melanesia
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Simply Living
Renewal of Spiritual Life
Blackburn to Vanuatu
Education Review
Issue 71, Winter 2013
Renewal of religious life
strengthened because Archbishop Justin has
agreed to become President of MMUK for the
next five years. Although we cannot expect the
Archbishop to undertake any duties for us, we
can most certainly be assured of his prayers and
interest.
The Archbishop has set a programme of visits to
each of the Primates of the Anglican Communion
which will be completed by the end of 2014, and
that will of course include a visit to Archbishop
David.
This edition of the magazine reflects the very
happy experience of the Simply Living Mission.
The members of the Religious Orders of Melanesia
who made up the team, spent time with people
who were old friends of the Anglican Church of
Melanesia, but also visited new places.
My particular experience was of the visit to East
Anglia. Those who stayed in the retreat house at
Ely and formed community with the Brothers and
Sisters, found it to be a transforming experience.
I shall treasure the memory of just a small number
of the group filling the Cathedral in Bury Saint
Edmunds with wonderful South sea harmonies.
One of the significant new encounters came with
a visit to Lambeth Palace where the Archbishop
of Canterbury was not just very interested, but
deeply moved by the witness of the team.
The Archbishop has as one of his principal
aims the renewal of prayer and spiritual life in
the country. He has commented several times
that this rarely happens without the renewal
of the religious life. He is particularly interested
in the “new monasticism”, and the way that
finds expression in today’s world. The concept
of time limited vows, therefore is one that he
has encountered elsewhere, but which finds
a very effective expression in the Melanesian
Brotherhood and the Sisters of Melanesia. For
these reasons his meeting with the Brothers
and Sisters was a very important link. I
am also delighted to let you know
that this link is now to be further
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That sense of refreshment that the Simply Living
Mission brought was very evident at the annual
meeting. There is always a sense of renewal and
excitement when a first-hand encounter with
Melanesians is a recent memory. It was perhaps
all the more felt because we gathered at Ottery St
Mary with all the close connections with Bishop
Patteson. It was so significant that once again we
could reflect that the Church he had established
was now sending to this country, evangelists who
could not only tell the story of salvation, but live
out those values with devotion and simplicity.
But none of that would have been possible
without a lot of hard work and planning
beforehand. I would like to record my gratitude to
all those who contributed to the mission and to
the organising of the AGM. Thank you in particular
to Katie Drew who worked so hard in the run up
to the mission, fitted in a visit to Melanesia, and
then was the driving force behind the AGM. She
has achieved an enormous amount in the early
stages of her work as Executive Officer and I much
look forward to all that is to come.
In the meantime I have changed roles, and am
now full time at Lambeth Palace in support of the
Archbishop of Canterbury. It is a place where the
sense of the Anglican Communion is of course
very apparent. The Anglican Church of Melanesia
contributes strongly to the richness of the
Communion, and it is a privilege to continue to be
involved with MMUK in support of ACoM.
+Nigel, Bishop at Lambeth, Chair of MMUK
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
Your memories
A few of the many comments we have received
after the Simply Living Mission.
“Before today I was not even sure where Melanesia
was. But after being with the Brothers and Sisters,
even for such a short amount of time, I feel a deep
connection with them and I hope the start of a
wonderful relationship.”
“This mission has been quite different from others,
less entertainment, but much more depth. Being,
sharing and learning together - a real gift!”
“The retreat day was so special with the
contribution of Rowan Williams. It was both
exciting and deeply prayerful. There was a real
sense of drawing together a community.”
“It’s very challenging to hear that they literally had
no possessions of their own and that many times
they would go to bed without having had a good
meal. It was humbling and inspiring being in their
company”.
“I found the entire day spiritual, joyful, thoughtprovoking, humbling and a great learning
experience. The openness and simple honesty of
the Brothers and Sisters gave me the opportunity
to think about how unnecessarily complicated I
often make my own life and, I found their stories
moving and humbling.”
What a year...
It was a joy to
complete my first year
as Executive Officer
in September with
Ottery St Mary Parish
Church hosting the
Companions’ Day,
Festival and AGM.
Before becoming
the Executive Officer,
I was the parish
administrator at Ottery, and it is also the church
where my family and I worship. Patteson would
have been a frequent visitor to Ottery, where
his mother’s side of the family were from. The
church where he served his curacy in Alfington,
is just down the road between Ottery and his
home village of Feniton. It is a marvellous story
that nearly 160 years after Patteson left Feniton
to travel to the other side of the world, the
Melanesian Mission is now based at my home in
that same village.
And what an exhilarating first year in post,
with the Simply Living Mission offering me
the opportunity to go around the UK meeting
many loyal and new supporters. The highlight
of the year for me has been watching people
meet and encounter the Brothers and Sisters
from Melanesia for the first time. As we know
Melanesian spirituality is all engulfing and
engages with people young and old. When the
mission team visited Feniton Primary School the
children aged 5 to 11 years sat for over an hour
and a quarter listening to their stories and songs
from the Brothers and Sisters. In the playground
afterwards the children were gathered around
each member of the team like bees around a
honeypot. In Plymouth one elderly participant
said: “I was so glad when they (the SL Team) said
we could dance, as I am a compulsive dancer.” In
Ely one of the organisers of the mission said it was
the pinnacle of her year. So many encounters and
inspiring stories have come out of the mission.
Some we will hear about, and others we won’t. Do
please share your pictures, memories and what
you plan to do next. And that’s the big challenge,
how do we continue our relationship with
Melanesia post Simply Living.
In the year ahead I am looking forward to getting
to know more supporters and keeping you up
to date with the exciting projects the charity is
involved with. To make sure I have your correct
contact details, please spare the time to complete
and return to me the pull out section of this
magazine.
Thank you all for your support and prayers in
my first year.
