The Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania
The kaupapa of the Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania is to foster a network of intellectual discipleship among theologians and scholars working broadly within the Anglican tradition, contributing research and resources in the service of God and the mission of the church in Aotearoa and the Pacific.
The journal also welcomes readership and contributions from the global Anglican and theological communities.
The aim of the journal is both inclusive, encouraging a variety of theological scholarship, reflection, and creative expression, and specific: to actively promote indigenous and contextual theologies.
That is, the journal aims to give voice to areas of scholarship and other outputs that are often marginalised in church and academia, while also welcoming more traditional areas of theological scholarship.
Submissions are welcome. Please read the Submission Guidelines. If you would like to discuss an idea for a submission, please contact the editors at journal@kircenz.org.
Latest Issue
Volume 4 | Issue 1 | Autumn 2025
This issue builds on the Honest Conversations: Sexual Abuse in the Church conference/seminar series organised by St John’s Theological College and Trinity Methodist College, with the support of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago.
This issue is devoted to the challenging issues raised by New Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care (2018–2024) and wider issues of abuse and religious faith.
Past Issues
Volume 3 | Issue 1 | Autumn 2024
This issue explores the kaupapa (theme) of Missions, Culture and Colonialism in Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond.
Drawing on a range of perspectives and disciplines – historical, theological, missiological, and indigenous – this issue examines aspects of the history and present realities of missions in this country of Aotearoa New Zealand and in other global locations, including South America. As such, this is perhaps the most “global” collection of essays and articles so far published by this journal.
Volume 2 | Issue 2 | Spring 2023
This issue is broadly, but not exclusively, focused on issues of identity and diversity. Identity, both personal and corporate, is a continuing topic of interest. For traditional cultures, identity is connected to whakapapa (genealogy) and place and is important for retaining or reclaiming cultural connections.
Relationality is a significant factor in how identity is conceived in traditional Oceanic / South Pacific cultures. While the more westernised of us think of identity in more individualised terms of roles, achievements, sexuality, and other factors, links to the past still hold an attraction as indicated by personalised DNA testing and interest in tracing family history. We need diversity and we need unity to be a healthy society and church.
Through the words of our contributors, we invite you to reflect on how such unity can be incarnated in our attitudes and actions, and imbedded in our structures while valuing and celebrating diversity.
Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Matariki 2023
Welcome to this special Matariki edition of the Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania.
In this edition, we invite you, through our contributors, to embark on a spiritual
exploration that mirrors the spirit of Matariki, guided by the whakataukī: “Tuhi kohuru, tuhi korae, tuhi marae kura.”
This whakataukī frames our journal contributions, offering wisdom that resonates with faith seeking understanding. At its core lies the concept of “tuhi kohuru,” signifying the existence of divine mysteries that surpass our comprehension, underscoring the need for humility, awe, and reverence in our theological pursuits. Like the Psalmist who exclaimed, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6), “tuhi kohuru” invites us to recognise the interconnectedness of all creation, encouraging us to approach matters of faith with a deep sense of wonder and respect.
Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Spring 2022
Not unexpectedly, we see writers responding, in this first issue, to the trials of a world living with Covid-19. We also see writers engaging with the soul-destroying challenges of neo-liberalism, individualism and discrimination. It is not all doom and gloom, however.
Repeatedly, our authors remind us that, as well as learning from its mistakes, we can look to the past for wisdoms and insights to shine a light on our collective future; that, in this Christian tradition, as it engages in this Aotearoa and Oceania context with Indigenous knowledge and tikanga, there is, undoubtedly, hope.
The Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania was founded and published by Te Piri Poho at St John's Theological College in 2022. The journal moved to KIRCE in June 2025 and continues to be produced by its original editorial/publishing team.