Auckland will host an event that marks the life of a pioneer and leading voice in the New Zealand church.
The Very Rev Alan Brash, a hero of the ecumenical movement in New Zealand, is being honoured with an appeal to mark the 50th jubilee of an international organisation he helped establish.
Mr Brash is recognised as a strong pacifist and was prominent for many years in the ecumenical movement in New Zealand. He was awarded the OBE in 1962 in recognition of forging closer links between New Zealand and Asia.
The appeal is being launched on 26 August, and funds raised will support the cause he helped pioneer in New Zealand – assisting churches in other countries to provide education, peace, justice aid and development programmes.
Patron of the appeal, Sir Paul Reeves, is expected to attend the appeal launch on 26 August, as well as the Very Rev Dr Alan Brash’s son, Don Brash former leader of the National Party. Church leaders and local dignitaries have also been invited.
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rt Rev Pamela Tankersley, who is leading a service at the Auckland launch explains that the appeal will be launched in two locations – Mairangi and Castor Bays (North Shore) and St Ninian’s Riccarton (Christchurch) – because of Mr Brash’s involvement in these parishes during his retirement.
Mrs Tankersley says one of the main purposes of the appeal, alongside raising funds for programmes, is to honour the former Moderator, whom she describers a “one of our ecumenical heroes”.
Parishes or persons wishing to make a donation to the appeal can do so via Christian World Service by phoning 0800 747-372 or visiting their website at www.cws.org.nz.
For more information, check out the Presbyterian website at http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/?id=3520#14833
Notes for the reporter:
- For more information or to arrange an interview(s) contact Jose Reader on 04 381 8284 or Amanda Wells on 027 353 020
- More details about the life and work of the Very Rev Dr Alan Brash is contained in the attached autobiographical information sheet.