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Anglican Maori Diocese of Te Waipounamu gathers tomorrow to elect a new bishop to replace the late John Gray, who died in November.
There’s six candidates for the role, with clergy and laity voting separately in a process overseen by the Bishop of Christchurch, Victoria Matthews.
The Bishop of Tai Tokerau, Kito Pikaahu, says the inclusion of a Dunedin priest Hannah Pomare in the line-up is a major step for the Maori arm of the church.
"The church is now a bit more progressive than it was it. It should involve this to stay and even the person itself to be even prepared to present herself for examination" says Bishop Pikaahu.
Bishop Pikaahu says the result won’t be announced next month when the general synod of the Anglican Church confirms the winner.
The other nominated candidates are George Ehau, Richard Wallace and Harvey Ruru from the South Island and Turi Hollis and Hirini Kaa from the North.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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