On 31 March 2020, the Moderator Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio and Assembly Clerk Rev Wayne Matheson, wrote to all parishes, presbyteries and Synod to advise that in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, using the provisions of the Book of Order Section 14.29(2), they had made the decision to postpone the 2020 General Assembly until September/October 2021, to be held within the bounds of Presbytery Central.
“We have listened to our public health and epidemiological experts who remind us that the measures we need to have in place will be required for some months. Even then, no one should imagine that the COVID-19 season will have ended, certainly not on a national scale.
“We have asked, what is the Spirit saying to the Church?
“We have spent time in prayer.
“We recognise the implications of this decision and will be working on those in the days and weeks ahead. We will keep you informed as we proceed.
“We invite you to join us in praying for our country; our people; our Church. And let us… ‘Stay home, wash our hands, and be kind’.
“Na, ma te Atua, nana te tumanako, e whakaki koutou ki te hari, ki te rangimarie, i runga i te tumanako ki a ia, kia hua ai to koutou tumanako, i runga i te kaha o te Wairua Tapu./ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)”
Download the letter to all parishes, presbyteries, ministers and session clerks.