Ecumenism and Interfaith

The Commission is founded on the Catholic principles set out in Unitatis Redintegratio; Nostra Aetate; and subsequent Magisterial documents.

The Commission is an integral part of the vision of the Auckland diocese to promote unity amongst the Christian family and build relationships with people of other religions. As Auckland continues to grow in its ethnic and religious diversity, ecumenical and interfaith movements become crucial in ensuring that all people, regardless of their creed, are respected and could freely exercise their faith. The Catholic Church in Auckland collaborates with other Christian communities and religious organisations to foster unity in diversity among all people who call Aotearoa New Zealand home.

In order to carry out its mandate, the Commission:

• Implements the decisions of the Bishop and the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference concerning ecumenism and interfaith relations.
• Maintains relations and regular liaison with the NZCBC's Committees for Ecumenism and interfaith relations, adapting recommendations to local conditions as required.
• Promotes and participates where appropriate, in local conversations and dialogues between the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions.
• Initiates, at least once a year, an opportunity for ecumenical prayer
• Co-operates with other Christian traditions in ecumenical activity.
• Promotes joint witness to the Christian faith by cooperation with other churches in education and social issues.
• Takes initiatives with people from other religious traditions to promote mutual understanding, respect, enrichment and cooperation for the greater good of all.
• Works with appropriate bodies to prepare guidelines and policies on issues within the Commission's mandate.
• Represents the Diocese when appropriate on ecumenical and interreligious bodies.

The Commission is appointed by and directly accountable to the Bishop of the Diocese. Broadly based, it consists of no fewer than eight members, which should include:

• A priest from the Council of Priests, or a member thereof.
• A person nominated from the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
• A member of the Pastoral Services Group.
• General members appointed byte Bishop reflecting possible equality on members as men or women, predominantly lay, reflecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of the diocese.
• A resident member of the NZCBC Committee for Ecumenism, or the National Committee for Interfaith Relations.

The Commission meets four or five times a year, and its members have wide range of knowledge and experience in the Catholic Church’s understanding in promoting unity among Christians and building bridges with other faith traditions. Currently the members are:

Bruce Harrison (Chair)
Deborah Wood (Secretary)
Rev. Fr. Bernard Teo CSsR (Council of Priests representative)
Beate Matthies (Catholic Representative on the Auckland Interfaith Council)
Sr. Sian Owen RSJ (Member of the Catholic-Methodist Dialogue, NZCBC Committee on Ecumenism)
Louisa Rani (Pastoral Services Group)
Joe Joseph

The work of Interfaith relationships and Ecumenism is not limited to the Diocesan Commission it is the task of all the baptised and a responsibility of all faith communities.  Some ideas to begin considering and thinking about.  Some are more ecumenical centred.

• Newsletter notices and after-Mass "pulpit announcements" to increase ecumenical/interfaith awareness of gathered and establish
  ecumenical and interfaith relationships as a priority of the community's administration.
• Active promotion of ecumenical and interfaith events and topics in the parish, such as WPCU, diocesan events, community events, etc.
• Joint prayer services, activities during WPCU, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Advent ...others as local circumstances suggest.
  • Read about the  Advent Ecumenical Prayer Service held in Papakura
• Form an ecumenical and interreligious committee that reports to the Pastoral Council
• Obtain, disseminate and arrange formation around the four main Vatican documents on ecumenism/interreligious relations.
• Organise visits to local Churches/places of worship, invite other denominational and faith communities to 'your place'. Share the stories, explain the features, share hospitality.
• Communicate progress in ecumenical/interfaith work to the diocese

The Commission works with various groups around Auckland and wider to promote and grow ecumenical and interfaith endeavours.

In a cooperation between members of Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, ADCEIR and the initiative Titipounamu Study and Joy, the participants were able to enjoy biblical, theological, artistic and musical input around the theme Unity Across Denominations. 

Auckland Interfaith Council

Christian Research Association

NZCBC Committee for Interfaith Relations
Catholic Centre
22-30 Hill St
PO Box 1937
Wellington 6140
Email: [email protected]
Mr Colin Macleod (Chair)

NZCBC Committee for Ecumenism
Cathedral House PO Box 4544
Chch Mail Centre Christchurch 8140
Cardinal John A Dew DD (Chair)

A number of resources are available to assist in the promotion of Interfaith and Ecumenical relationship

"Promoting Interfaith Relations" from the NZCBC, click here to read and download this booklet.

Nostra Aetate: The Leaven of Good - Part III. A Video from The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialog