APRIL 2020 | ISSUE NO. 3 NA BULAGO MAI NA KORO FROM THE OF POLYNESIA

ANGLICAN

What's inside this issue:

COVID 19 Pandemic Virus Mission & Outreach Schools: Developments Primates' Meeting Lotu Youth Mission Community House of Sarah Archbishop of York Visit Diocesan Thanksgiving Celebration Standing Committee Appointments

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ and Co-workers!

Ni sa bula vinaka, Malo 'e lelei, Fafetai lava, Namaste and Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

These past few weeks gone by have been quite a journey as the world comes to terms with the COVID 19 Coronavirus pandemic. As of April, has confirmed 5 COVID-19 cases, New Zealand with 1 recorded death due to COVID-19, and Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa although with nil cases, but joining the rest of the world in lockdown, it is important that our churches have obediently taken immediate action to ensure the safety of all people and to act as an example during the difficult months ahead.

We acknowledge that some churches took pro-active measures two weeks ago to limit human to human contact within worship services and especially around the distribution of the Eucharist.

For this we must be thankful for the wisdom shown by these churches, encourage them to continue and urge other faith communities to join the movement with their own preventive measures.

In the midst of this, here we find an opportune time for the church to review its role as God’s hands in society by ministering to, providing and caring for the poor, sick and the aged – those most at risk from COVID-19.

At the headquarters for the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, The MAST, our staff have embarked on a journey, together with you all, uniting in prayer at 1pm (Fiji standard time) to pray for those infected with COVID19, for their families, for the medical staff and health workers who risk their lives to provide treatment and prevention, including public health officials, who, we hope, with God’s help, will be able to contain the spread of the virus and prevent potential grave social, economic and environmental consequences.

Through unity, prayer and a life centred in Christ, we will prevail and help to build stronger, closer families and communities.

Over the next few days leading up to Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter, our Diocese will be using virtual technology, in the form of social media as a platform to share the Good News messages to our people. Please do join us on our facebook page “Anglican Diocese of Polynesia” for these services.

I conclude with the prayer offered by The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, a prayer for all those affected by Coronavirus;

Keep us, good Lord,under the shadow of your mercy.Sustain and support the anxious,be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low;that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. In this time of COVID-19, we pray: Help us, O God, that we might help each other. In the love of the Creator, in the name of the Healer,in the life of the Holy Spirit that is in all and with all, we pray. Amen. MISSION & OUTREACH

Last year a new church was built at Kasavu, Vanua Levu through the kind assistance of Father Ken Greenlee of Australia. This was a partnership between the Parish of St. Leonard's, Savusavu and Father Ken. Vinaka Vakaelvu Father Ken. - Revd Tuckwan Ah Kee (St. Leonard's - Savusavu)

Baptism in Dreketi, Vanua Levu. Last year the young people of Dreketi were encouraged to join in a clean up "One of the highlights of my ministry last year was the conversion of Osea campaign picking up rubbish along our road. This was done to encourage Ba Tiritirikula who spent his whole life searching for God through religion them to care for creation as it is stated in our five marks of mission even ending up joining the Muslim faith but last year he gave his life to God - Rev. John Nivoi (Church of the Holy Cross, Dreketi) and decided to follow Him." - Bishop Henry Bull (Church of the Holy Cross, Dreketi) MISSION & OUTREACH

Last year three people were baptized of which two are new converts. The St. Matthews, was the last Parish to have Confirmation last year and it ongoing spiritual nurturing and encouragement of these new believers was the last confirmation before the Vicar moves to take up his new posting through special teachings, bible studies and pastoral visitation is important. in July 2020. These people were also confirmed at a special service in December. - Bishop ( West)

"In 2019 Anglican Mission Board funded four water tanks in Vanua "In 2019 The H & W Williams Trust funded the water tank that was

Levu as part of the Safe Water for All project." Pictured above is the installed at the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Suva." water tank at Levuka Lailai. Vinaka Vakalevu Anglican Missions Pictured above is Anglicare officer, Sione Makasiale with the new

Board. water tank at Holy Trinity Anglican School , Suva. SCHOOLS: DEVELOPMENTS

The hostel at St. Paul's School, Naviavia was refurbished last year jointly funded by the H & W William's Trust and Diocese of Polynesia. Children from the neighboring communities use the hostel as accomodation. It was opened on 2nd December 2019 by Archbishop . This year we hope to install water tanks.

SAMOA LABASA, VANUA LEVU

This year the extension and refurbishment to the Moana Centre New classroom construction at St. Mary's Primary School, funded by J.I.C.A, to replace the old building which have become unsafe for building and sports courts has commenced. usage.