Katie Drew, Executive Officer
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Living the Gospels
speculative plans into a reality. In
some cases this meant organising
sleeping bags and showers in
local homes and institutions. It
always included delicious meals,
organised and served in parish
buildings, transportation, and
shepherding the Missioners
around different facilities, trying to
keep us warm in the unbelievably
cold English spring weather.
We were entertained with great
generosity—from fish and chips
on the quay to dinner at Lambeth
Palace with Archbishop Justin
Br. Jack Alick MBH, Br. Albert MBH, Br. Nathaniel MBH, Sr. Joanne CSC, Br.
Patrick SSF, Br. Oscar MBH, Revd. Richard Carter, Sr. Collin CSM, Sr. Vivian Marie Welby.
CSC, Br. Hilton SSF, Br. Matthias MBH and Br. Clark Berge SSF
In every case, living the Gospels
meant creating a sense of
Here’s a question from the Rev’d Richard Carter’s
community. We did this with different groups
Bible Study on the Beatitudes which we used
of people, rooted in prayer both formal and
during the mission: “What can a group of Brothers
spontaneous. The goal was to invite the English
and Sisters from the Solomon Islands—a country
to reflect on their lives, and to live simpler lives.
where many live without electricity or running
A key element to creating a bond between the
water, with little formal education, and for whom
two cultures was music. The Brothers and Sisters
English is a third or fourth language—what
from Melanesia brought panpipes and played
could they say to the people of England? What
them beautifully. They never let the music become
could they say to the people of the country who
brought them Christianity over 150 years ago?” We a concert, but invited everyone to join with them
with a compelling and infectious enthusiasm. One
decided it wasn’t a question of saying anything,
of the most extraordinary liturgical celebrations
but rather of living; living the Gospels. For nearly
bridging cultures was Choral Evensong at Ely
11 weeks the team of seven Brothers and three
Cathedral when the team offered panpipe music
Sisters from the Anglican Church of Melanesia
at the end of Evensong, and the Girls’ Choir as well
led by me - Br. Clark Berge, the Minister General
as many of the clergy and congregation joined
of the Society of St. Francis, lived an itinerant life
in joyous dancing in the aisle and up into the
in England. We lived the Gospel simply, playfully,
presbytery. Everybody encountering the Mission
with joy.
Team was struck by the tremendous power of
The Mission was an extraordinary undertaking
their singing. Using different tunes and rich
by the Melanesian Mission UK. It was the third
harmonies, even the old Victorian hymns were
mission from the Solomon Islands since 2000.
suddenly electrifying. But we weren’t just about
The team visited several dioceses: Exeter, Lichfield, singing and dancing; we just used that to get
Chester, Blackburn, Ely, St Edmundsbury and
people involved.
Ipswich, and London. In each diocese we were
Using creative presentations on “Prayer in a
greeted by the bishop and commissioned to
Melanesian Context,” “Social Justice,” and “Care for
minister in the diocese. Incredibly committed
the Environment” the team helped participants to
and creative groups of volunteers met the
reflect on some challenging issues that confront
team in each place. These were the
England as well as Melanesia. Our personal
people who took the challenge of
experiences with working for peace during the
hosting the team and turned the
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Melanesia News - Winter 2013
Solomon Islands ethnic tension, our experience
with global warming and rising sea levels
threatening our island homes made our teaching
very immediate and accessible. If we can do it,
we believe you
can too.
In the
performance
of “The Lost
Son,” a dramatic
re-telling of the
story of the
Prodigal Son
in the Gospel
of Luke, we made plain the central core value of
forgiveness and reconciliation that is necessary
for living a Gospel life. Using music from the 1986
film The Mission, the drama evoked similar themes
of love, trust, forgiveness and, as the actors wore
traditional Melanesian costume, the encounter of
cultures in the name of Jesus Christ. But with a far
happier outcome!
Breaking the participants into small groups, the
team led simple Bible Studies on Matthew’s
Gospel account of the Sermon on the Mount.
In the intimacy of these groups we were able to
explore the full challenge to be disciples in the
world today.
The Mission Team modelled Christian living of the
Gospel. It means living together, putting God and
God’s earth first in our lives. It means taking time
to reflect on Scripture and share deep personal
stories about what it means. Following on from
this, it means grappling with Gospel imperatives
to be peacemakers, to share with the poor and the
outcast. Also, it means taking time to talk and tell
stories with all whom we meet, offering gratitude,
encouragement and hope in simple tales of life. It
means taking time to play football and volleyball,
to go jogging in the spring sunshine. It means
eating foods of a different culture and helping
to clear up the dishes. It means getting down on
the floor to play with little children and including
young people in dances and song, making friends
with young and old alike without a sense of
condescension.
The example of the Melanesian Sisters and
Brothers teaches us that Simply Living means
cheerfully accepting the hardships and limitations
of life while still working to change them if it is
possible.
Br. Clark Berge SSF Minister General
Simply Living DVD
Ex-BBC Blue Peter Producer and Solomon Islands
VSO, Alex Leger was challenged with capturing
the essence of the Simply Living Mission. The
resulting forty-eight minute documentary is now
available to buy or borrow from the Mission.
The film blends footage from the Solomon
Islands with coverage of the mission. From their
arrival on a cold spring morning in March, being
commissioned at Exeter Cathedral, travelling
around the UK on Mission, meeting Archbishop
Justin Welby, and culminating in the mission’s
farewell service at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
It also includes commentary from Revd Richard
Carter, reflections from the mission team on their
time in the UK and an interview with Bishop
Rowan. The programme will play on any DVD /
BluRay player or computer, and is suitable to be
shown in schools, house groups and parishes.
