News

Statement about the Unofficial Release of the Pathfinding Report
2022-08-17

Dear Church,

Overnight the most recent version of the Pathfinding Report was illegally obtained and made available through unofficial channels online. The report is subject to a non-publication order of the Employment Relations Authority, and while frustrated by the delay, Arise is legally prohibited from releasing or commenting on any of the content.

Nevertheless, Arise has always been committed to safely sharing the stories of those who participated in the Pathfinding independent feedback channel, with a commitment to listen, learn and change. The most important thing we can do now as a church is to listen to those who had the courage to share. We are committed to ensuring that the issues that have caused hurt do not continue.

The Pathfinding Report was intended to be one of a number of inputs to inform the process of change. While it was an important channel to gather stories and experiences from people, it was not an investigative process, with no testing or verification of what was heard. Because this approach does not result in substantiated findings, the Board sought further advice from experts in the field of HR, governance, and finance.

To build a solid foundation for change, the stories compiled and reflected by Pathfinding will be included with reports commissioned from Duncan Cotterill, Parry Fields Lawyers, and BDO Accounting. The recommendations from all of these reports will be provided to the Review Advisory Council, who will consult with staff and congregation members before making final recommendations to the Arise Board. Together these will provide thorough direction for Arise.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and we believe that Arise Church has a bright future ahead. These reviews will help guide us to be a better representation of Christ’s body in Aotearoa.

Ngaa mihi,

Ben Kendrew,
Campus Pastor Lead

Nathan Chambers,
Leadership Team Lead

& the Arise Church Board