News from Chester Diocese given through education and training in this country, will be of great help - accounting, project Since the Pilgrimage by Brothers and Sisters management, school curriculum work. So who from Melanesia in May and June 2005, things knows, a Parish Link may mean a small group Melanesia News have been relatively quiet on our Melanesian going over the Melanesia to share particular gifts. front. So now we are trying to make sure we It may all sound a one way financial drain, but the The Melanesian Mission Issue 58, Spring / Summer 2006 grow from the 2005 experience rather than let it special relationship with the wonderful, Registered Charity No. 1104551 fade. The two top priorities are: appreciative Melanesians, becomes enriching and First - set up Parish Links. Bishop Richard of transforming for all. Ysabel Diocese is particularly keen on this - a These Parish Links need not be limited to Chester New Assistant Bishop for Chester Parish with a Parish (area) in Melanesia Diocese, and if anyone else is interested, please or with a particular project such as a hospital, contact me. Just MissioMissionn Southern Malaita. Turn to page 7 school or Rural Training Centre. Second - find someone with experience in There are so many things St Luke’s Goostrey have just set up a link with curriculum work in education to work in the for which to be grateful in Garanga Training Centre in Ysabel to help them Solomons for up to a year helping them create an the legacy of George create a proper, reliable, water system. integrated curriculum for church Rural Training Augustus Selwyn and John The new church in the village of Monago on Centres and Secondary High Schools. (I have a Coleridge Patteson, and to Savo Island is nearing completion in which copy of a report on plans for secondary and which we are heirs today. Barrow and Alderley Edge Parishes in Chester tertiary education in the Solomons - please contact Not least among them is the have been involved. They are planning to have it me if interested in reading it.) fact that the organisation consecrated in Autumn. set up to support their work

We are continuing with our quarterly shipments / MM(UK) Friswell Dave and that of the emerging A Parish Link really does bring Melanesia to Melanesia. This March will see our first Melanesia Church was called simply the ‘home’. It becomes more personal and there is a despatch to Santo for . As always, we will Melanesian Mission – the name that we still use great potential for sharing ideas, sharing gifts welcome any clothing, sheets, education books, today. No mention here of missionaries, with all and even visits. Obviously the main financial medical clothing and equipment, garden and other the sense of movement in one direction or of burdens will fall on the English parish but all tools. I have a list of parishes and projects in ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’; no suggestion of a society, Revd Tevita Banivanua, General Secretary of their parishes have great needs, many to do with Melanesia with their stated needs. getting equipment, like metal roofing, and water something exclusive and less that the whole the South Pacific Association of Theological piping. They have low labour costs as they do Tony Sparham. Tel: 01625 523 127 church of God – simply Mission. For me that is Schools unveils the monument in thanksgiving everything themselves! Often, skills we have been Email: [email protected] an important thing to remember and perhaps for the vision of Bishop Selwyn and Bishop especially at that stage in our work where we find Patteson, founding fathers of theological Companions commit themselves ThankThankssss ourselves today. education in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. New Companions to pray for the Brothers and We are very grateful for It is a reminder that our agenda and our More details on page 11 their work, give financial and donations towards the work programme is not primarily our own – it is other practical support, and take of the Melanesian Mission. God’s. Mission is, first and foremost, the action of a man or a woman, an adult or a child, is helped care of the Brothers when they If you are able to commit to a God. It is the whole action of God as He to discover their value and their worth, and visit or travel through the regular gift then please get continually reaches out to create, to redeem and realise their full potential as human beings. It is Companions area. in touch and I will send you a to fulfil this universe, this world and those people what happens whenever they are set free from all

Dave Friswell / MM(UK) FriswellDave / Ottery St Mary is the ancestral Standing Order form. who inhabit it, and of which we, the church, are a the things that limit and repress them, the things home of the Coleridge family If you wish to Gift Aid your part. that constrain their God-given nature. and the church has maintained contributions (and are a UK Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, Mission is happening when men and women are links with Melanesia for over tax payer) then please let me but an activity of God in which the church, in allowed to be creative, where they are allowed to 100 years. know. If your church or obedience to his call, is caught up. It is that take responsibility for the things that affect their If you are interested in group are having a special movement of God which reaches out to redeem lives and communities, where they begin to do so Six new Companions of the supporting the work of the collection for the Mission men and women, moving them into a new with a care for one another and the environment, Melanesian Brotherhood were Brothers by becoming a then please get in touch and I freedom and spaciousness where they can be and with a concern for the quality of life that we admitted recently at a packed service Companion then please contact can send you pre-printed Gift reconciled to him and also to one another. all share. at Ottery St Mary near Exeter. Fr Brain MacDonald-Milne. Aid envelopes. Mission is that activity of God which enables one Mission is happening wherever barriers are Fr Brian MacDonald-Milne, Europe (Contact details on page 10) Dave Friswell human being to recognise the needs of another broken down and understanding is increased, Section Father of the Companions, and respond to them in acts of humble service. It where fears are overcome and listening and presented each new member with Melanesia News Back Copies is that activity of God’s spirit in the lives of his conversation begins. It is happening where their medal as part of the ceremony. In the archives of MM(UK) we have copies of the Southern people that enables men and women to know that people discover that they are not just cogs in a Bishop preached and Cross Log and the Melanesia News dating back to 1895 - except they are not alone, that God is in the midst of machine, commodities for sales, or pawns in his family, along with other for the period between 1995 and 2004 (Numbers 40 to 55). If them and that he is true to his promise to be with another’s game of power – but as human beings, supporters of those becoming you have any copies of these issues stored away and would like them for ever until the end of time. princes and princesses, the children Companions, welcomed the new them to find a good home, then please let me know as I would Mission is that activity that takes place wherever of God. cont’d on page 2 members into the group. like to try and complete the set for future generations. Thanks. Dave Friswell New Companions admitted in Exeter Diocese. See back page 12 from page 1 Mission occurs when human beings hear, in with the Church of Melanesia today. It is terms that they understand, the good news as precisely because of what we value from the Bachelor of Theology unveiled at Kohimarama found in Jesus Christ, and then find their lives Mission’s past, that we need to be open to fresh and that of their communities being reshaped as a possibilities and new ways of ‘going beyond’ BISHOP Patterson Theological College (BPTC) Sir Nathaniel Waena, who was guest of honour, result. today. at Kohimarama unveiled its first ever Bachelor of congratulated the College for such an Theology degree programme recently rendering achievement. So the Melanesian Mission is concerned with +Michael Exon, Chair of Trustees MM(UK) whatever enables these to happen in Melanesia, it the first institution in the country to offer such “May I sincerely congratulate the Anglican including sharing and receiving from Melanesia, a programme. Church of Melanesia for embracing the wisdom for the work of God’s mission here. Mothers Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena, and farsightedness in facilitating this new and And so the work of Mission that we support is, members of the diplomatic corps, other religious prominent initiative. and must be multi-faceted. It will find expression UnioUnionnnn guests, chiefs, staff, students and other members “Such fine academic achievement as this speaks in the sending and exchange of personnel, The Mothers’ of the church witnessed the event. volumes to the church youths of CoM in the sometimes long term but perhaps more Union (MU) in Speaking on the occasion Archbishop Sir Ellison provision of opportunity for higher learning to frequently for time limited tasks. It will manifest the Solomon Pogo said the more sophisticated and better those individuals who would feel the call to the itself in meeting the need for resources where Islands has a educated our people become, the better educated sacred Ministry of the Church,” Sir Nathaniel these are lacking or inadequate. It will be seen in new Provincial our clergy need to be. said. the growth of companionship links, and mutual President - she “I believe that upgrading the academic standards support in communication and prayer. Most of it is 46 year old is always necessary. This degree programme will will itself, in all that it does, be an expression of Ethel Suri. stretch our candidates even further in terms of Ethel Suri, (left), and Nellie Siba, the Good News of God’s grace and truth in Jesus Mrs Suri, who academic studies”. Diocesan MU President of the However, Archbishop Pogo said academic Christ. is a radio Diocese of Vanuatu, (right). Some thirty five years ago an Anglican programme learning is only one aspect of the training of a Communion report called ‘The Time is Now’ officer, was elected during the Mothers’ Union priest. We cannot afford to lose sight of the spoke of mission and evangelism like this: Conference held in Gela, Central Islands other, most important requirements. These “The work of bringing men and women into personal Province. include spirituality, pastoral care, leadership and a sense of mission. commitment to Christ proceeds in two ways. Firstly The Mothers’ Union Conference is held every “Spirituality must always be in the forefront. We the way in which the church grows by steady influence three years where all MU leaders from the know God best through our prayer life and we and attraction of its presence upon the members of the dioceses in the Church of Melanesia gather cannot begin to teach others to pray unless we human community in which it is set. And secondly the together to reflect and discuss issues faced by the ourselves are regularly and