Formal Apology for Abuse in Care

Gareth, Andie and the Kumeū Baptist Elders, as part of the NZ Baptist Movement, we would like to offer our sincere apology to those who experienced abuse while they were in the care of one of our BUNZ Associated Churches or a ministry aligned with a BUNZ Associated Church.

On a personal note from us Co Pastors: Abuse comes in many forms, none of which are ok. And we know some situations are never shared and can leave lasting scars. It is all so devastating. So preventable. So not what our faith is about. We have listed below our own emails, along with our elder chair, our sexual misconduct contact team as well as the national team. This is because we believe you should have the opportunity to talk with someone you choose.

The full apology can be read below or via the link (translations available)

https://baptist.nz/abuse-in-care-formal-apology-from-the-baptist-union-of-new-zealand

Background

In 2018, the New Zealand Government launched the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry (ACRCI), which concluded with the release of the Commission’s final report in July 2024.

While the BUNZ and its Associated Churches were not formally included in the ACRCI’s process, there were a number of individuals who came forward directly to the Commission who shared their experiences of abuse and harm. In total, there were 16 disclosures to the Commission related either to one of our churches or a ministry associated with one of our churches.

The disclosures made to the Commission make it clear that we, as BUNZ Associated Churches, also need to give careful consideration to the ACRCI’s findings and recommendations, alongside other churches in New Zealand.

BUNZ acknowledged the final report of the ACRCI and the seriousness of its findings at the time it was publicly released. Since then, BUNZ has brought together an ACRCI Response Group, tasked with reviewing all reports from the ACRCI and making recommendations on changes that are required across churches that are part of the BUNZ.

It has been our desire to give careful consideration to the findings of the ACRCI, so that our response to it is appropriate, given the gravity of the abhorrent harm that has been perpetrated in Christian churches and their ministries, including in Baptist settings. People who are part of our faith communities and associated ministries should be safe and cared for.

We acknowledge that the work of hearing from people who experienced abuse and harm is still, in fact, ongoing. However, there is also no doubt that there is a need to recognise the reality of what we know so far.

Therefore, we as the leadership of the BUNZ, would like to offer this formal apology on behalf of its Associated Churches and any aligned ministries.

Apology

First and foremost, we would like to offer our sincere apology to those who experienced abuse while they were in the care of one of our BUNZ Associated Churches or a ministry aligned with a BUNZ Associated Church. These BUNZ Associated Churches or ministries, have gravely failed in their duty of care to people. People were harmed physically, emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. Children, young people, and adults were not protected. Action was not taken to address abuse that occurred. This should never have happened. We are profoundly sorry for what has occurred within these BUNZ Associated Churches or ministries.

In particular, we want to especially acknowledge those who were in the care of the Manurewa Children’s Home. Taking responsibility for children and young people in particularly vulnerable circumstances should have been met with the very best care, but we know that there were a number of people harmed in this home. You were failed, often many times over, and across an extended period of time. We apologise particularly to you.

We know that the impact of abuse has been severe across people’s lives. Their health, livelihood, relationships, and faith have been affected. The damage has been profound, irreparable for some people, and its impacts have continued throughout their lives. We are aware that abuse is not something people experienced historically, but a reality that impacts their lives ongoingly. For this continued harm, we are sorry.

We acknowledge, too, the wider impacts of the abuse of people who were in the care of one of our BUNZ Associated Churches or ministries. In many cases, there has been a significant impact on people’s spouses, children, friends and community. We wish to express our sincere remorse for the widespread impact on so many people.

We recognise that behaviours towards minority groups, including tangata whenua Māori, tangata Pasifika, women, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+ have caused particular harm. To these people, we acknowledge that you have been especially unfairly targeted. We believe that all people are made by God and loved by God, and you have at times been made to feel less than loved, and even despised. For this, we are sorry. We are committed to ensuring our ongoing response addresses any abuse or behaviours that cause particular people to be subjected to harm.

We also recognise that there are many other areas where churches have been part of people’s experiences of abuse and harm. We know that people have been failed when they came to their church for support regarding abuse and harm they have experienced elsewhere, such as within their relationship or family, and their concerns were not responded to appropriately. Our churches should always have held the view that any and all abuse is unacceptable, and their response should have upheld your safety and dignity.

The abuse of any person is unacceptable, but for people to have been abused when they were at their most vulnerable and when they were being connected with a Christian community or ministry is a particular failure. Jesus taught us that people in need deserve our utmost service and care. Our Associated Churches and aligned ministries failed to embody the love, safety, and justice that are at the heart of the Gospel we profess to follow.

We recognise, too, that these abuses were not only acts of profound personal betrayal but also systemic failures in oversight, accountability, and compassion. For this, we are truly sorry.

We, as a union of churches, must do better, and we are committed to doing better. This apology does not mark the end of our response – instead, it acknowledges the journey we are beginning in earnest. We commit to learning from the past, listening to people who have experienced abuse, and undertaking meaningful reforms to ensure our churches are places where abuse is not accepted.

We honour the courage of those people who have come forward and shared their stories. Your voices are helping to bring about truth, justice, and lasting change.

We are committed to walking the long road of restoration with integrity, humility, and action.

We, as the leadership of the BUNZ, acknowledge that all leaders of our Associated Churches and our ministries take responsibility for the harm that has been perpetrated. We acknowledge that the leaders in these roles in our Associated Churches and our ministries, and those who assume these roles in the future, will be held accountable for the safety of people in churches that are part of the BUNZ.

We look forward in hope to creating communities where all people are safe, and where trust in our churches and ministries can be restored through the actions we take.

Signed on behalf of the Baptist Union of New Zealand, its Associated Churches and aligned ministries,

Rod Robson,

Chairperson, Baptist National Council.

Have you been impacted by abuse?

If you have experienced abuse through a BUNZ Associated Church or ministry, we sincerely invite you to make contact with us. We welcome the opportunity to hear from you, connect with you, and respond to you. Please contact us at: [email protected]

For more information about our response processes, please see: baptist.nz/resources/abuse-in-care

If you feel more comfortable talking with your local pastors you are welcome to contact us at

Co Pastor Andie [email protected]

Co Pastor Gareth [email protected]

Elders Chair Raewyn [email protected]

Sexual Misconduct Contact People: Steve [email protected] or Mary [email protected]

Media enquiries

Please contact: Mike Crudge, Communications Director, Baptist National Support Centre

Ph +64 21 100 5915 [email protected]