‘Identity, destiny, calling’ is to live together in God’s love, Williams says

‘Identity, destiny, calling’ is to live together in God’s love, Williams says

Consultative Council gets challenging welcome from New Zealanders

Consultative Council gets challenging welcome from New Zealanders

 Young New Zealanders challenged theAnglican Consultative Council before the members even set foot in the doors of the Telstra Event Center Oct. 27 (local time) when three young Maori Anglican men, hefting taiahas (spears), performed a series of stances, shouts and facial gestures meant to determine if the newcomers had come with ill intent.

Kahutia Maxwell, center, prepares to lay down a leafy branch in front of Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to test his reaction during the wero (challenge) part of the powhiri to welcome the Anglican Consultative Council to Auckland. ENS photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg

As part of the wero (challenge), Kahutia Maxwell, one of the three, laid down a leafy branch in the space between him and his fellows, and the assembled council members. When Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams solemnly picked up the branch, it was clear that the council meant no harm so Maxwell, along with Cyprus Morunga and Pouoterangi Ngargopo, escorted the council members into the arena.