devoutly linked to deliberate 'going beyond' to those who are not, or organisation as well as to elect office bearers. God in prayer. Along with spirituality goes cannot be, touched by the Church as it is, and who can Other office bearers elected during the pastoral care - the loving, encouraging, Governor General of , Sir Nathaniel only be touched by those who are willing to risk losing conference are Vice President, Edith Koete; Link Secretary, Catherine Lamani and Literacy supportive care which God calls us to have Waena (right), with the first students of the new themselves in another and alien community. These two Degree Programme Officer, Anne Saenemua. towards every one of our people. The need to ways of expansion are symbolised by Christ’s seek out, bring back and care for the ‘lost sheep’” metaphors of the spreading tree and the shepherd The Bristol Diocese Mothers’ Union, are linked he said. seeking the sheep”. Pacific Cultural Events with Banks and Torres Diocese Mothers’ Union The Archbishop said other important area for the Pasifika Styes from 5th May It went on to observe that mission is a proper as part of the Mothers' Union Worldwide Wave training of clergy is leadership training because part of the full life of every church. An exhibition celebrating Maori and Pacific of Prayer. We would be most interested to hear they will become leaders in the village Islands art and culture. University Museum of “Without this, a church does not truly grasp the from anyone in the UK who has been to and met communities to which they are appointed. But universality of her Lord. ‘Mutual responsibility and Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge. with the people of ‘Banks and Torres’ in recent most important of all is a sense of mission. Contact: Amiria Henare - [email protected] interdependence within the Body of Christ’ cannot years. ‘Mission’ is at the very heart of the Church. A mean simply that the Churches help one another to If you are regularly in touch with the MU in the Church which has lost its way in mission is a Pacific Arts Association (Europe) Annual maintain their life and their natural growth in the Islands of Banks and Torres then we would love dying Church. Meeting 11th to 13th May first sense. It must also mean that the Churches help to hear from you and get more news. Please College Principal Revd Philemon Akao said the Conference at the Cambridge Museum of and support one another in that ‘going beyond’ which contact Mrs Julia Lettey from Bristol Diocese inauguration of the degree programme opens a Archaeology and Anthropology. is the essence of the mission task.” Mothers’ Union on [email protected] new and historic chapter in tertiary education in Contact: Pacific Arts Association website Selwyn, Patteson and many others who served the Church of Melanesia and Solomon Islands. www.pacificarts.org/PAAE.html with them, and after them, were among those MM(UK) Membership “The glamour of this day is a testimony to the Pacific Encounters : Art and Divinity in who understood and responded to this call to ‘go If this copy of Melanesia News came directly to strong spirit of solidarity and co-operation Polynesia 1760-1860 21st May to 13th August beyond’. The Melanesian Brotherhood, together you in the post then you will have seen the between the faculty and students. An exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual with the other religious orders of the Church of Membership Renewal Form enclosed. If you “Kohimarama is a Christian community with a Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich Melanesia are among those who have discovered have collected your copy of the newsletter from very strong spirit of mutual coexistence amongst Solomon Islands Art, Culture and History afresh what this might mean for today. One of the your church and would like to register as a its members from the different ethnic challenges for all of us who are supporters of member of the Melanesian Mission please get in background. 4th to 6th October MM(UK) is to reflect on what this means for us, touch with the Executive Officer. Contact details “It is those differences that enable us to celebrate Conference at the British Museum and for our commitment to support and work on page 10. this occasion,” Revd Akao said. contact: Liz Bonshek, Melanesia Project [email protected] 2 11 Wycombe Abbey school is just a few minutes Congratulations to Br Leonard MBH and Br Jonathan MBH 157th Annual Festival of from the railway station that is served by half- hourly trains from London and hourly trains the Melanesian Mission from Birmingham and Aylesbury. In 2002, Chester Diocese, University College of Chester and the Chester and the 2006 AGM MBH Companions invited MBH to select two Brothers to come to study at The 2006 AGM and the 157th anniversary Annual Chester. Festival of The Melanesian Mission will be held on November 9th, 2005 was Graduation Saturday 10th June Day for Brother Leonard Dawea MBH 10.45am to 4pm. and Brother Jonathan SioTiaro MBH, The meeting will be held at with the Ceremony taking place at Wycombe Abbey School Chester Cathedral when our Brothers received their degrees of Batchelor of who have supported the Mission for many years Theology with Honours. Bishop Willie through their Chapel collections. Past students from Wycombe Abbey have gone to work in Melanesia Pwaisiho, William Pwaisiho and it is hoped that this will continue in the future. (representing his mother, Kate), Companions Ruth Chesworth and Alan Bamford, Media Services,University of Chester Guest Speakers Barbara Molyneux were delighted to for the day will be Brotherhood and the Church of Melanesia for accept the