A Service of Lamentation

We cannot move forward if we cannot recognise the impact of our past.

On Thursday, 5 September 2024 at 7pm in the Transitional Cathedral, everyone is invited to attend a Liturgy of Lament in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

As you are aware, both secular and faith-based organisations have been revealed as places where abuse in many forms has taken place. We the Anglican Church abhor these abusive actions and will enter into a time of corporate lamentation so that we may fully recognise and acknowledge the extent of the abuse. While we may wish to rush forward in acts of reconciliation, we cannot do this until we fully face the failings of our past. Included within the liturgy will be an apology on behalf of the Diocese of Christchurch, given by Bishop Peter Carrell, and an apology on behalf of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, given by Archbishop Justin Duckworth.

It is the intent of the liturgists responsible for the creation of this service to address what has been, what is, and to give voice to a future for the diocese where we work together for a safe, inclusive church.

We acknowledge that there may be ongoing liturgical needs for some who have been harmed within a Church context. It would be arrogant for us to seek to shape what these individuals need. We wish to empower survivors to create liturgical responses which are tailored to their needs as defined by them.

Finally, we recognise that this subject can be triggering and deeply uncomfortable to face – yet we cannot turn away.  To allow people to decide if this liturgy is safe for them at this time, we invite you to click on A Liturgy of Lament to see the service.

A Liturgy of Lament
Thursday, 5 September 2024
7pm, Transitional Cathedral
234 Hereford St, Christchurch