New Circle Advocates
Assembly welcomes two new Advocates for the Circles of Interest
February 15, 2023
Two of the Assembly Circles of Interest have new Advocates stepping into this leadership role.
Rev Jon Humphries has taken up the role of Advocate for the Transforming Worship Circle, while Rev Alex Sangster, the previous Advocate for Transforming Worship, is stepping in as Advocate role for Working for Justice.
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles."
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The Assembly Circles provide a platform for learning and sharing in the national work of the church. An Advocate has been appointed to each circle to nurture and encourage activity, conversation and input from circle members.
Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen welcomed the interim appointments which will be in place until the next triennial Assembly in 2024.
“We are delighted that both Jon as a new Advocate and current panel member and Alex as an Advocate from another circle have taken up this call to offer their gifts, their passion and their creativity to support these Circles in contributing to the national life of the Church.”
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles.”
“Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world."
At the same time, the Assembly gives thanks for the contribution of Rev Loni Vaitohi who has been the Advocate of Working for Justice for the past five years.
“We are extremely grateful for Loni’s leadership as the Advocate for the Working for Justice Circle since it began,” said Lindsay. “Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world, especially on climate action and justice for seasonal workers.”
The Advocates came together in Sydney last week with the Assembly Resourcing Unit for the opportunity to plan, collaborate and share inspiration for the work of the Circles in 2023.
The seven Circles and Advocates are:
Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama (Being a Multicultural Church), Rev Dr Matt Wilson (Seeking Common Ground), Rev Jon Humphries (Transforming Worship), Virginia Lavaki (Discipling the Next Generations), Alison Overeem (Walking Together as First and Second Peoples), Rev Alex Sangster (Working for Justice) and Rev Liam Miller (Growing in Faith).
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