Brothers’ invitations to attend. allowing it to take place. It was a team effort and Sister Dorah CSC and Sister Daisy CSC The Ceremony was excellent with the Principal from the Church of Melanesia, currently staying at we pray that more Brothers will follow in their making a memorable speech and the Chancellor, footsteps. Ham Common. They will tell us about their work, Lord Owen shaking the hand of every graduate. the role of the new Christian Care Centre in the All attendees, whether arriving on foot (from Br Leonard and Br Jonathan completed their At the close, all graduates processed after studies in June and joined the mission of Brothers community and their future work on their return to the station) or by car should report to the dignitaries and lecturers out of the main doors of Solomon Islands. Custodian at the main gate. They will direct and Sisters to Exeter Diocese. Returning to the the Cathedral to the applause of everyone Solomon Islands shortly after their graduation, cars to Lime Avenue Car Park and let you know present. Bishop Peter of Chester Diocese was Please bring a picnic lunch which we hope to be how to get to the area of the school we are they are now part of the team of Tutors at able to enjoy in the beautiful grounds of the there to offer his congratulations. Tabalia, the Brotherhood HQ. Our prayers are using. If you are a blue badge holder or have a Companions and friends gathered together in the school - weather permitting! Drinks will be passenger with mobility difficulties then please with them, their fellow tutors and all the provided throughout the day. evening to celebrate the two Brothers’ Melanesian Brotherhood. They have requested inform the custodians and follow their achievements. Head of Theology, Revd Dr Ruth The day will finish with a celebration of the that their thanks be passed to the Diocese of instructions. Ackroyd spoke of the Brothers’ commitment and Eucharist in the School Chapel. Chester, the University, all those Companions If you require any other information regarding their achievement of jointly winning the Come and meet new friends and renew old who generously supported them and indeed the AGM then please do contact me. Theology prize. All those gathered congratulated acquaintances. everyone with whom they came in contact, for Dave Friswell (details below) the Brothers and wished them well in the future, the love, support and prayers that enabled them with both Brothers replying that it was certainly to complete their studies. The Melanesian Mission Trustees a day to remember. In October 2002, Br Leonard and Br Jonathan Brother Leonard Dawea was born in the tiny Chairman had arrived in Chester and found themselves in a Reef Islands and had to leave his home as a small The Rt Revd Michael Langrish, The Revd Brian Macdonald-Milne, Mr Alan Waters, different culture and a different climate! The The Palace, Exeter, 39 Way Lane, Waterbeach, 4 Orchard Way, Kemsing, boy to attend the nearest school - Lata in Temotu Devon, EX1 1HY Cambridge, CB5 9NQ Kent, TN15 6QA manner in which they settled into their studies Province. Tel: 01392 272 362 Tel: 01223 861 631 Tel: 01732 761 431 and living accommodation was admirable. They At 19, he found his way to Honiara and joined the [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] made many friends, becoming regular Melanesian Brotherhood and in October 2005, he The Revd Jonathan Collis, The Revd Canon John Pinder, worshippers in the College Chapel and in Chester celebrated his 10th year as a Brother. Executive Officer 10 New Square, The Rectory, Station Road, Cathedral on Sundays. Holidays were spent with Mr David Friswell, In 2001 Br George Elo, who had been studying Cambridge, CB1 1EJ Liss, Hants. GU33 7AQ 15 Covell Close, Bury St Edmunds, Bishop Willie and with Companions in Devon at Mirfield was invited to work as a curate in Tel: 01223 359 196 Tel: 01730 890 085 Suffolk, IP33 2HU. and the Wirral. As part of their practical course [email protected] [email protected] Exeter diocese, and Leonard went to work there Tel: 01284 701 988 they worked in two parishes in Chester Diocese with him. In 2002, Leonard was selected to study Mrs Esther Langrish, The Revd Canon Desmond Probets, [email protected] and wherever they went they were true to the at Chester University College. The Palace, Exeter, 24 Shelley Close, Melanesian Brotherhood’s values and traditions. Devon, EX1 1HY Penistone, S36 6GT. Br Jonathan Sio Tiaro was born on the east coast Tel: 01392 438784 Tel: 01226 766 402 They brought with them the Brotherhood of Guadalcanal. After primary schooling, he also [email protected] [email protected] warmth of Christian love and joy, which surely made his way to Honiara and became an has taken seed here. The Ven. Chris Liley, The Revd Canon Tony Sparham, electrician. He helped the Brotherhood with 24 The Close, Lichfield, The Vicarage, 12 Broadway, Much has been learned from this special venture electrical work, and eventually felt called by God Staffs. WS13 7LD Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1NB and thanks are due to Bishop Peter, Chester to become a Brother. He was based at the HQ at Tel: 01543 306 145 Tel: 01625 520 309 University, the Head Brother, the Melanesian Tabalia and served as an Elder Brother. [email protected] [email protected] 3 10 denomination the village was as he walked in. If I am hoping that it will be Dear All, could teach up to Form 7. ObituarieObituariessss it was spic and span, SDA; comparatively messy published soon. I am writing this letter to you St Stephen’s Community SSEM or RC; if the people smiled a lot, Anglican! Sir Dudley Tuti. 19.9.19 - 30.1.06 I have been appointed