Please contact the Executive Officer to
reserve your copy.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
5
Continuing to strengthen
In November Melanesian Mission Trustee
Andrew Cartwright accompanied a
team from Blackburn Diocesan Board
of Education for the launch of a project
to help overhaul ACoM’s system of
governance for its church schools in
Vanuatu. The Blackburn team spent two
weeks in Luganville, where ACoM is
headquartered, gathering information
about the present systems and discussing
the requirements for budgets, targets,
evaluation and reporting.
This project was prompted when ACoM
reached an agreement to take back
over 30 former church schools, which
have been under the Government’s
responsibility since independence. When
this handover takes place, this will substantially
increase ACoM’s schools activity in Vanuatu.
There are three components to the project –
embedding a Christian ethos in all of the school’s
activity; professional governance of schools
individually and collectively, and the development
of the curriculum.
The intention is that between the end of this
year and April 2014, a package of proposals will
be worked up by Blackburn in discussion with
ACoM in Vanuatu. The team will go back to assist
in implementation and training in April 2014.
Finally there will be a follow-up visit to Vanuatu for
review in 2015.
Lisa Fenton, Daphne Durham and Paul Lock
of Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we pray for those
from the Diocese of Blackburn who have committed
themselves to working in partnership with those
engaged in education in Vanuatu.
As they travel and build relationships,
Lord of light, shine on them, shine on me;
Lord of peace, dwell in them, dwell in me;
Lord of might, succour them, succour me;
Lord of love, enfold them, enfold me;
Lord of wisdom, enlighten them, enlighten me.
Then, Lord, through your Spirit empower us as your
witnesses us to share the good news of your mighty love
for us in the gift of your Son,
our saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
If all goes well, the same programme will roll out
in Solomon Islands.
Blackburn Diocese has one of the largest number
of church schools in England, and an exceptional
reputation for its expertise in governance. In
recent years, they have worked on similar projects
in Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. We are very fortunate
that Paul Lock, Blackburn’s Director of Education,
and his team including Daphne Durham and Lisa
Fenton, are prepared to commit their resources
to this project in conjunction with Melanesian
Mission.
Please pray for the team.
6
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
Paul Lock with Bishop of Vanuatu &
New Caledonia James Ligo
education in Melanesia
After
spending
the summer
in the UK
as a Pacific
Islander
Visiting
Fellow,
ACoM’s
Education
Secretary
James
Memua,
is actively
using the knowledge he gained.
One of the objectives of the school partnership is
to enable teachers’ professional development and
capacity building, through teacher exchanges.
The links also greatly enhance reciprocal learning
and cultural exchanges. I have returned home to
encourage more schools to partner with school in
the UK for the benefit of both parties.
Since returning to Melanesia, I am using
the expertise I gained to assist ACoM’s vision
in expanding its current tertiary education
structure to include the School of Education
and Humanities and the proposed new John
Coleridge Patteson University. This is in the pursuit
of enabling access to tertiary education for all
Solomon Islanders at an affordable rate.
“The fellowship provided an opportunity for me
not only to develop my professional
leadership, management and
administrative capacity, but also
to think about the development
of Solomon Islands education
system in early childhood, primary,
secondary and tertiary education. I
was able to interact and learn from the
professional expertise and resources
at Corpus Christi College, the Faculty
of Education of the University of
Cambridge and Chester University. This
knowledge including best practice in
school leadership, management and
administration, I am already sharing
with my colleagues, schools, teachers
and school boards of governors.
I was also able to visit some of the UK
schools partnered with schools back in Melanesia.
James Memua, ACoM Education Secretary
New Sister Provincial
Recently the Community of the Sisters of the
Church (CSC) together with their associates,
supporters, family members and friends witnessed
the blessing of the new Sister Provincial at Tetere
Ni Kolivuti (TNK). The new Sister Provincial is Sister
Kathleen Kapei who is from the Lord Howe islands
in the Malaita Outer Islands. Asked what would be
her major plans for the community as she takes
on the responsibility, Sr. Kathleen said: “I want to
bring back the community in line with our original
aims and objectives, and I want to work more
closely with churches, Government and other
organisations to reduce the rising social problems
seen in society today.”
On this note, Sr. Kathleen urged the
community to support her in this role.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
7
Attentiveness...
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Humility, and Self-Control. The
mystery of these words – the mystery of the fruit
of the Spirit – ring in my ears as I ponder how on
earth I can tell you the significance of my recent
two and a half month adventure in the Solomon
Islands.
During those weeks I have tasted real fear;
I have felt more dependent than ever upon
God; I have become so much more attentive to
people’s courage and kindness; I have laughed
with a spontaneity and joy; I have felt real love
and affirmation in
Melanesian
company.
I have witnessed
an intentional
reconciliation which
visibly liberates and
heals; I have longed
deeply for the basic
provision of clean
water, and the
protection against
disease; I have wept
at the injustices
within the church
as well as outside
it; I have felt
moments of deep
peace, and I have praised God
in song with a fresh certainty and gratitude. Thank
you Melanesia!
On the 21st of June, I stepped out of Westcott
House (theological college) on the last day of
term and had exactly five days to prepare for my
trip. Only three out of my ten weeks had any fixed
plan and I was clinging onto reassurances that
everything would fall into place once I arrived on
Solomon soil. God’s hand was indeed at work –
meeting members of the Simply Living Mission
team in the UK three weeks prior to departure
enabled me to arrange to spend one week in each
of the four Anglican religious communities.
The first two weeks were spent with
Bishop James Mason and family
on leave from their parish in
8
Devon. We went out for picnics, we fished, we
worked in the garden, we visited the Melanesian
Brothers, we had long discussions about Ysabel
culture. Bishop James and I also spent three
days on the conservation island of Arnavon
helping to facilitate a Mothers’ Union women’s
empowerment conference, in which twenty
women spoke movingly about the impact of
logging, domestic violence, overcrowding and
ethnic tension in Kia.
