Peace & Social Justice

The Peace and Social Justice (PSJ) Group exists to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person by direct charitable action through projects and services external to the church community.

We aim to “Walk the Talk” through actions that align with the Unitarian Universalist 7 Principles. Members of the PSJ Group are church members who are directly involved with PSJ Projects and Initiatives. The PSJ Group operates under agreed Terms of Reference for the PSJ Group. All projects are evaluated, and actions requiring funding must be approved by the Church Management Committee, and Church Treasurer. Approved projects are funded by a separate PSJ Fund, which derives income from PSJ pledges, donations, congregational monthly offertory and fundraising events.

Monthly updates on PSJ projects and activities are given to the church congregation at every 3rd Sunday Service of the month. These updates are (sometimes) available for viewing on the church website.

Peace and Social Justice action has long been a part of Unitarianism in Auckland, much of About Us / Our History / The communion of Unitarian Saints is concerned with Peace and Social Justice issues.

Contact our Peace and Social Justice Group

A Vision Splendid

Peace & Social Justice
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The Influential Life of William Jellie
A British Unitarian in New Zealand.

Cover of A vision Splendid, Wayne Facer
A vision Splendid, Wayne Facer

A Vision Splendid by Wayne Facer was released at an invitational and public book launch party on 24th March 2018.

This fascinating biography of William Jellie, a pioneering Unitarian minister and educator and a key figure in the history of Unitarianism in New Zealand, is a once in a lifetime publication.

This book is essential reading for anyone who has an interest in New Zealand’s early history, Unitarianism, trade unionism, workers’ education and the fight for secular education.

Continue reading A Vision Splendid →

Dances of Universal Peace

Dances of Universal Peace, Sunday Talks / Random Musings
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with Sally Mabelle

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Sally Mabelle © 4th February 2018

No text this week. but here are the words to the karakia used near the beginning of the service:-

Karakia tīmatanga.

Manawa mai te mauri nuku
Manawa mai te mauri rangi
Ko te mauri kai au
He mauri tipua
Ka pakaru mai te po
Tau mai te mauri
Haumi e, Hui e, Taiki e!

Opening prayer.

Embrace the life force of the earth
Embrace the life force of the sky
The life force gathered is powerful
It shatters the darkness
Come great life force
United, Connected, Blessed

And the hymn towards the end:-

Te Aroha,
Te Whakapono,
Te Rangimarie,
Tatou Tatou e,
Love,
Faith,
Peace
For All.

Media Coverage

Indian Students fighting for Justice, Media Coverage
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Indian Weekender

NewsHub

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Amnesty International – Urgent Action Network

Amnesty International Rapid Response Letters
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A group in our congregation is working with Amnesty International’s (AI) “Urgent action campaign”.

An “Urgent action” is initiated when an individual is in immediate danger of human rights violations. A I then mobilises a dedicated group of letter writers to take action in the form of letters, email or fax. The letters ask that officials improve human rights of the situation of the individual.

Amnesty International New Zealand is a part of the Amnesty International network, an international nonprofit organisation working to end human rights abuses. It is one of more than 80 nationally organised sections of the global Amnesty movement.

Leave your details if you have a contribution to our ethical gift fair.

Little Food Pantry

Little Food Pantry
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Little Food Pantry

On Sunday 9th July 2017 we launched our no-questions Little Food Pantry – “Give what you can; take what you need”. Please bring items of non-perishable food or sanitary items for the pantry. You can bring them on Sunday or drop them off any time during the week; just pop them into the cheerfully painted custom-made cabinet outside the front of the church.

Unitarians Seeking Sanctuary

Indian Students fighting for Justice, Sunday Talks / Random Musings, , , , , , , , ,
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Rev. Clay Nelson

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or download the PDF

Rev. clay Nelson © 12 March 2017

Our recent experience with providing the Indian students with sanctuary has been a rich source of reflection for me since we said our farewells to them. And I know I’m not alone in that as I listen to conversations at morning tea. And not just for us, if comments of colleagues from other faith groups are any indication. Even the head of Auckland’s office of Immigration called this week to ask if we could have a coffee to unpack the experience. Continue reading Unitarians Seeking Sanctuary →

Farewell Meeting

Indian Students fighting for Justice
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On Saturday, 18 February the Indian students, having had confirmation that all legal and political avenues to challenge their deportation orders have been exhausted, held a final public meeting to thank all their supporters and members of the Auckland Unitarian Church for giving them sanctuary. They are currently making arrangements to return to India voluntarily. Continue reading Farewell Meeting →