Our community
St Andrew’s is a caring and supportive community. We value our diversity and see it as part of our strength and attraction. We welcome everybody no matter where they see themselves theologically. We encourage people to think for themselves and accept others who might think differently.
As a congregation we are committed to being inclusive, progressive and a place of peace.
In 1991 St Andrew’s declared itself to be an inclusive church. This is reflected in our declaration of intent. We strive to be:
- A church without labels, welcoming all people
- An inclusive church, including people of any creed, race, class or sexual orientation
- A church where lay participation in worship is fostered and no talents are wasted
- A church which seeks to give a Christian shape to social, economic and political affairs – to be light, salt and leaven.”
St Andrew’s was declared an inclusive church in 1991
By calling ourselves progressive, we mean we are Christians who:
- Believe that following the path and teachings of Jesus can lead to an awareness and experience of the sacred
- Affirm that the teachings of Jesus provide but one of many ways to experience the sacred, and that we can draw from diverse sources of wisdom in our spiritual journey
- Seek community that is inclusive of ALL people, including but not limited to:
- Conventional Christians and questioning sceptics
- Believers and agnostics
- People of all ages and ethnicities, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identities, class or ability
- Know that the way we behave towards one another is the fullest expression of what we believe
- Find grace in the search for understanding and believe there is more value in questioning than in absolutes
- Strive for peace and justice among all people
- Strive to protect and restore the integrity of our Earth
- Commit to a path of life-long learning, compassion, and selfless love.
The Glamaphones take centre stage celebrating St Andrew’s inclusiveness.
St Andrew’s was declared a Peace Church on 8 August 1983 as a step towards a lasting peace in a just world. On 18 March 1984 we declared our buildings a nuclear weapons-free zone. We continue to be actively involved in working for peace and host Peace Movement Aotearoa.
St Andrew’s was declared a peace church in 1983
St Andrew's Centre
Whether it’s for large planning meetings, or small creative brainstorms, St Andrew’s Centre is a truly inspiring place to meet.
Our team
Rev Dr Fei Taule'ale'ausumai
Minister
Office: 04 472 9376
Mobile: 021 836 060
Email: minister@standrews.org.nz
Belonging at St Andrew’s
Becoming a member or an associate means you become part of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) and can vote for changes in the St Andrew’s community.
Becoming part of the St Andrew’s whanau means we will keep you in touch with what’s going on but you don’t have to become part of PCANZ. You won’t be able to vote or speak in formal church meetings but there are many other things you can do as a member of our wider community.
Download our welcome pack for more information.
Our Welcome pack contains
- Welcome to St Andrew’s on the Terrace
- Part 0 Belonging and connecting at St Andrew’s)
- Part 1 Being Spiritual and Religious
- Part II Presbyterianism June 2017
- Part III STATEMENTS OF FAITH (Jun17)
- Part IV How does everything get done (Jun17)
- Part V INCLUSIVITY (Jun17)
- Part VI What we do at St Andrew’s (Jun17)
- Part VII Looking after each other