WASH - Programme at Holy Trinity Holy Trinity Anglican School Anglican School, Suva. Prefect Induction

LOTU YOUTH MISSION COMMUNITY

TIKANGA YOUTH SYNOD 2020

The Tikanga Toru Youth Synod (TYS) is an annual hui where young people in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia gather to look into the visions and strategy of the Tikanga Toru Youth Commission (T3YC) and the wider Anglican Church. Tikanga Youth Synod (TYS) 2020 discussed and debated motions brought to TYS 2019 to provide guidance to the future of the Tikanga Toru Youth Commission. TYS 2020 was held from the 28th of February - 1st of March 2020 at Ferndale Lodge, Auckland. 10 delegates and 2 observers represented Tikanga Pasefika.

In 2020, the focus of Lotu Youth Mission Community is to equip and empower young people to be proactive and sustainable at all levels within the LYMC and throughout the Diocese. Diocesan Youth Year 2020 is a time to bring the young people together in the Diocese of Polynesia with the focus to celebrate youths and their ministry, learn together, and evangelise and disciple together. 3 main events are planned to be carried out during Diocesan Youth Year namely "TAKI" a learning event to “come and fill your cup” with information brought to this event, "NOQU LAKOLAKO" incorporates the learning of mission and interpret it to “my journey” and "TOFIA" - “sharing and strength” is the focus. Sharing by evangelising out to others and developing our strength as young confident and DIOCESAN YOUTH YEAR 2020 motivated pacific leaders of the church and youth ministry.

HOUSE OF SARAH

Last month the leaders of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga spoke out publicly against gender-based violence. This was a historic occasion since it is the first time that faith leaders spoke out publicly on the TV station The campaign was the result of partnership between the House of Sarah, Pacific Conference of Chrches and supported by the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office and the Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE COLLEGE OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST AUCKLAND, NZ

The following are current students of St. John the Baptist Theological College, Suva 2020. Current students of the College of St. John the Evangelist are pictured above. Back row: Mosese Nasamaki, Vilive Rokovasa, Jamie Solomona. Back row: Laiseni Liava'a, DIni Tukana, Jordan Saio-Maluafou, Kaveinga Vaka & John Nivoi. Third row: Stacey Mavaetangi, Joji Lolomai, Matia Dari, Samu Siata Front row: Peni Silikiwale, Jeke Maikali, Sela Havili, Litimai Sanegar & Liliani Havili. Second row: Savenaca Mara, Mosese Toroca, Aminiasi Saku Front row: Rev. Lanieta Tuiwaiwai & Tupou Lino Absent: Daniel Sahayam & Claude Fong Toy Absent: Joseva Tuwere VISIT OF THE MOST REV. AND THE RT HON. THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, JOHN SENTAMU AND REVEREND MARGARET SENTAMU TO FIJI AND SAMOA.

ARCHBISHOP FEREIMI CAMA, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, THE MOST REV. AND THE RT HON. JOHN SENTAMU AND ARCHBISHOP PETER LOY CHONG, THE CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF SUVA, FIJI

In February 2020 the Archbishop of York, The Most Rev & the Rt Honourable John Sentamu and Reverend Margaret Sentamu retuned to the Diocese after a gap of five years. This would be their last visit to Oceania since the Archbishop is retiring in June this year. They met with the clergy of both Viti Levu West episcopal unit and Suva/Ovalau Archdeaconry. They were hosted to dinner at the Bishop’s House where they met Archbishop Peter L Chong of the Roman Catholic Church and Revd James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches and Mrs Bhagwan. From Fiji the Sentamus went to Samoa. In 2015 the Archbishop of York had blessed the airport at the beginning of the rebuilding of the terminal buildings and the runaway. This time he was there to witness the completion of the works and was given the honour to bless the tarmac. They also met the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Eti Sualauvi II and the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Susuga le Alii Palemia Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi. They visited Savaii and back to Upolu where they revisited Poutasi village and the High Chief Tuataagaloa Joe Annandale who had given him the title To’asavuli in 2015.

ARCHBISHOP JOHN AND REV. MARGARET SETAMU WITH THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF SAMOA, ARCHBISHOP JOHN AND REV. MARGARET SETAMU PICTURED ABOVE WITH THE HEAD OF STATE OF SAMOA, SUSUGA LE ALII PALEMIA TUILAEPA LUPESOLIAI SAILELE MALIELEGAOI AFIOGA TUIMALEALI'IFANO VA'ALETO'A ETI SUALAUVI II AND MRS. MASIOFO FA'AMAUSILI LEINAFO TUIMALEALI'IFANO ACCOMPANIED BY VICAR GENRAL REV. ORISI VUKI AND ARCHDEACON OF SAMOA, VEN. CHRIS SOLOMONA.