I then spent one week in Lau Lagoon on the
island of Malaita staying in Revd Richard Carter’s
house, which has to be located in one of the
most beautiful places on earth. That
week couldn’t
have been a
more authentic
immersion into
what simply
living is all about.
Showers outside
watching the
sunrise, family
choruses and
prayers, meals all
sat on the wooden
floor eating out of
the same bowls and
paddling to church,
back and forth at
dawn and under the
stars providing the
rhythm for the day.
A deep obedience, a deep integrity and above all,
an attentiveness to one another that was really
powerful to be in the midst of.
Then it was time to stay with the religious orders
- Community of the Sisters of the Church, the
Franciscan Friars, the Melanesian Brotherhood and
the Sisters of Melanesia – living alongside them,
attending prayers, working in the kitchen, going
out on mission into villages, working on the land,
teaching English, leading bible studies.
Definitely the community that really caught
my attention was the Community of the Sisters
of Melanesia which was founded in 1980 – the
youngest of the communities. It has a special
heart for building up the vocations of young
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
...to one another
girls and serving women and families, spiritually
and in any kind of need. They currently have
43 Novices and about 15
Sisters living at Veranaaso. In
terms of literacy levels and
diet this community is most
certainly the poorer relation
of the other orders. You are
immediately struck when you
first arrive at how young the
women are and how young
the leadership team is. Sister
Collin from the Simply Living
Mission team returned to
Solomon Islands to take up the
role of Head Sister.
There are notably higher
instances of ill health at
Veranaaso as compared to
the three other religious
communities. Clean water is a
huge issue and only those who are sick eat lunch.
So their diets are very basic and many Novices
said they ate better food back home in the
provinces.
I was left with some deep seated
and challenging questions in my
mind after this experience, about
how we in the West should most
faithfully support a community
like the Sisters, living under the
vow of poverty. When does
the vow of poverty become
community impoverishment?
This summer has been an
enormous personal blessing
for me. I began by referring to
the mystery of the fruit of the
Spirit. It is a total mystery to
me the sense of freedom, the
sense of joy, the depth and
quality of relationship that
I have encountered in the
Melanesian people.
Catherine Duce
Melanesian Sisters
Catherine Duce was one of the speakers at
this year’s Festival. Moved by the needs of the
Sisters, Catherine launched a fundraising appeal
for a borehole water project at
Veranaaso.
community and their retreat house guests, and to
establish UK Associates (similar to Companions to
the Melanesian Brotherhood), who will be able to
continue to support the Sisters in
prayer and by other means.
Within a week of her inspirational
talk the Melanesian Mission had
received donations to cover the
cost of the borehole drilling, along
with some surplus money which
will go towards maintenance.
The results of this project can be
joyfully seen here. Many thanks to
all who helped to provide clean
water for this community.
Catherine is continuing to offer
support and advice to the Sisters
and is now looking to raise funds
for lunches for all the Sisters and Novices at
Veranaaso, build a new ablutions block for the
If you would like to receive regular
news by email on the Sisters, make
a donation or are interested in
becoming an Associate, please
contact Katie Drew.
Melanesian Mission Trustee Revd
Martin Cox will be taking part in
Great North Swim on Saturday 14th
June 2014 to raise money for the
Sisters’ water projects. If you would
like to sponsor Martin to swim 1
mile in Lake Windermere, visit Just
Giving website, from April
2014 onwards.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
9
Praying with the Angli
The Anglican Province of
Papua New Guinea
Sunday
Pray for the Anglican Church of Melanesia and
the Melanesian Mission in the UK. For church
schools, rural training centres, the Bishop
Patteson Theological College and all their
staff and students. For Dr Abraham Haurisi
the General Secretary of ACoM, and the Revd.
George Elo, the Secretary of the Melanesian
Board of Mission. For Missions to Seafarers
Chaplains in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Monday
For the Diocese of Temotu (1) and Bishop George
Takeli, and the Diocesan Secretary Patteson
Palupu. For Moffat Selo the ACoM Project Planning
Officer and for Holland Siko, Solar Project Officer.
Pray for all development work across the Province.
Friday
For the Diocese of Ysabel (3) and Bishop Richard
Naramana. For the work of the Mothers’ Union
at national and local level. For the literacy
programme, parenting programme, hospital
visiting and all the paid and volunteer MU staff.
Tuesday
For the Society of St Francis around the world and
especially their work in Melanesia. For Provincial
Minister George Huinodi. For the new postulants
and for all others seeking to explore their calling
to the Franciscan First Order and Third Order in
Melanesia.
Saturday
For the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Brothers,
Novices and Aspirants. For Head Brother Matthias,
all the Companions in Melanesia and across the
world, that they may support the Brothers’ work
through prayer, giving, and hospitality.
Wednesday
For the Diocese of Vanuatu & New Caledonia
(2) and Bishop James Ligo. For the growth of
sustainable ministry and the resources to fund and
staff work in New Caledonia. For Thomas Bebeu,
the Deputy Provincial Secretary, based in Vanuatu.
Thursday
The Community of the Sisters of Melanesia and
their work with women. For Head Sister Collin
in her new role. For their love, care and support
for women and children in abusive families. For
Margaret Mara the Senior Nurse at St Clare’s
Hospital, Taroaniara, Gela, and for all healthcare
work in the islands.
10
Sunday
For the Diocese of Central Melanesia (4) and
Archbishop David Vunagi. For peace across the
islands and for the rebuilding of a respectful,
safe and caring community in Honiara and
other towns. For those working to safeguard the
integrity of God’s creation in the region and for
those in wealthy nations that have the power to
bring about positive environmental change.
