Part Of A Worlwide Communion
The Anglican Church had its beginnings in England but is now a worldwide
family of churches. It is organised into regional districts known as Dioceses,
each one under the authority of a Bishop. Each diocese is responsible for it's
own life, and each develops a distinctive identity reflecting the culture,
geography and history in which it grows. The Anglican Church is thus one of
great variety, but throughout it's global membership, certain characteristics
are found. There is a respect for scripture, tradition and reason as the three
main avenues of God's revelation to humankind. There is a concern for order
and beauty in worship. There is a democratic method of ordering the church's
life, which has been copied by many secular democracies. There is tolerance
and respect for a wide diversity of belief and worship practices.
The Place Where God Planted Us
Formed in 1869 the Dunedin Diocese services the provinces of Otago and
Southland. These most southern provinces of New Zealand cover one quarter of
the land area but are home to only 10% of the population . The region is
geographically varied with mountains, semi-desert, lush forest, lakes and
mighty river valleys. Large tracts of land are set aside as national parks
which host many rare and endangered plants and bird life.
The economy is based largely on agriculture and forestry. Sheep, cattle, orchards, vineyards and horticulture are all important. Timber processing and exporting are significant and growing. Tourism, deep sea fishing and electricity generation also play a major role in the economy, as does a major aluminium smelter.
A Product Of Our History
Early European settlement was mainly Scottish and Presbyterian. The South is
the only part of New Zealand where Anglicans are a minority group, and this is
reflected in a particularly strong sense of community in the Diocese of
Dunedin. From it's earliest days the Diocese has been progressive and
enthusiastic in spreading the gospel. As a result, most towns have an Anglican
Church, which together reflect the full spectrum of worship styles found in
the wider Anglican Church. Although there are some larger urban congregations
in the cities of Dunedin, Invercargill and Oamaru, most of the diocesan church
communities are rural and many are small. Several rely on lay ministers for
leadership.
Facing The Future With Confidence
Increasingly, a form of local church organisation known as Total Ministry or
Mutual Ministry is developing. Congregations are finding the human resources
for ministry, including ordained ministry, from within their own ranks. This
development reflects two important aims of the diocese: to foster a strong
vibrant, contemporary expression of the Christian faith and to encourage the
development of local communities of faith which reflect that expression.
Lots of wonderful people in 33 parishes, one girls school, four homes for the
aged, two social services agencies, one university hall of residence and one
psycho-geriatric hospital make up our diocese.
Welcome to the Southern See.
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