DIOCESAN THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOP

On 29th February 2020 the Diocese expressed its appreciation to Archbishop Don Tamihere for serving as the Primates' Commissary to Polynesia following the retirement of Archbishop Winston Halapua in 2018. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Temukisa Tamihere. They were accorded Fijian traditional ceremony of welcome at the MAST. A Thanksgiving service was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday 1st March 2020, where Archbishop Don preached and appreciation gifts were presented to him by Archbishop Winston. Archbishops Fereimi Cama and Don Tamihere with clergy and servers outside the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The Sentamu's visit to St. Christopher's Home

Diocesan Education Advisory

Standing (L to R): Kamlesh Prasad, Sunil Datt, Christopher Fong, Manasa Betevua, Sairusi Kawaidamu

Sitting (L to R): Ana Finau, Emmanuel Kumar, Elenoa Vasoroi, Samantha Dawn. PRIMATES' MEETING, JORDAN APPOINTMENTS JAN 2020

Ms. Bolivia Smith - appointed as the new Diocesan Youth Coordinator. Based in , Samoa. Mr. Samisoni Latianara - Administrative Assistant to the office of Diocesan Secretary & Registrar. Ms Teimumu Alumeci Mataiwai - House of Sarah Administrative Assistant. The Primates of the Anglican Communion met for three days at the Crown Plaza beside the Dead Sea in Jordan from 13th—15th January 2020. This was organized and coordinated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion Office. For me personally, it was an eye opener and a privilege to rub shoulders with the senior Primates of the REST IN PEACE & Communion. The first day was for the Induction of the new Primates and the next two days RISE IN GLORY we spent talking about issues affecting the different parts of the Communion. These issues included climate change, bush fires, same sex marriage and drugs etc. The Revd Waqavuni Fong The Revd Henry Bryce Mrs. Vula Robo

DIOCESAN STANDING COMMITTEE MARCH 2020 MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE AND RISE IN GLORY.

++ CAMA

The meeting of the Standing committee of the Diocese of Polynesia was held on the 2 March 2020 at the MAST to discuss the way forward and future developments of the Diocese. Unfortunately, our members from American Samoa couldn't attend because of the COVID 19 virus. Pictured are the current members: Standing L-R: Rev. Kelvin RAKESH (Viti Levu West), Ven Leatuao TUPAI-LAVEA (NZ Polynesia), Ven Chris SOLOMONA (Samoa). Rev. Malakai TUKUAFU (Tonga), Ven Orisi VUKI (Suva Ovalau), Kensington FIFITA (Tonga), Rev. Gerald BILLINGS (Vanua Levu Taveuni), Bishop Henry BULL (Vanua Levu Taveuni), Bishop Gabriel SHARMA (Viti Levu West), Rev. Daniel PILLAY (NZ Polynesia), Rev. Winston TARERE (Suva Ovalau), Semi BUWAWA (Suva), Walton MORGAN (Diocesan Chancellor), Jone Narawa (Archbishop's nominee), Rev. Raymond BETHAM (Samoa), Viliami FOLAU (Tonga), Revd Sepiuta HALA'API'API (Diocesan Secretary and Registrar). Sitting L-R: Bolivia SMITH (LYMC), Shenella TUILOTOLAVA (NZ Polynesia), Queenie NIVOI (Vanua Levu Taveuni), Vishika Gohil (Diocesan Treasurer), Archbishop CAMA, Puataunofo GABRIEL (Samoa), Genevieve Reid (AAW President), Revd Elenoa Vasoroi (Education Officer), Kelera OLI (Suva Ovalau). Absent: Peniamina NAFATALI (American Samoa), Ven Jemima NAFATALI (American Samoa), Joe BROWNE (Archbishop's nominee), Savenaca Driu (Viti Levu West).

Primate & Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aoeteroa, New Zeland and Polynesia New Principal Bishop of Polynesia Vinaka Vakalevu Paula College of St John the Evangelist First Floor, Moana Anglican Services and Teaching (MAST) Centre 7 Des Vouex Rd, Suva, Fiji.

PH: (+679) 7734261 | Email: [email protected] Website: www.anglicandioceseofpolynesia.org

In February this year Paula Jakeman finished her We welcome the Ven. Katene Eruera as term as Executive officer for Te Kotahitanga - a Manukura/ Principal of the College. position she held for 13 years. The Diocese acknwoledges with deep appreciation Paula's friendship over the years.