Monday
For the Sisters of the Community of the Church,
and the work of the Christian Care Centre For
Sister Provincial Sr Kathleen Kapei, for Razak
Lent and his work as Literacy Coordinator for the
Province.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
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can Church of Melanesia
Tuesday
The Diocese of Malaita (5), Diocesan Bishop Sam Sahu and Area Bishop
Alfred Hou. For the diocese’s strategic plan to help it move towards
financial self-sustainability. For the printing works in Honiara and shipyard
at Taroaniara that they too may help support the mission and
ministry of the church. Pray for those who work and travel on the Southern
Cross and the Captain Abini Maetua.
3
5
Solomon Islands
1
8
4
6
The Anglican Province
of Melanesia
Wednesday
For the Diocese of Central Solomons (6) and Bishop Ben Seka as he
develops his ministry in the diocese. For Frank Seka, Internal Auditor, and
all the administrative Provincial and Diocesan staff. For partner churches
and organisations in Australia.
7
Vanuatu
Thursday
For the new Diocese of Guadalcanal and Bishop Nathan Tome. For
volunteers from UK, Australia and New Zealand who work in Melanesia.
For Blackburn Board of Education as they work in Vanuatu. Pray for the
Provincial Cathedral of St Barnabas, Honiara, and the Dean, Fr. Davidson
Nwaeramo, and all who minister and worship there.
Friday
For the Diocese of Banks and Torres (7) as it waits
for its new bishop Patteson Worek. For the Vanuatu
Christian Council and the Solomon Islands Christian
Association, and their work encouraging unity and
harmony between the different Christian Churches.
Saturday
For the Diocese of Hanuato’o (8) and Bishop Alfred
Karibongi. For the New Zealand Trust Board and its
directors, as they support the Church in Melanesia.
2
New Caledonia
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
11
Returned Brothers
read or write properly,
and I am not a qualified
teacher. However, I tried
to enjoy it and keep
myself busy getting
lesson plans, class time
tables and so on ready
in advance as a guide.
Once I got myself
familiar with it, then
everything was fine.
Brother Jeffrey and Brother Nelson
The Anglican Church of Melanesia and the
Church of England has a very rich educational
legacy that goes back to the time of the pioneer
missionary Bishop George Augustus Selwyn and
John Coleridge Patteson. The product of their
method of evangelism of educating Melanesians
to work among their own people, and their
educational philosophy, “Sound Learning, Useful
Industry and True Religion,” has proved to be
fruitful and continues today. I would like to think
that I am part of this rich educational history.
The link with the diocese of Chester is the bridge
that connects the past with the present. Being
given the opportunity to study at the University
of Chester (2008-2011) has been a wonderful and
tremendous experience for me.
As a Melanesian who has been privileged to study
theology at the University of Chester for three
years, I have the opportunity to think outside the
box. On returning home to Melanesia in 2011, I
had mixed feelings of nervousness and eagerness
of how I was going to put the knowledge I
obtained into a good and applicable use. The
first task the Brotherhood leaders assigned to me
was Novice Training Tutor. Teaching these young
men who came from various educational
backgrounds has proven to be very
challenging and difficult, since most
of them are illiterate and cannot
12
For this year (2013) I
have gained another
responsibility as a
Chief Tutor. My role
is comparable to the
role of a Principal in a
primary school but slightly different in terms of
the setting and context. I am expected to make
sure that the Novitiate training runs smoothly
and that all the staff and students are given all
they need. Since the decentralisation of Novitiate
training back to the section headquarters, we have
only about seventy Novices in training here at
Tabalia. Coming from different social, educational
and ethnic backgrounds, these young men bring
with them untapped potential and experiences
which if properly extracted can truly be of good
use to the mission of God in the Brotherhood.
However, as far as experience is concerned, the
remoulding and reshaping of these young men
for God’s mission depends on their commitment
and God’s intervention.
Another interesting task I have been involved
in this year along with Br Nelson, was the
preparation of the Simply Living Mission team to
UK. On their return I was heartened to hear what
a successful Mission it was. I am so glad to have
helped them carry out God’s mission in the United
Kingdom so inspirationally.
Now the next step of my journey. On 20th of
October 2013, Br Nelson and I were ordained as
deacons, and maybe in a years time we will be
ordained as priests. I am therefore so grateful to
all our friends, Companions and supporters in the
United Kingdom who helped me in one way or
another to get my degree and helped
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
me get over the challenges of the English weather
and cultural differences. You have
helped me became a sound learner,
useful industry, truly religious and thus
God’s instrument of peace and Love.
As Sr Teresa of Avila stated, “Christ has
no body now on earth but ours, ours
are the only hands with which He can
do His work, ours are the only feet
with which He can walk about the
world, ours are the only eyes through
which His love can shine forth upon
a troubled world. Christ has no body
now on earth but ours. Amen.
Br Jeffrey Akoai
Completed chapel at Tabalia
Working together
We are all aware through the power of the
Internet of how much smaller the world has
become. News of events around the world
are communicated in nanoseconds using the
World Wide Web. As a result those from the
developed world are more aware than ever of
the needs of people in the developing world
including Melanesia. Consequently, a plethora
of organisations such as Rotary International as
well as Christian aid agencies such as World Vision
have committed human and financial resources
to the region. But how does such support reflect
the strategic aims of ACoM? Are there any gaps
in the response of organisations to these aims?
How are the agencies ensuring that areas of
work going forward are sustainable? What extra
resources would be needed to ensure that they
are sustainable? What is needed to enable church
leaders to answer the ‘how questions’ having
identified such strategic aims? These are some
of the key questions that are emerging as MMUK
works with ACoM. To create an environment in
which these and other questions can be answered
MMUK has suggested to ACoM that a Roundtable
Conference should be convened to bring together
representatives from key organisations. This
approach has been shared with the Archbishop
and also the Council of Bishops. It is envisaged
that this conference will take place in 2014. Such
a conference would have a significant impact on
the coordination of support and resources being
given to ACoM as it seeks to be faithful to its
commitment to holistic mission.