as and other overseas mission College, Pamua requires an When self government came the Kwarae people Assistant Priest at St Martin-in- partners to let you know of our English teacher urgently too. The Rt Revd Sir Dudley Tuti, the first Bishop of asked him to stand as their member. He did and the-Fields in London and move desperate need for teachers in This is a major need in this Ysabel Diocese and Paramount Chief of Isabel, became Minister for Trade. In 1976 he left the in at the beginning of May. The two of our senior secondary school along with a social passed away at Buala Hospital on 30th January Solomons to work at Normanton in Carpentaria, Melanesian Mission (UK) have schools in Solomon Islands, science teacher. If the English at the age of eighty four. then to Port Hedland in NW Australia. Then to been a great support during this Selwvyn College (West teacher could also teach any of Born at Kia Village, Santa Isabel, Dudley Tuti Perth to be Director of Community Outreach - time of transition. I very much Guadalcanal) and St Stephen's the social science subjects attended Maravovo Junior School, Pawa School job he did remarkably well building up several carry all that I have experienced Community College, Pamua (history, geography or and Te Aute College, New Zealand. parishes including Melville, of which he became during the last eighteen years (Diocese of Hanuoto'o, Makira economics), we could manage In 1946 Dudley was ordained Deacon at Pawa rector in 1985. working for the Melanesian Province). Both schools still with just one person. School and continued his theological training in He spent the last years of his active ministry in Mission with me and ask for your have some key teaching New Zealand. Ordained to the Priesthood by the Queensland, first as Rector of Childers where he Accommodation and utilities continued prayers as I begin this positions unfilled even though Bishop of Auckland he went on to become contracted Ross River Fever (which in fact are provided by the school. new stage in my ministry. the present school year has now Headmaster St Patrick’s College, Vureas. screened some of the symptoms of the prostate Salaries of teachers are paid by Brother Roger of Taize’s last begun. The situation has been After six years as Rural Dean of Ysabel Region and bone cancer which took his earthly life) and government but one of the words to be written down before caused by teachers preferring to he was consecrated as Assistant Bishop, Diocese later at Bundaberg. Joanna nursed him at home drawbacks with local salaries his tragic death were a hope that teach in the more improved of Melanesia. for the last three years of his life, supported most is that they are not attractive “the human family may widen…” conditions of urban schools and In 1975 Bishop Tuti became Diocesan Bishop of significantly by her sister, Hilda, and by her six to overseas teachers. Ysabel Diocese when the Church of Melanesia This I believe is what the by the need for more specialized daughters. Alan Dutton I know, with low salaries and Melanesian Mission and the teachers in the two schools to was inaugurated. developing countries living Church of Melanesia has done in teach Forms 6 and 7. There is a Bishop Tuti was a noble and humble figure who standards, our offers will not Ellison Suri. 13.9.47 - 28.1.06 my life and the lives of many general shortage of teachers in won the respect of not only the Church but the be very attractive to teachers A man of simplicity, a theological educator and a others, and I pray will continue the schools as more community nation as well. He was awarded the OBE by the in their prime career. musician are some of the many descriptions to do - widen the human family. high schools are being Queen, appointed as 7th paramount Chief of However, there might be attributed to the late Revd Canon Ellison Suri And what a wonderfully exciting established to allow more Isabel, became the chairman of the Solomon retired Christian teachers or during his funeral. and varied family it is. children to progress their Island Credit Union League, bestowed young graduates who wish to Knighthood of British Empire in 1988, was a Revd Suri died in Richard Carter education to Form 3. Honiara at the age work in another culture and at member of the Law Reform in Solomon Islands Richard is now available for Selwyn College needs teachers the same time offer a most between 1995 - 1998 and appointed Chairman of of 58 after a long deputation work. for physics, maths and English illness and was laid needed service to Solomon the Isabel Council of Chiefs in 1999. Please contact Dave Friswell if language and literature. Islands children as the Bishop Tuti has was the architect of the Tripod to rest at the St you would like Richard to come Hopefully the physics teacher Barnabas Cathedral country starts to move ahead System of Unity comprising of Government, and talk to your church about could also teach maths. All grounds. again after the social unrest. Church and Traditional Elders responsible for his work and the Mission. positions require teachers who the governance of peoples affairs. The only one Ellison was born in As far as security in Solomon of its kind in the country. Sulufou, North Malaita. He attended his primary Islands is concerned, peace has He is survived by his children, grand children education at Lilifia Primary School, Maravovo Selwyn College been restored and Solomon and great grand children. Richard Toke and Alangaula before going on to secondary Selwyn College is an Anglican co-educational institution in Solomon Islands continues to be the education at Pawa in Makira. Islands. The present campus in West Guadalcanal was opened in Happy Isles. Peter Thompson. 