The Rātana Church is calling on their followers to attend this week's 10th anniversary Coronation celebrations for King Tuheitia in force. Registered Apostle, Thomas Phillips says they are wanting to rejuvenate their relationship with the King Movement, which has strengthened since joining King Tuheitia's Kāhui Wairua.
These faithful believers of the Rātana Church are geared to support this week's Coronation celebrations.
Ratana Āpotoro Thomas Phillips says, “Rātana's vision was for Māori to meet together, work together and be united. However, in regard to Rātana and the King Movement, they are officials for spiritual matters and the laws of the land. The King Movement is to lead us.”
A relationship that has been strengthened since joining King Tuheitia's Kaahui Wairua two years ago. Its role was to ensure ecumenical representation in all the King Movement's work.
“We discuss land issues, law issues and concerns from the tribes. For us, the opportunity to sit at the table under Almighty God is our main focus,” says Āpotoro Phillips.
In the 70s, the late Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu invited the Rātana Church to her Coronation. But the connections began before then.
Āpotoro Phillips says, “The man in the middle is the elder Tupu Taingakawa from the tribe of Hauā, from Rukumoana. Years ago, he went with King Te Rata to England.”
Ratana church guardian for the Manurewa parish, Raniera Pene,”Now is the time for the youth to discuss, to be together and to implement the right way forward for the King Movement, the Rātana Church, and all tribes.”
Before the raising of the flags on Saturday morning, a mass Rātana band will lead its followers on to Tūrangawaewae Marae, taking with them the kawe mate of their former chairman, Karaka Paama.