Please pray for this project.
Infinite Lord and eternal God,
inspire those involved in the Roundtable conference
and enhance in us all, our sense of mission as you
continue your work of grace in and through us.
By your Spirit,
enable all your people to give of their energy,
their time, their money, their service and their prayer,
so that your kingdom may be advanced in Melanesia
and in all the world;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
13
Queen’s Baton tours Melanesia
From the bustling city centre of Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea, the Queen’s Baton boarded
a flight bound for the relative tranquility of
the Solomon Islands for days 31 to 35 of the
Commonwealth Games 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay.
suddenly becomes apparent when you see them
in context on the boat trip across. These beautiful,
unspoilt places are jaw dropping. As we arrived in
the harbour, excited crowds gathered to greet the
baton.
On the tarmac of Honiara Airport we were
met by a group of pan pipe musicians, who
ceremoniously walked the baton through the
airport. An amazing surprise was in store for us,
after a country wide search was launched to
find Augustine Hane. Augustine is the boy in
the posters used to promote the Queen’s Baton
Relay back in Scotland. It’s a press photograph
from four years ago, taken during the previous
relay for the Commonwealth Games. The picture
spontaneously captured Augustine – then much
younger – as he managed to reach the baton
which was
being carried
by a local
athlete.
We had a special visit in Gizo lined-up to the
local hospital, where we took the baton to meet
patients and their families. It’s the first time we’ve
paid a visit to a hospital, an amazing thing to
be able to do for the children and adults who
couldn’t join the relay through the streets of Gizo.
Outside the atmosphere was electric. The convoy
made its way through the stunning coastline. This
was no ordinary coastal road though. Our hosts
took us through the region that was badly hit by
the 2007 tsunami, and told us the stories of how
villages and communities have pulled together to
rebuild the area. Six years on from the tsunami, it
was a privilege to be here and witness how much
effort locals have put into the rejuvenation of their
livelihoods.
The Solomon
Islands press
got behind
it, and our
hosts placed
adverts in the
papers asking
the public to
help identify
the child in
the picture.
Several news
stories and
Facebook
posts later
Augustine with the torch in 2013
Augustine was
©glasgow2014
found, which
is no mean feat in a country of over half a million
people. And so it was that we got to meet him,
four years older and much taller.
We said our goodbyes and took a breathtaking
flight over the dotted islands scattered in
the turquoise oceans below. Our next
connection – to Gizo Island – was
to be done by boat. The size and
remoteness of Pacific islands
14
Staff and pupils from the Normal Palmer School follow
the baton to the British High Commissioner’s Residence
©glasgow2014
Back in Honiara as the mercury rose to 37 degrees
Celsius, the day began with a prayer and a song
by local children before the baton set off – 40
batonbearers and 27 kilometres to cover. It was
an extensive route by any standards, taking us to
some of the most incredible places in Honiara.
We were taken to local schools, where pupils
put on some impressive events to celebrate the
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
arrival of the baton. The joy of the children in the
Pacific is becoming apparent as we make our way
through this part of the world – their excitement
is genuine and we could hear them a mile away as
we made our way to the schools! We were treated
to many songs, as the children lined up to touch
the baton. Their energy was infectious and it
fuelled us throughout the day.
The Solomon Islands has a unique look and
feel to it, and it’s unlike anywhere we’ve been
on this journey so far. 900 islands form this vast
archipelago – a dream-like landscape of clear
blue waters peppered with small islands. We’ve
experienced thunderous rain and scorching sun,
The British High Commissioner to the Solomon
Islands Dominic Meiklejohn attended a ceremony
this summer where the Norman Palmer School
officially sealed its partnership with three UK
Schools - The Kings School in Ottery St Mary,
Tipton St John Church of England Primary
School and Feniton Church of England Primary
School. Also attending this event were Feniton
head teacher
Colin Butler,
on his second
visit to Solomon
Islands and Kings
teacher Christine
Calderwood. Colin
and Christine
along with their
two families spent
some of their
summer vacation
working with
teachers, governors
and pupils from
ACoM schools.
In his address at the ceremony, Colin referred
to the partnership of the schools, which was
established in 2010, “as trees that with every
visit grew new fruits and leaves”. Colin urged the
Principal and teachers of Norman Palmer School
to keep in touch to enable the link to continue to
visited some of the most remote villages in the
world, been guests of honour at ceremonies
celebrated with ancient rituals. We’ve been really
touched by the enthusiasm of local people and
the smiles we encountered here will be forever
imprinted on our minds.
Article from Relay Recap Diary;
www.glasgow2014.com
The Baton Relay reaches Norfolk Island on 22nd
December and Vanuatu on Christmas Eve.
Learning Together
blossom.
General Secretary of the Anglican Church of
Melanesia Dr. Abraham Hauriasi said: “The
partnership between the three UK schools and
Norman Palmer School signifies the continuous
growth of the relationship between the Anglican
Church in England and the Anglican Church
in Melanesia,
especially in
the field of
education.
I trust the
schools involved
will make good
use of this
opportunity
to promote
better cultural
awareness,
share resources,
teaching and
learning skills,
and encourage
spiritual enrichments.”
This is one of a number of partnerships between
schools in the UK and Melanesia. If you know
of a UK school interested in forming a link
please contact Executive Officer.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
15
Remembered
In October the Melanesian Brotherhood
commemorated the 10th anniversary of the seven
Brothers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace
and social order.
The seven martyrs were: Brothers Robin Lindsay
from Papua New Guinea, Francis Tofi from Tikopia,
Alfred Hilly from Ysabel, Tony Sirihi from Makira,
Nathaniel Sado from Central Province and Ini
Partabatu and Patteson Gatu from Guadalcanal.
