<p>The rural church has been profoundly affected by economic and social change, and by theological and liturgical revolution in the wider church. How have these forces for change affected rural congregations in Aotearoa New Zealand, and where are they heading in future? With an ecumenical scope, Bill Bennett looks in depth at the traditional churches that still maintain a rural presence and their ministries - Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Anglican. He includes revealing profiles of several parishes and rohe (Maori districts). While he writes from a Pakeha perspective, Bennett also honours the unique theology and flavour of the Maori church.  Bennett develops a theology of land in Aotearoa New Zealand, and a theology of mission and ministry that may be seen as a starting point for all who minister in rural areas. He flags the issues and developments that the rural church is facing and will meet in coming years. This book is based on Bennett's thesis submitted to the Ecumenical Board of Theological Studies, NZ, for the Diploma of Scholar in Theology. It will be a valuable resource for rural clergy and lay leaders, theological college tutors and students, and all who are interested in rural ministry.</p>

God of the Whenua: Rural Ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand

Bill Bennett

Philip Garside Publishing Ltd

<p>This book captures a piece of New Zealand history that is not well known. The small group of people described in it had a strong influence on the thinking of others as New Zealanders later grappled with the issues raised by the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and the nuclear ships issue more recently. Allan Handyside spent nearly four years in Rangipo Prison, in the central North Island, from 1942-46, for refusing to join the armed forces in World War II. He had already been in Mt Crawford prison, Wi Tako Prison near Trentham and Strathmore Detention Camp near Taupo.  The Christian Pacifist Society in New Zealand reached its peak in the 1930s. Many of its most prominent members were, like Handyside, Methodists and there was a strong pacifist following in some sections of that church. During World War II, New Zealand politicians were much less tolerant of pacifist sentiment and conscientious objectors than those in Britain and other similar countries. As a consequence, around 800 NZ COs were detained, either in specially built remote camps or in prisons, for "the duration of the war." Their usual human rights were suspended and they received an indeterminate sentence. COs were only released well after the end of hostilities and after troops had arrived back home. Handyside recalls, that in contrast to other camps, Rangipo prison officers never had a friendly word for the prisoners, never treated them as human beings. Discipline was harsh, with solitary confinement on a bread and water diet a common punishment. Yet there was also humour and comradeship among the prisoners. Some were encouraged to plan and attempt escapes to help them stay sane. Authorities never discovered the secret mailrun between Hautu Detention Camp and Rangipo Prison that enabled those at Rangipo to get news of the outside world. After the drab conditions of Rangipo, on release Handyside found the shock of colours of flowers and the music of playing children's voices overwhelming. The impact of this experience, the disruption caused to his relationship with his parents and his continuing commitment to the peace movement were apparent throughout the rest of his life. This book helps us to understand how a minority group of pacifists maintained their integrity, and emerged from the wartime experience to return to their normal lives, where they continued to promote beliefs that are as relevant today.</p>

Indeterminate Sentence

Handyside, Allan

The John Wesley Code: Finding a Faith That Matters

Stuart, James

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Philip Garside Publishing Ltd publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Philip Garside Publishing Ltd

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Philip Garside Publishing Ltd publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

God of the Whenua: Rural Ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand

Indeterminate Sentence

The John Wesley Code: Finding a Faith That Matters