They hope and pray that post lockdown people will work together to build a better church and a better community.

"People have enjoyed this slowing time. People have noticed families doing things together."

"The world has become quieter and we have noticed the beauty of nature."

"This time has proved to be a reflective time enabling us to refocus or revision ourselves and how we live."

They acknowledge that the future, for many, appears uncertain or even dire.

But, "In the meantime, we are continuing to have the tomb experience of being locked down at home and we know, for many families, that this situation is becoming difficult and stressful."

The bishops say that this Easter, with Jesus, we have been offered the opportunity to die to self and rise again to a new beginning."

• When we leave the tomb of lockdown, we will work together as a community to build a better Church and society
• We will all be stronger in our relationships with one another and in our appreciation of the gift of life.
• For a society that is not driven by profiteering but works for the common good as we together rebuild our nation's economy
• That we will be a society that is more aware of the tangible presence of God who journeys with us on the paths of life.
• That the Church will be more ardent in our faith, hope, love and service.

Read the Bishops Pastoral Letter

Source

• Supplied: David McLoughlin
  Communications Adviser, NZ Catholic Bishops
  Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa
• Image: voanews.com

But action in the area of debt and financial hardship has been quite muted and lacks strategy the Salvation Army says.

In a report published last Thursday, they say: "This must change quickly, especially if the lockdown drags on and other related areas are impacted (e.g. job losses, income support payments), which will cause overall financial hardship for many New Zealanders."

The report notes that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has been proactive in working with community groups and NGOs: "but government agencies' own ability to respond seems limited and is taking time to scale up to meet the level of need."

"The Government action in this area of debt and financial hardship has been quite muted and lacks strategy."

"They say most Government action has involved banks. Still, other critical parts of the financial sector must also be given attention to ensure the most vulnerable do not fall into greater financial hardship."

They are concerned that there has been little Government guidance around car loans, payday lenders or credit cards.

Last week the Salvation Army joined 14 other NGOs in calling for urgent action to combat financial hardship during the lockdown.

The key elements of this joint call include:

• No disconnections or service cessations
• Pausing debt collection and bankruptcy proceedings
• Waiving penalty and late fees including additional interest charges
• All payday lenders and providers of high-cost, short-term loans should immediately be de-categorised as an essential service so that
  vulnerable families do not quickly turn to these high-interest loan options for help
• Further guidance around debt relief for car loans, credit card and loans to mobile traders to protect vulnerable consumers.

Source

• salvationarmy.org.nz
• stuff.co.nz
• Image: screenshot msd.govt.nz

Those close to the exclusive, controlling Christian community 67km east of Greymouth told the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust the rules were being ignored.

Police said they were working with the Gloriavale community to make sure its members followed the lockdown restrictions. Read more