In his message at this special service, Reverend
Ben Wate said: “The Martyrdom of the seven
brothers is a testimony and confirmation of the
commitment of the Melanesian Brotherhood to
God and his church. They demonstrated what it
means to be true sacrificial gift.”
Head Brother of the Melanesian Brotherhood,
Br. Matthias Tovotasi told the huge crowd which
attended the ceremony that in order to honour
the murdered Brothers, their peace legacy must
be upheld and defended. He went on to say: “We
must protect their achievement of peace, so that
their death may not be in vain.”
James speaking at the Melanesian
Brotherhood
Conference
After
spending time with the Simply Living team, the
Dean of Chester Cathedral Very Revd Gordon
McPhate is keen for a more permanent Melanesian
Community. James reports that the Brotherhood
fully support this application from Chester. A
number of hurdles need to be crossed, but we
could see a household in UK by 2015.
James has also spent time with the three other
religious orders, and has been able to provide
updates on the borehole project at Veranaaso.
Chester Links
James Massey was given a full brief from Chester
Diocese for his visit to the Solomon Islands this
Autumn.
One of his key duties was to speak at the
Melanesian Brotherhood Conference
about the possibility of a Brothers’
Household in Chester.
16
Finally James has been able to visit schools with
links to Chester, including St Nicholas. James said:
”I am truly honoured to have been shown around
St Nicholas School and I just hope that these links
can make a real difference to the future of so
many young and willing children.”
2013 has been a special year for Chester Diocese,
not only by hosting the Simply Living team, but
also celebrating the 25th anniversary of its official
diocesan link with Melanesia.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
AGM 2013
Over 80 supporters attended the Melanesian
Mission AGM and Festival on Saturday 21st
September at Ottery St Mary Parish Church, just a
stones throw away from the church in Alfington
where Bishop Patteson was curate.
After the midday Eucharist, where the Bishop of
Crediton preached, supporters heard reports on
the charity’s current strategies and projects. Then
there was a sneak preview of the Simply Living
film made by ex-BBC producer Alex Leger. Reports
were also given on an exciting education project
in Vanuatu with Blackburn Diocese,
and on John Coleridge
Patteson University
from James Memua,
Anglican Church of
Melanesia’s Education
Secretary.
The day began
with the AGM
where Helen Miller
stepped down and
Sue Clayton from
Ottery St Mary was
appointed as Hon.
Treasurer. The
2012/13 accounts
and annual report
were adopted by
members. Both
are available
from the charity.
Messages from
the Archbishop
of Melanesia, Melanesian Sisters, Society
of Saint Francis and Melanesian Brothers were also
read out at the meeting.
communities in
AGM 2014
Diary date... next year’s AGM and Festival will be
held on Saturday 20th September at St Laurence’s
Church, Chorley, Lancashire.
This was one
of the venues
of the Simply
Living Mission.
At the festival
we will have the
opportunity
to hear from
Blackburn
Diocesan Board
of Education
on their work
with schools
in Vanuatu. Do
check the website nearer the time for
details of the full programme.
The day ended with
an inspiring talk from
Catherine Duce, a
second year ordinand
at Westcott House in
Cambridge who had just
returned from a 10 week
summer placement with
the four Anglican religious
the Solomons.
2014 Visitors
Bishop of Temotu George Takeli is attending a
training course at Lambeth in January and will
extend his visit to make a pilgrimage to Feniton in
Devon. Bishop George is keen to see where Bishop
Patteson grew up and the church in Alfington
where he was curate. The bishop
is working on the reconciliation
ceremony due to take place on
Nukapu.
Chester Diocese will welcome
Elizabeth Marahora, of St Nicholas
School, Honiara, Solomon
Islands, who will be looking at the
importance of community links in
the education of girls. Elizabeth’s
visit is being funded by Anglican
Alliance and the Melanesian
Mission.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
17
Making histor y...
It was a blessing to be able to visit my family,
my Community and my friends in the Solomons,
after being in the UK for six years. The Sisters and
my family were there to welcome me, as well as
the tropical heat. I spent a few days at Tetete Ni
Kolivuti (Hill of Prayer). It was lovely to be with the
Novices and to get to know them a little better.
Archbishop David Vunagi, gave me a licence to
celebrate the Eucharist at our Community Houses.
This was the first time a woman had celebrated in
the Solomon Islands. The Sisters were so grateful
to receive Holy Communion during that week
from one of their own.
Soon after I went to visit my family on Ysabel.
It was very special to be back in my village at
Kolotubi, though most things have changed.
Some relatives have died, while the children
have grown up. I preached at a Sunday Eucharist
and spoke about my life and work here in
the UK. They were very interested to see an
ordained woman. I went to visit my old Primary
School called Muana. It had not changed very
much, except the buildings are rusted and
there are very few books in the library. It was
sad for me to see it like this. The government
in the Solomons is not that stable and remote
schools like Muana Primary and Secondary have
been badly affected. I did talk about possible links
between schools in the Solomons and the UK
and Muana School is interested in a link with the
outside world.
When the Revd. Simon Brocklehurst, my
incumbent, from St Andrew’s, Ham joined me
later, we spent five days with Bishop Richard
Naramana in the Diocese of Ysabel. He was very
generous and hospitable. We visited many places,
including the Mano Wadrakal Theological College,
interacting and sharing with the students. The
main discussion was on the Ordination of Women
and most of the students were pleased to see us
and to share their doubts and hopes. On St Mary’s
Day, our last day there, I was given the privilege
of celebrating the Holy Eucharist. Most of the
Mothers’ Union members at the service were
in tears. Seeing me there gave them
much joy and hope for women who
18
have been pushed down by the cultural beliefs of
most people.