17.7.32 - 26.12.05 In 1969 he left school and worked for the 1991 after the first site 17km east of Honiara, was destroyed by I would be grateful if you government but after only a year he left to study Cyclone Namu in 1986. When we shared a calling to work overseas Peter could use your network to at the Bishop Patteson Theological College The aim of Selwyn College is to give students a good education Thompson reminded us that Jesus had sent his publicize this appeal. Many (BPTC). based on strong Christian principles and Anglican ethos and helpers out in pairs. Bishop Hill suggested that thanks. He graduated with a Diploma in Theology at the traditions that should mould young men and women for leadership we be made deacons by Walter Baddeley, spend a Yours in Christ, end of 1972 and then studied for his Bachelor in and good citizenship in adult life. year at St Michael’s House, be priested in Moffat Wasuka Theology at the Pacific Theological College Selwyn College is boarding school with a roll of 400 students and a Adelaide and then go on. Education Department CoM (PTC) and his Masters in Theology at Otago, staff of twenty-four teachers. It offers secondary education to So to Pawa Peter went. Then to Malaita as New Zealand. Scholarship level. Most of the teachers are nationals who have supervisor. In fact he was another Barnabas, a Following his studies he spent 13 years teaching gained their qualifications in Solomon Islands or in one of the If you are interested in any of great encourager of local clergy. As Archdeacon. at the BPTC at Kohimarama and four additional regional universities in Fiji or Papua New Guinea. the posts mentioned above, he was theoretically based at Fiu, but every two years at Selwyn College. He also taught at PTC , Though the college is administered by the Anglican Church, please contact Dave Friswell months he did a six week walkabout round the Fiji from 1987 to 1989. students and teachers are not all Anglicans. The college has over the for further details. whole island. He then spent most of the He retired from being a theological educator in years played a very important role as a unifying force in a country The Melanesian Mission (UK) intervening fortnight at Faumbu, caring for staff 2002. Revd Suri’s passion was writing hymns and with great diversity in languages, culture and religious persuasions, may be able to offer further and patients there and at the leper colony. When composing music - some of which are in the and has produced leaders in many different walks of life both within support, preparation and he first did this he said he could tell what Church of Melanesia’s Hymn Book. Richard Toke the church and secular professions. training for these roles. 4 9 I just Our visit to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu wanted to The Long Journey Home was in response to Bishop Nigel’s question of Melanesia and its fill you in “can we strengthen the links between the Church on a little assembled but especially to the tortured and humiliated and who of Melanesia and the Diocese of Chester, to make Health ServiceServiceee Melanesian Brotherhood from gave up their lives in the ‘horror’ of my them more tangible and meaningful?” Helen M Barnett news and whom I have learnt and of darkness and yet who live on. experienced so much: Their offering has become the So when Tony Sparham was granted a sabbatical to thank nurses because they are unable to keep the ward “This then is our blessing: we seed whose harvest must be the from Wilmslow Parish and decided to combine it everyone in the Melanesian clean and tidy. have been called to be sons and peace of this nation. Their with a re-visit to Melanesia to try and answer Mission for their prayers and The nurses have responsibility for the whole daughters of the New graves are not a place of Bishop Nigel’ question, Brian and I were support. I returned to UK at the hospital while the doctors are out in the bush Testament. It is not the old darkness but of light, not the delighted to accompany them. I have been in the beginning of December 2005. In visiting area clinics or village aid posts. They see theology of personal gain and symbols of death but the nursing profession for over forty years and was October I had attended the Feast up to 100 outpatients a day, administering drugs, selfish power. It is not a religion celebration of resurrection and allocated the task of observing and advising on Day of St Simon and Jude at suturing, ordering supplies and training junior of cargo cult waiting for hope. The hope is that goodness the four Melanesian hospitals we were to visit:- Tabalia on Guadalcanal and the nurses. There is no more money for professional material wealth to fall from the wins and death shall have no Vureas on Ambae, Vanuatu; Buala, Ysabel; Kira Laying of the Headstones of our development through courses, although the sky. It is not self seeking: it is dominion. In offering themselves Kira, Makira, and the old mission hospital at seven martyred Melanesian nurses all indicated that this is important to God seeking and yet in finding it is their goodness that is Fuabu on Malaita. Brothers. In Melanesian custom them. this is the last part of the God we also find ourselves. ultimately victorious and not the All the head nurses expressed concern that many At Auki, Malaita, we met with Barbara (Bishop grieving process which usually This is the miracle of our faith horrific violence of the of the essential pieces of equipment required for Willie’s daughter), a nurse working in Health takes place several years after a that in seeming vulnerability misguided.” patient care