Ministry in a Maori Context
"The Grief Ministry of Maori Priests" - Download essay HERE
Grief is a process of “coming from the world of the dark world into the light, going from Te Ao Pouri to Te Ao Marama”. As a Pakeha minister in the Presbyterian Church I have particular responsibilities for caring for those who are dying and grieving. One of the best ways to inform one’s own practice is to listen carefully to how others see their role, in a different context. This essay is based on a fascinating conversation I had with the Right Reverend Richard Wallace and the Venerable Mere Wallace about the role of priests in the Maori Anglican Church, Te Pihopatanga o Te Waipounamu. As they shared with me from their experience as priests and ministry educators we explored grief ministry, both around a death and in other pastoral situations involving grief, with a particular ear for how this impacts on priests personally. I highlight ten aspects of the role that Maori priests hold as they minister to those who are dying or grieving, and relate these to my own ministry practice.
Aspects of priestly role discussed are:
1. Manaaki: Priests demonstrate the love of God as they welcome the dead and care for those who mourn.
2. Tuku: Priests release the spirit of a person who has died.
3. Tangihanga: Priests lead a long process leading up to and beyond a funeral and burial.
4. Whanaungatanga: Priests nurture all-age community, and encourage the participation of children.
5. Karakia: Priests lead from Te Ao Pouri to Te Ao Marama.
6. Tapu: Priests hold the transitions between the unsafe and the safe.
7. Kaitiaki: Priests hold together Te Ao Maori and the Church of Ihu Karaiti.
8. Poroporoaki: Priests minister to a wide range of grief.
9. “I feel people”: Priests trust their instincts in grief ministry.
10. Atawhai: Priests look after themselves.
Grief is a process of “coming from the world of the dark world into the light, going from Te Ao Pouri to Te Ao Marama”. As a Pakeha minister in the Presbyterian Church I have particular responsibilities for caring for those who are dying and grieving. One of the best ways to inform one’s own practice is to listen carefully to how others see their role, in a different context. This essay is based on a fascinating conversation I had with the Right Reverend Richard Wallace and the Venerable Mere Wallace about the role of priests in the Maori Anglican Church, Te Pihopatanga o Te Waipounamu. As they shared with me from their experience as priests and ministry educators we explored grief ministry, both around a death and in other pastoral situations involving grief, with a particular ear for how this impacts on priests personally. I highlight ten aspects of the role that Maori priests hold as they minister to those who are dying or grieving, and relate these to my own ministry practice.
Aspects of priestly role discussed are:
1. Manaaki: Priests demonstrate the love of God as they welcome the dead and care for those who mourn.
2. Tuku: Priests release the spirit of a person who has died.
3. Tangihanga: Priests lead a long process leading up to and beyond a funeral and burial.
4. Whanaungatanga: Priests nurture all-age community, and encourage the participation of children.
5. Karakia: Priests lead from Te Ao Pouri to Te Ao Marama.
6. Tapu: Priests hold the transitions between the unsafe and the safe.
7. Kaitiaki: Priests hold together Te Ao Maori and the Church of Ihu Karaiti.
8. Poroporoaki: Priests minister to a wide range of grief.
9. “I feel people”: Priests trust their instincts in grief ministry.
10. Atawhai: Priests look after themselves.
Ihu Karaiti, Lord of all,
to you be all glory and praise,
from us your people and all the hosts of heaven.
We love you because you came to us before we came to you,
welcomed us and drew us into your arms of tender care.
Thank you for your manaaki.
Give us your heart to care for those you send us to love.
Lord Jesus, you made nga mea katoa,
all things, seen and unseen, things from nga ra o mua
and the freshness of each new day
We name you Kaitiaki of our past, our present and our future,
and all those we carry with us.
Ihu Karaiti, crucified and risen one,
as you were released from the tomb,
so, we pray, release us from Te Ao Pouri,
receive our loss and heal our grief
that we may live in the light and shine your light.
Lord Jesus, you are always interceeding for us to the Father,
teach us how to pray
and inspire our karakia with your Spirit
so that together with you we may minister to the hurting.
Ihu Karaiti, Kaikaranga, you have called us and we thank you.
Raise up your people, we pray,
call forth leaders and ministers of your Gospel
who will honour you and speak your word
and minister to your people in this land.
E te Matua, e te Tama, e te Wairua Tapu,
to you be all glory and praise
from us and all people, ake ake ake. Amine.
to you be all glory and praise,
from us your people and all the hosts of heaven.
We love you because you came to us before we came to you,
welcomed us and drew us into your arms of tender care.
Thank you for your manaaki.
Give us your heart to care for those you send us to love.
Lord Jesus, you made nga mea katoa,
all things, seen and unseen, things from nga ra o mua
and the freshness of each new day
We name you Kaitiaki of our past, our present and our future,
and all those we carry with us.
Ihu Karaiti, crucified and risen one,
as you were released from the tomb,
so, we pray, release us from Te Ao Pouri,
receive our loss and heal our grief
that we may live in the light and shine your light.
Lord Jesus, you are always interceeding for us to the Father,
teach us how to pray
and inspire our karakia with your Spirit
so that together with you we may minister to the hurting.
Ihu Karaiti, Kaikaranga, you have called us and we thank you.
Raise up your people, we pray,
call forth leaders and ministers of your Gospel
who will honour you and speak your word
and minister to your people in this land.
E te Matua, e te Tama, e te Wairua Tapu,
to you be all glory and praise
from us and all people, ake ake ake. Amine.