What We Do

Christian churches have been offering Christian Religious Education to state schools in New Zealand for over 100 years.

We are the educational agency of our 16 member churches. Our aim is "to stimulate, service and co-ordinate the concerns of member churches and related organisations for Christian and general education in New Zealand". We liaise with national and local churches, schools, educational authorities and agencies (e.g. Ministry of Education and School Trustees Association), to resource and inform.

CEC facilitates CRE programmes and chaplaincy in the majority of state schools. Our primary purpose is to help children make good life choices. By sharing our love and knowledge of God and providing good role models, we stimulate children to think about critical issues and to understand that they can have purpose and hope. What we offer is a framework by which to discern faith for their lives.

CEC Provides:

• Coordination, training, support, resourcing and accreditation of around 4,000 voluntary teachers of Christian Religious Education in state primary schools.
• Assessment, training, support and coordination of the 200 chaplains currently serving in state schools throughout NZ.
• Information for churches and educational bodies about CEC's Chrisitian religious education and chaplaincy services.

Talk @ Ten - Radio Rhema

Click here to hear Petrea Medland, National Manager of CEC being interviewed on Radio Rhema looking at the continuing importance of Bible in Schools.

CEC Spiritual Outlook - Radio New Zealand

Hear Petrea Medland, National Manager of CEC being interviewed by Maureen Garing for Radio New Zealand about CRE in schools today - this was broadcast on Sunday 15 March 2009.

25 Minutes

For more information please contact your local Regional Advisor.