were broken. These included X-ray Promotion. She is travelling many miles into the person has died. Family and and powerlessness we machines, ultra sound scanners, operating theatre bush to meet with villagers to explain about a friends gather together to give too can enter in the lights, drip stands and beds. There was also a healthy diet, birth control (families are advised to thanks for a persons life, and to mystery of salvation. lack of basic cleaning materials, mops and have no more than four children), hygiene and bless the permanent grave and At the bottom of the fall buckets. In some hospitals, there was limited basic first aid. She has no teaching aids, materials headstone. This rite of passage God takes over. In electricity and Kira Kira had no running water at or equipment, but is working hard to improve the marks the end of the time of offering and in service all. In their hospital laundry there were two new health of the children by talks and immunisation. grieving. For the Melanesian we find the only power washing machines standing idle because of the There is an increase in tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS Brotherhood it offered the great enough to lack of water. The laundry worker had to wash and malaria, although a charity is supplying chance to bring together all the transform the world. everything by hand under the rain-water tank. mosquito nets, at a nominal charge, to families families of the Brothers who had Jesus Christ did not Generally the nurses have only four different that can afford them. died, in a thanksgiving for their change the world with drugs (Paracetamol, Meflaquine, Septrin and lives. More than 10,000 people the weapons of political Pembritin) to administer to inpatients and Biochemistry tests on blood and urine cannot be power, with war or attended and so it became a sign The blessing of the graves of the Seven outpatients. carried out in these hospitals, so patients have to atrocity, missile, suicide be sent by sea or plane to Honiara Hospital where of the peace and reconciliation Martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood The Head Nurse at Fuabu Hospital, Betty, was bomb or bullet, torture or the tests are available. which these Brothers have sterilising the hospital’s instruments in a pan brutality. He transformed the I had intended working in On the maternity wards mother and baby stay helped bring to the Solomon over a wood fire. The gas cylinder and tubing to world with a self-offering love Australia, as many of you had together in one bed - except triplets who have Islands. It also coincided with run the autoclave had been ordered weeks before and forgiveness and we who heard but during the mission to their own bed next to their mother. One mother the verdict of the Solomon but it had not arrived. Betty, a nurse with great walk in his footsteps enter into Chester, Exeter and London last had just been delivered of her eleventh child and Island Courts that, after a long enthusiasm and foresight, had managed to get the same paschal mystery. We year with the Brotherhood I both she and the child were very weak. The nurse and painful court case, three men some local villagers to dig her two pits in which become one with the heroes of decided that it was time for me explained to us that some of the mother’s older had been found guilty of the to put hospital waste of soiled dressings, our Church, fishermen, tax to return to the UK after so children were always left in the village while she murder of the Brothers and have placentas, needles and syringes. At other collectors and sinners whose many years away. It has been the was out working at her garden to grow food for been sentenced to life in prison. hospitals, waste is thrown out into the sea or lives were transformed and right decision. Since December I the family and her husband was away fishing. Justice we believe has been done bush - no clinical waste disposal companies with who, by offering those lives, have had the wonderful chance The children were getting in trouble with the and there is a real sense of yellow bags or incineration plants! closure and hope for continued transformed the lives of others. to live with the Society of St other villagers for stealing food because they reconciliation and unity. We become one with Bishop Francis on Holy Island in Staff delivering babies have no protective were always hungry. Father and mother were Patterson, whose life was taken Northumberland. During this clothing, gloves or aprons and in some cases no being encouraged to consider birth control! I had the privilege of leading the by those for whom he would time I have completed a book uniforms. They carry out deliveries by storm What stood out was the sheer energy, caring and retreat on the top of the gladly have given it and in so about my experiences with the lantern or torch at night, which is difficult when professionalism of the hospital staff and especially mountain for the forty four doing ended the Pacific slave Melanesian Brotherhood during the patient has to have stitches or a labour is the Head Nurses who had such a great novices who were admitted as trade. And we become one with the last five years as I did not complicated. responsibility caring for adults, young children, Brothers and to preach at the a group of humble Brothers who want this story to be forgotten. The hospitals can only afford to feed the patients mothers and babies. We had great admiration for feast day celebration. The journeyed defenceless to the It is called In Search of the Lost: A one meal a day. Families have to provide the rest them and hope very much that we will be able to following is an extract from Weather Coast in search of personal Testament to the Death and stay at the hospital, sleeping under the beds assist and support them in some way in the what I said to all those who had their lost Brother, who were and Life of Seven Peacemakers. or outside the ward. This was upsetting the future. 