Trinity Methodist Theological College expresses deep concern over the increasing presence of homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia in Aotearoa New Zealand, often justified through theology, scripture, and political rhetoric. We condemn the actions of senior cabinet ministers who continue to use racist and xenophobic language in Parliament, demeaning immigrant communities. We strongly denounce Destiny Church’s attempts to disrupt the Pride Parade and incite violence at a children’s event, all under the guise of faith. Additionally, we deplore the misuse of the Haka—an Indigenous expression of diversity and resilience—being distorted as a tool to spread hate and homophobia.
The global rise of ultranationalism and the religious right, particularly within Christian fundamentalism, has had devastating effects on vulnerable communities. However, we are encouraged by the courageous public voices across different communities who challenge these supremacist ideologies with acts of care and solidarity.
As a theological institution of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, we stand firmly in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ and migrant siblings. We acknowledge your pain, fear, grief, and anger, as well as the times when we have failed to stand alongside you in the fight against discrimination. We reaffirm our commitment to celebrating diversity and rejecting harmful theologies and ideologies that undermine the dignity of any person.
We echo the words of the President of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, spoken at Waitangi: “The prophetic voice of our nation that we seek is not always found in the speeches of politicians or church leaders. But perhaps it is best reflected in the everyday people of Aotearoa—the people, Māori and non-Māori, tangata whenua and tangata tiriti.” In their name, we call upon the Coalition Government to practice MERCY, urge faith communities to embrace JUSTICE, and invite all people of goodwill to embody MANAAKITANGA, transforming our communities into sanctuaries of inclusion and affirmation.
We remain committed to ministries of disruption and healing, engaging through worship, song, preaching, writing, research, and protest, to build a more just and compassionate society.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Takunetanga
13 January 2025: College Year Begins
13-15 January: Enrolment & Registration
23-24 January: Staff Retreat & Planning
Block 1: BMS520 Mana Tiriti, Waitangi Trip & Ministry Formation Orientation (3-7 February 2025)
This course begins with a brief exploration of early Christian missionary contact with Māori in Aotearoa and the translation of Te Paipera Tapu. It will examine the role that the Bible (and Christian missionaries) played in the creation and translation of Te Tiriti of Waitangi, particularly in relation to the notion of kawenata/covenant. It will explore the way in which the Bible was used to support British colonial expansion in Aotearoa and the way in which Māori subsequently employed biblical texts to denounce the injustices that accompanied the numerous instances where the treaty was breached. Finally, in light of this history, we will explore the obligation of contemporary Christians in Aotearoa to commit themselves to the process of healing and restoration in relation to bicultural partnership in this land.
Block 2: BTS720 Theological Reflection on Human Sexuality (GZ) | 3-7 March 2025
This course begins by exploring the role of church societies in the establishment and development of Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840. Students will examine and analyse institutional church approaches to contemporary Treaty issues, with a focus on whenua (land) and reconciliation. Students will also examine the roles and responsibilities pf justice seeking churches and their commitment to bicultural, Te Tiriti-based relationships.
28 February - 1 March: College Orientation
2 March: Service of Beginnings
Block 3: BMS510 Te Ao Tawhito (KH) | 17-21 March
This course will survey the landscape of theological studies to give students an overall understanding of the field, and its development over the years; to introduce students to basic beliefs of the Christian tradition, and to enable them to do critical theological thinking and reflection on public and contextual issues.
Block 4: BBS711 Prophets (EC) | 31 March - 4 April
This course examines and explores the world through a distinctively Māori/Moana lens, where Māori /Moana language and tikanga take precedence. Students will examine the impacts of European contact on Māori/Moana societies, highlighting specifically the role of Church Missionary Societies in colonisation. Students will apply critical analysis to the Māori prophetic movements of the nineteenth century as social and political mediums of protest against colonial oppression.
Block 5: BMS611 Te Ao Whakaari (Tbc) | 7-11 April
This course examines and explores the world through a distinctively Māori/Moana lens, where Māori /Moana language and tikanga take precedence. Students will examine the impacts of European contact on Māori/Moana societies, highlighting specifically the role of Church Missionary Societies in colonisation. Students will apply critical analysis to the Māori prophetic movements of the nineteenth century as social and political mediums of protest against colonial oppression.
Mid-semester Break | 14-27 April 2025
Block 6: BRS712 Sacred Texts (JH) I | 28 April - 2 May
This course retells the story of Christianity from the first century CE to the Reformation era, and pays close attention to the development of the Christian tradition, key theological debates, schisms, and issues that shattered the unity of the movement.
Block 7: BMS721 Moana Hermeneutics (NV) I | 5-9 May
This course retells the story of Christianity from the first century CE to the Reformation era, and pays close attention to the development of the Christian tradition, key theological debates, schisms, and issues that shattered the unity of the movement.
WESLEY DAY SYMPOSIUM: Reimagining the Nicene Creed in Oceania | 23-24 May 2025
Semester Break | 20 June - 18 July 2025
