Church Talk
Sister Elizabeth marks 60 years of religious service
Saturday 12 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Cook Islander Sister Elizabeth Browne-Russell celebrated her diamond jubilee of religious profession in Auckland with a special Mass, marking 60 years of service and dedication to her vocation.
Locals gather for special event to remember Jesus’ death
Friday 11 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Jehovah’s Witnesses on Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are inviting the community to join them for the 2025 commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death this Saturday April 12.
Church talk: The sweat of blood vs the kiss of the serpent
Friday 11 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
This coming week will be Passion Week and it is also a week when Christ made his final entry into the holy city. It is almost the Passover and the diaspora have now flocked into Jerusalem to celebrate this most important festival together with the Feasts of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits.
Church talk: Why all eyes must look to Jesus Christ?
Friday 4 April 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith – Ma te akara tamou kia Iesu I te tumu e te akaoti I to tatou Akarongo” – Hebrews 12:2.
Church Talk: ‘Fearfully and wonderfully made’
Friday 28 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Psalm 139:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the dignity, value and purpose of human life as created by God. It also sums up about human existence, divine creation, intentionality in creation, and the relationship between God and humanity, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Church Talk: Recognising and embracing God’s blessings in our lives
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Often, we focus on what we lack – whether it’s confidence, friends, or opportunities – and forget all the blessings God has already given us, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church Talk: We are called to live out Jesus’ love
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us a powerful command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Minister Mokoroa stresses need to ‘accommodate’ diverse faiths
Friday 14 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands needs to consider how to support and accommodate people of other faiths living here, says the Minister for Justice, as a parliamentary committee reviews submissions on a proposal to declare the country a Christian state.
A beacon of faith and unity
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
Cook Islands became a beacon of faith and unity as they hosted the International World Day of Prayer service for the very first time.
Students gather for lent season
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Students of St Joseph’s School and Nukutere College gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua with teachers and parents marking the beginning of the lent season.
Cook Islands hosts global World Day of Prayer event
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Every year on the first Thursday in March, Cook Islands Women Christian Church groups throughout the country join a worldwide movement known as the World Day of Prayer (WDP)/Te Rā Pureanga Maata a te Vainetini o Teianei Ao.
‘Journey towards better character’: Children and faithful join Ash Wednesday mass
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features
The pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of Catholics in Rarotonga as they joined millions of faithful followers around the world yesterday to mark Ash Wednesday, celebrating the start of the Lent season.
Church Talk: Battling our own storms of life
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
As I read this passage from Mark 4:35, these are the words of Jesus to his disciples: “Let us cross over to the other side”. It was a very busy week of preaching and teaching evidenced by miracles, healing, as well as casting out demons and raising the dead, writes Rev. Vakaroto Ngaro of Takamoa Theological College.
Church Talk: ‘The One God of Israel, Christianity and the whole world’
Friday 21 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life … I aroa mai te Atua I to te ao nei, e kua tae rava ki te oronga anga mai I Tana Tamaiti Anau Tai, kia kore e mate tei akarongo iaia, kia rauka ra te ora mutukore.” – John 3:16.
Faith vs rights: Cook Islands debates declaring itself a Christian nation
Saturday 15 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features, National, Parliament
Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state, sparking debate about religious freedom, human rights and the separation of church and state, with various religious leaders and legal experts presenting their views to a special committee.
Church talk: Repentance is the cornerstone of Jesus’ message
Friday 14 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Repentance holds a foundational place in the teaching of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry. It was central to Jesus’ preaching because it addressed the fundamental human problem – sin, and prepared the people to receive the Kingdom of God, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Church talk- Esther’s courage: Standing up for what is right
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Have you ever wondered why the Lord has sent you to the earth at this time and placed in you in your particular circumstances? Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writes.
Church Talk: Overcoming fear through faith in Christ
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Fear is a powerful emotion that many experience throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, its impact can keep us from stepping forward in faith, rob us of joy, and make us doubt God’s promises, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Finding solace in paradise
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
The World Day of Prayer pilgrimage to the Cook Islands has provided a stark contrast between the peaceful island life and the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon for a visiting participant who has found peace and inspiration in the island’s culture and deeply rooted faith.
‘I made you wonderful’
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Church Talk, Features
The World Day of Prayer pilgrim were hosted by the Catholic Women of the Cook Islands at the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral yesterday.
