Since 1996, St Andrew’s, Airds, the branch church of St Peter’s, Campbelltown, has been renting out its building to the Cook Islands Church. Last year, Tupuna Rongo, senior pastor of the Cook Islands Church approached Medon Loupis, assistant minister at St Peter’s, explaining that his congregation had voted to become Anglican.
“St Peter’s Senior Minister, Peter Stavert, came up with the idea of welcoming them into deeper fellowship us for a year without changing anything officially,” says Mr Loupis. “If, as expected, things are still going well, we will make it permanent and officially bring them into our parish as an Anglican congregation of St Andrew’s.”
In February, a combined service was held for members of St Andrew’s and the Cook Islands Church. Bishop Reg Piper spoke at the service, which marked the deeper unity and increased fellowship of both congregations.
He officially welcomed Mr Rongo and the Cook Islands Church and prayed for both congregations.
The Cook Islands Anglican Church felt they weren’t getting sufficient support or resources from the Presbyterian Church, the denomination they were previously affiliated with. “At the recent combined service, a member of the Presbyterian denomination was there and handed them over to the Anglican denomination with good will. That was a gracious gesture in their part,” Mr Loupis says.
Mr Rongo and his assistant pastor, Tereo Poaru, are enthusiastic about becoming an Anglican congregation. The advantages of officially joining a worldwide Christian community appealed to Mr Rongo, and he felt it was the right time for his congregation make the step. “I spoke with the congregation and they were very supportive,” he says.
Mr Rongo has been brought on as an honorary member of staff and both congregations plan to participate together in increasing amounts of activities this year.
Mr Loupis is pleased the relationship is now deeper and more meaningful than before. “Our Easter services are going to be combined services, and we’ll engage in more ministry together,” he says.