PORTRAITS OF A POLY PASTOR'S KID: AMY TIELU

Amy was born in Canada and was raised alongside her sister in Australia. She moved to Auckland, New Zealand two years ago where her parents serve as Ministers at the Papakura Presbyterian Pacific Island church, a Samoan congregation. They are fresh into their ministry career, having only served for six years so far.

She previously served in the church as a Youth Mentor or advisor to members of the Youth group. She is not currently active in formal role at the church and is studying her Masters degree in Creative Technologies. Her work focusses on building a new framework for digital storytelling for Samoan audiences.

She has a different insight in experiencing the huge changes in her family’s lifestyle, pre­ministry to post­ministry. She has also observed the cultural differences within the Australian church community (where her parents first served) and the Samoan community here in New Zealand.

She experienced very different expectations as well as the loss of some independence in her life when her family joined the Samoan church community.

“In Australia, there wasn’t any expectation of us being actively involved or having any responsibility. The members were all Caucasian­Australian and we lived in the country so it was very different.”

Amy identifies with being ‘pansexual’ ­ not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity. She is open to her family who at first thought she was confused as a result of hanging out with all her Australian friends. Although her parents struggled at first, they love her unconditionally. Her sister is a pillar of strength and support.

“I learned not to apologise for being born with the ability to love anyone regardless of their sex or gender, because that would disrespect the One who designed me that way.” ­ Amy

Amy says she shares all the same Christian values that her parents and sister believe in and enjoys supporting her parents in their ministry work. 

Watch the rest of the Portraits of Poly Pastors Kids series right here: 

Portraits of Poly Pastors Kids - The Mika Sisters 

Portraits of Poly Pastors Kids - The Amosa Brothers

Portraits of a Poly Pastors Kid - Marama Papau

Portraits of Poly Pastors Kids - Siliga David Setoga & Fofoga Setoga-Tuala