Rangiatea, the historic 
church at Otaki built by Te Rauparaha in 1847 and recently burnt to 
the ground, has been launched by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. 
The appeal for $50,000 to support the people of Te Rohe o Rangiatea 
as they work through their shock and grief, and consult about the 
future, has been launched following consultations between the 
leadership of the diocese and of Te Upoko o Te Ika (Maori ministry 
in the lower part of the North Island).

"The church at Rangiatea has been a treasure for all Anglicans in 
the last century and a half," said the Most Revd Brian Davis, Primate 
of the Anglican Church in the country. "We honour it as the first 
great church built in this area. Rangiatea has held a special place 
in the hearts of our people, and we have mourned with our brothers 
and sisters of Te Rohe o Rangiatea at its loss."

The Diocese of Wellington wishes to play its part in helping the 
Anglican community of Otaki to rebuild Rangiatea, and has contacted 
all 73 parishes in the diocese about the appeal. "Standing Committee 
is aware of the concerns of fellow Anglicans, following the tragic 
fire which destroyed a church held in such affection," said the 
Administrator, Mrs Elizabeth Perrott. "People will want to support 
our Tikanga (cultural) partner by contributing to this appeal."