George Armstrong’s Rebirth as Priestly Activist: Public Liturgy in the Vietnam War Era

Rev Dr George Armstrong was one of the Anglican Church’s most controversial and public pākehā activists in late twentieth century New Zealand. Being at the forefront of demonstrations against nuclear warships, the apartheid era Springbok Rugby Tour, and racism against Māori, Armstrong redefined his priestly role and the place of liturgy through his resistance efforts. Building on archival research and oral histories, this paper will explore the transformation of George Armstrong from parish priest to priestly activist during the Vietnam War era. Particular attention will be given to the resources and networks, both domestically and internationally, that gave rise to Armstrong’s political theology.