Diversity - Pastor's Pen for 25th January 2026

Thanks largely to Fiona's efforts and the interesting variety of plants she purchased from Grow Forrest Hill spring sale, the summer crop of tomatoes is exhibiting a marvelous diversity.

It reminded me of the Church, in all our variety. As a people of hope who look towards a new heaven and a new earth, we can see scripture leading towards John's vision of "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." (Rev: 7-9) Yes one day we will stand before Him, unified in our shared humanity.

I remember how anxious I felt as an already nervy child, migrating to the other side of the world. Of course, before long I fitted right in to our neigbourhood which spoke my language (once I lost a bit of the West-country accent) and looked similar to me.

It doesn't sit easily with me how anti-immigrant rhetoric is so easy to stir up around the world. Not only on the streets of the USA or UK but here in New Zealand in a slightly more low-key antipodean way. A march had been planned by Bishop/Apostle Brian Tamaki on the 31st January across the harbour bridge. The New Zealand Herald reports; "Tamaki has been promoting the march across social media, telling people it was their chance to protest about immigration."

The government migration settings and economic conditions leading to significant immigration are not my topic here, but rather I mean to ask 'What is the proper response or task of the church?' I suggest we are a people constrained by scripture and the Holy Spirit, committed to offering hospitality and the love of Christ.

God instructed Moses in matters of personal conduct in the land promised by God thus; "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:33-34)

We are stewards of what God has given us, many of us having come here in search of a 'better life.' The better life of the neighbourhood church is not to raise a fist and yell at the stranger, but to put the kettle on, eat food, worship and dwell together in God's love and hospitality. Our common language is the good news of Jesus.