Geneva, January 13, 2017

Dear Archbishop Phillip and Archbishop Winston,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

It is with sadness that I offer my condolences to your church on behalf of the World Council of Churches on the death of The Most Rev. Brown Turei, Te Pihopa ki Te Tai Rawhiti, Te Pihopa o Aotearoa, Te Pihopa Mataamua of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. I know that Archbishop Turei was greatly beloved in your church, and his reputation as a strong, wise and gentle leader, who freely gave of his wisdom is well-known. Having served the church for over 60 years as a priest and 25 as a bishop, he has had a long and rich ministry. As Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, his gifts further enriched both Pakeha and Maori communities beyond your own church.
As church and spiritual leader, Archbishop Turei exemplified and offered inspiration for our common life together as Christians. The call to unity, ‘that all may be one,’ is strengthened by those who can build relationships and fellowship between different cultures, theological and liturgical traditions, and people of other faiths or those of none. I believe that who he was and all that he did will have a legacy in your church.
My time in Aotearoa New Zealand late last year has given me much affection for your land and the people who live upon it. I look forward to deepening the WCC’s relationship with you, under the unique Anglican leadership shared between the three tikanga.
Please be assured of our prayers in thanksgiving for Archbishop Turei’s exemplary service; for comfort for all who now gather at Kauaetangohia Marae at Cape Runaway for the Tangi; and especially for Archbishop Turei’s wife Mihi and family, as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Offering you every blessing in this season of Epiphany,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary