What does it mean to be Anglican at Christ’s College Canterbury New Zealand – Te Kura o Te Karaiti O¯ tautahi Aotearoa?
Worshipfully-expressed The symbols of Oxbridge Colleges link us to our Anglican whakapapa (past and future). As we gather to worship, a consciousness of belonging to the school community and a long Anglican tradition, is fostered and enhanced. Participation often precedes understanding; experiencing worship paves the way to deeper meaning. For students, we see chapel and worship as the spiritual fulcrum of our community. We participate – praying, singing, hearing stories from scripture, offering our gifts and talents – to enhance the experience for all and to the glory of God. Journey-focused As the scallop shells acknowledge the pilgrims who founded our school in faith, we too share the journey of life together. We live and learn as a pilgrim community, asking questions about our world, ourselves, other people and God. As an inclusive community journeying together, we listen to and ensure the stories of others are heard and explored. For students, this means we travel together, asking questions, listening to others, striving to create a sense of belonging for all humankind as fellow travelers on the way. Biculturally-committed As the Tui (indigenous to New Zealand) adorns the top of our crest, so our identity as Anglicans affirms the principles of Te Tiriti o te Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). We strive to promote Biculturalism and Partnership expressing our Anglican identity in the unique context of Aotearoa as Te Hāhi Mihinare (The Missionary Church). For students, this means we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a founding covenant of these islands. We practise, use, and honour Te Reo Māori in our worship. We commit to celebrating all cultures and people in their God-given uniqueness and beauty. Christ-centred The centre of our school crest is the centre of our Anglican identity, Christ. The example, teachings and life of Jesus Christ ground our identity as loved by God and commanded by Christ to love and serve others. For students, this means we learn from, and lean on, Christ. We live our life in a way which honours him by serving and helping others.
Citing: Enhancing our Anglican Identity by The Reverend Dr Daniel Heischman (2019)
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