The first South Island school of theology, Kete Aroha o Waipounamu – Theology on the Edge took place at Aldersgate Centre from 28-30 January.

Keynote speakers and topics were:

• Dr Peter Lineham – Christianity on the margins: discipleship in a new age
• Rev Tara Tautari – Rekindling the vā of Papatūānuku
• Dr Kathleen Rushton RSM – Participating with Jesus in completing the works of God in an unfinished, evolving universe
• Dr David Tombs – Jesus’ experience of sexual abuse: biblical and pastoral perspectives

There were also a number of workshops including:

• Church done differently
• Liturgy at the edge
• The New Testament through a Jewish lens
• Exploring mental health through pastoral and theological perspectives

Participants felt that the conference was a worthwhile experience, engaging and sometimes provocative!