Church Talk
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.
Church Talk: Jesus wants us to be useful and purposeful in God’s Kingdom
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs, it is a way of life, a transformed life. It is faith translated into action, writes Pastor Ngatupuna Cork Tararo of the Ngatangiia AOG Church.
Church Talk: To worship, serve God and to make Jesus known to all people
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
Happy New Year to each and everyone. The festive seasons are now at low key while people are focused on new strategies for this year. Back to work, writes Reverend Vakaroto Ngaro of the Takamoa Theological College.
Church talk: From chaos to cosmos – Mako takore i te Makokore
Friday 10 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
By allowing God’s Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives creates and transforms chaos into cosmos, disorderliness to orderliness, darkness to light and mortal to immortality, and perishable to imperishableness forever, writes Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church.
Church groups request to amend constitution: PM
Wednesday 8 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that there have been requests from church groups to amend the constitution that will recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation.
Church Talk: The Holy Family - A model of love, faith
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
We just celebrated Christmas 2024. We meditated the birth of the Messiah, the unwavering faith of Mary and the righteous Joseph. Together they comprise the Holy Family. The Holy family of Nazareth serves as the most perfect example or model of a family, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.
Church Talk: Let Christ’s light shine all year long
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
As we wrap up the Christmas season and look ahead to the new year, let’s take a moment to think about the true meaning of Christmas – the light of Jesus Christ that came into the world that night in Bethlehem, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church talk: The importance of obedience
Friday 13 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
I’ve been reading through the book of Hebrews lately. I preached a message in Mangaia using this book as a reference, and I recently used this book for our Bible Class at Tereora College this week, writes Pastor Paul Kauri, the General Superintendent of Cook Islands Assemblies of God Church.
Church Talk: Blessings or curses -Akameitakianga me e Taumaa Iki Tataki Tai
Friday 29 November 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Church Talk, Features
All God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance … Kare ua te Atu I akaroaroa I Tana I tuatua maira, mei ta tetai pae e karanga ra e, e akaroaroa; e akakoromaki maata ra Tona ia tatou, kare rava I anoano e kia mate atu tetai, kia rauka katoatoa ra te tataraara” – 2 Peter 3:9.