The Anglican Church of Melanesia, "Events and Happenings"

Thousands witness the inauguration of the Diocese of Guadalcanal

Warriors meeting Archbishop and his party at Lengalau beach on Saturday 22nd June 2013

THE 23rd day of June 2013 is now a historical day for the Anglican Community in the Province of Melanesia but more particularly it is for the Anglican members of Guadalcanal.

Thousands and thousands of Anglican members both in and around the new diocese of Guadalcanal witnessed the inauguration of the diocese of Guadalcanal and installation of Right Reverend Nathan Tome as first Bishop of the diocese of Guadalcanal at Saint Paul’s Church, Lengalau Village. Straight after the service, Bishop Tome was also installed as cultural leader of the island of Guadalcanal.

Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Manasseh Maelanga along with other Government Ministers and the leader of Opposition Dr. Derrick Sikua, Archbishop David Vunagi and the Council of Bishops, General Secretary Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, clergy men and women and lay people of the church of Melanesia that includes Vanuatu and New Caledonia; Archbishop Adrian Smith of the Roman Catholic Church in Honiara, Representatives from the Melanesian Mission United Kingdom, Australia Board of Mission and Melanesia Trust Board New Zealand are among thousands and thousands of people attending the grate event.

The official program begun on the beautiful Saturday afternoon; the 22nd day of June with an official welcome ceremony that begun with traditional war canoe escorting the Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia the Most Reverend David Vunagi and his team from the Anglican Flag ship – MV Southern Cross.

On the 23^rd at the Inauguration service and the installation of Bishop Tome, Archbishop Adrian Smith of the Roman Catholic Church in Honiara shared a very simple and inspiring message based in the book of Kings about the story of Elijah when he response to God’s call and confronted the Prophets of Baal and a gospel from Saint Luke chapter 8 verses 26 – 39.

Off the two readings he picked out his theme “God is strong and has power over all evil”.

“Today as we inaugurate the new diocese of Guadalcanal, it is important that all we do is done in the name of Christ Jesus” Archbishop Smith said.

“It is only through Christ Jesus that this new diocese can achieve the mission of the Church” he continued.

“We have to put away our tribal differences and united as one in Christ Jesus because the strength of the diocese of Guadalcanal depends on your fidelity (loyalty, faithfulness)”; Archbishop Smith made the call to the people of the new diocese.
On the same note after declared the first Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal by the Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia the Most Rev. David Vunagi; Right Reverend Nathan Tome urged the people of the new diocese to think diocesan in attitude and behavior where responsibility and trust are urgently called.

Meanwhile, St. Paul’s church at Lengalau village would be his cathedral until the diocesan head quarter is built.

Straight after his installation as the Bishop of the diocese, Bishop Tome was also installed as a cultural leader of the island of Guadalcanal. On this cultural enthronement, Bishop Tome was escorted by traditional dancers and tribal chiefs up to a traditional war canoe placed on the stage where he and his wife got in. According to one tribal chief on stage at the moment, he said that the action signifies his (Bp Tome’s) leadership would not only be in the church but also taking into account culture of Guadalcanal where he was given traditional gifts, shell money and a paddle to paddle the island of Guadalcanal and look after the cultural heritage of the island.

The day was beautifully filled with speeches, encouragements, best wishes and gifts from a lot of prominent speakers. That includes representative from the Solomon Islands Government, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and Archbishop of the Province of Melanesia, Church partners in Solomon Islands and overseas, dioceses, different church ministries and various tribal groups on the island. Traditional feasting and entertainments off the day also keeps people on their knees that fill the day with smiles and laughter till late.