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A leading Maori Catholic says it’s time for another Maori bishop.
Sister Tui Cadogan, the chair of Te Runanga o te Hahi Katorika ki Aotearoa, says it’s almost a decade since the death of Bishop Takuira Max Mariu.
Pope Francis recently appointed Stephen Lowe as Bishop of Hamilton and elevated John Dew to cardinal.
Sr Cadogan says it would be destructive to think Bishop Mariu’s ordination was a token gesture.
While there are Pakeha priests who can speak te reo Maori, having a Maori bishop would help with efforts to strengthen Maori faith in New Zealand at a time many people seem to be moving away from the church.
There are about 10 Maori priests and three deacons.
Other church members have expressed concerns that there were not enough priests able to say the mass in te reo Maori.
Sister Cadogan says both Church and Maori need to find ways to encourage young people to take up priestly vows.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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