I would like to thank Revd. Simon whose presence
gave me confidence as an Ordained person in
my own country. There are many there, including
some priests, who are against the ordination of
women. It will be interesting to see what happens
at their next General Synod in 2014.
Sr Veronica Vasethe CSC
New Bishop
THE Anglican Church of Melanesia has a new
bishop for the Diocese of Banks and Torres in
Vanuatu. Reverend Patteson Alfred Worek will
be the third bishop for the Diocese of Banks and
Torres. Reverend Worek will replace Bishop Nathan
Tome who left the post in May 2013 after being
elected the Bishop of Guadalcanal.
Revd. Worek was ordained Priest in 2000 and
has served as a priest in various districts in the
Diocese of Banks and Torres. His last posting was
as the Mission Secretary of the Anglican Church of
Melanesia Board of Mission based at the Provincial
Head Office in Honiara. He left the post at the end
of 2012 to undertake his post graduate studies in
Fiji.
The consecration is expected to take place
during the first half of 2014 at the Diocesan Head
Quarters at Sola, Vanuatu.
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
Dedicated to ser ve
On a recent visit home Bishop James Mason from
Ysabel who currently works in the Exeter Diocese,
was presented with his OBE by Governor General
Sir Frank Kabui.
In the presence of family, friends and the
Archbishop of the Melanesia, Bishop James
received his OBE in recognition of his dedication
and service to the Anglican Church in Solomon
Islands and abroad.
Before taking up his current position in a
Plymouth parish, Bishop James was the first
diocesan bishop of Hanu’ato, where he served for
13 years.
As Paramount Chief of Ysabel, Bishop James was
also called back to Melanesia to chair a discussion
on plans for mining on the province. The meeting
brought together more than 150 delegates
from the church and the community, as well as
developers and government officials.
Nickel was discovered in Ysabel more than 40
years ago, and an Australian mining company
Axiom, has been speculating on the region’s
substantial deposits for several years. In 2011 the
company signed a 50-year deal with landowners
for a 45-square kilometre area estimated to
contain nickel ore worth almost US$60 billion.
At the meeting Bishop James said: “We are
vulnerable to many climate changes and if we
were to mine in the suggested places and the
resettlement of villages was required, it would be
very difficult. The land tenure system in Ysabel will
not allow for the relocation of those displaced by
mining activity.”
Following the strong opposition aired at this
forum, plans for mining on Ysabel have been put
on hold.
New diocese
David Vunagi, the Council of Bishops,
Archbishop Adrian Smith of the
Roman Catholic Church in Honiara,
representatives from the Melanesian
Mission, Australia Board of Mission and
Melanesia Trust Board New Zealand. The
guests were escorted from the Southern
Cross to Lengalau Village by traditional
war canoe, and met on the beach with a
traditional warrior welcome.
Back in June around two thousand
people witnessed the inauguration
of the Diocese of Guadalcanal and
installation of its first bishop, Right
Reverend Nathan Tome. After the
service at Saint Paul’s Church, Lengalau
Village, Bishop Tome was also installed
as cultural leader of the island of
Guadalcanal.
Among those attending the two
day program of celebrations were
government officials, Archbishop
Melanesia News - Winter 2013
19
Melanesian Mission - what we do
The Melanesian Mission is a Christian mission
agency which supports the work of the Anglican
Church of Melanesia (ACoM) through money,
prayer and people.
By building a relationship between the people
of Melanesia and UK, and through funding, the
Melanesian Mission aims to be;
•
a channel that fosters a sense of communion
and Christian community between the UK
and Melanesia, to help people in the UK and
in Melanesia to share and deepen Christian
spirituality, relationships and prayer for the
benefit of both regions
•
a voice for Melanesians and ACoM at times
when their own voice cannot be heard or
needs extra support
•
to emphasise the values and benefits of
Christian education and schools in Melanesia
and the UK
In 2013 the charity agreed on the three following
strategies;
Relationships - To continue to develop
relationships with ACoM, the institutions ACoM
relates to and the individuals within them, in order
to support the mission and ministry of the Church
in a reciprocal manner.
Contacts and Communication - To maintain and
develop the appropriate contacts within ACoM,
other partner agencies and supporters, to be able
to communicate and support the work of the
Anglican Church of Melanesia both in Melanesia
and in the UK.
Education - To offer the charity as a critical friend
to ACoM in supporting the development of its
education system in areas such as governance,
resourcing and prioritisation, and to provide a
channel for linking ACoM units with schools and
colleges in the UK for mutual benefit.
Following on from these strategies the themes
have been set for the next three years;
2014 - Together - developing a sense of mutual
dependance
2015 - Growing Together - a deepening of this
relationship
2016 - Reflecting Together - where have we been
together and where are we going together
Please pray for all the work undertaken by the
Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Melanesian
Mission both in Melanesia and UK.
O Jesus,
Be the canoe that holds me up in the sea of life;
Be the rudder that keeps me in the straight road;
Be the outrigger that supports me in times of
temptation.
Let your Spirit be my sail that carries me through each
day.
Keep my body strong so I can paddle steadfastly
on in the voyage of life.
Amen
R e s o u rce s
The charity has a number of resources available for
individuals, parishes and schools to use or borrow,
including artefacts, books, pictures, displays and
DVD’s. We can also arrange guest speakers and
presentations.
A number of short films by Alex Leger on the
Solomon Islands are available to view on YouTube
on Topsham TV. Please contact the Executive
Officer for more information. If you have any
historical or archive questions, again please
contact the EO.
Contact details below:Mrs Katie Drew, Executive Officer, 21 The Burlands, Feniton, Honiton, Devon, EX14 3UN, UK
Tel: 0845 608 1311 Email: mission@melanesia.anglican.org Web: www.melanesia.anglican.org
Registered Charity No 1104551
20
Melanesia News - Winter 2013