8 5 In the midst of a Assistant Bishop for Southern MalaitaMalaitaaa Introducing Gordon Leua Nanau year with many I am from the Tathimboko Melanesian sub region. I am highlights for the , I think the The Assistant Bishop’s new house is located on the region of Guadalcanal province interested in contemplating a biggest in 2005 was the election of Fr hill overlooking Afio on the west end of the in Solomon Islands. My development model that better as Assistant Bishop at Diocesan Synod in May Maroumasike Passage. The house is being built undergraduate and postgraduate explains globalising and local and his consecration at Christ the King Cathedral, from the bequest of a former New Zealand studies were undertaken at the forces impacting on people’s Fiu, on Advent Sunday. missionary in Malaita in the late forties, Miss University of the South Pacific, livelihoods and sustainability in The presided at the Muriel Scrimgeour, and the Church of Melanesia. Fiji and the College of Melanesia. The work entails the consecration and installation, assisted by all the Afio is not very well developed and it is hoped that Charleston, South Carolina from observation of certain concepts Gordon and his Commonwealth Church of Melanesia Diocesan Bishops as well as the Assistant Bishop’s presence there will speed 1989 – 1995. My recent job and indicators in the field to Scholarship Executive at UEA Archbishop Emeritus Norman Palmer and retired the arrival of telecommunications, banking and an before coming over to the UK explain casual relationships Bishop Lazarus Munamua. Bishop air service. was with the Directorate at our between them. I am currently to consider it if they plan to of Temotu preached. It was a beautiful and The decision to have an Assistant Bishop for the national tertiary institution, the developing this focus to be further their studies in the exciting service, with the Auki Parish Youth Diocese came because of its ever-increasing size Solomon Islands College of better prepared for field work ! Group dancing and Fiu Cathedral and Auki choirs and difficult geography. There are presently about Higher Education (SICHE). later this year. Gordon and his family hope to be participated with a variety of hymns in Sa’a, 35,000 Anglicans (according to the 1999 census). That position enabled me to be Effectively I am an employee of able to join us at the AGM at High Kwara’ae and English. The 43 parishes comprise involved in academic thinking as SICHE and will return to serve Wycombe in June. (Ed) Alfred was born in 1965 410 congregations. well as engaging with after studies. Moreover, I am and is from Aulupeine Like all the diocesan government, non-government determined to use the acquired Gift to ‘Bringers village in Small Malaita. bishops, I have done much of organisations and local skills and knowledge from this He and his wife Rose have my touring by outboard communities. undertaking and the general UK of the Word’ three children, Eunice, canoe and the ten hour The civil uprisings in the experience to further the course Malachi and Andrew. He canoe trip from Auki to country from 1998 to 2003 (and of developing human capabilities Theresa Moorin, ‘ecclesiastical attended secondary school Walande or East Are Are is the crises that followed) were a and sustainable livelihoods in tailor’ and Sacristan at All at Su’u National both very uncomfortable and critical experience and Melanesia. I’d like to see myself Saints, Babbacombe met up with Secondary School and occasionally dangerous. the 25 strong Mission of opportunity to contribute time as living a professional life then worked for Taiyo for While Bishop Alfred has and efforts to peace building between academia and a ‘hands- Brothers and Sisters on their some years, during which visit last summer. Delighted at special responsibility for related efforts. The civil on’ person directly engaging time he trained in Japan. Arekwa and Small Malaita instability gave me an impetus with development problems. I the work they were doing in He returned to Kohimarama in 1992, graduating Devon bringing the gift of the Regions, he is still Assistant Bishop of the whole to assess similar situations in hope to enrich both theoretical with a Diploma in Theology in 1995. He was Diocese of Malaita, so there will be times when he other regions internationally as well and empirical approaches Word to those around Torquay, ordained priest in December 1996. Theresa wanted to respond with visits the rest of the diocese. Small Malaita Region and put Solomon Islands and to people’s concerns and daily In the diocese, he worked as Acting Diocesan will host the 2008 Diocesan Synod, so Bishop Melanesia (labelled ‘the arc of encounters through this study. a gift of her own. Using her needlework skills Secretary, then priest of Fokanakafo Parish in Alfred will be very much involved with that instability’) in a global My dream is to contribute my North Malaita before going to study in the degree planning. perspective. This opportunity of share of influencing policies that Theresa has made a set of vestments that will soon be sent programme at St John’s Theological College, After three months, I have felt rather relieved of pursuing this came with the drives Solomon Islands and Auckland. He graduated with a BD at the end of offer of the UK Commonwealth Melanesia to a stage where out to the Church of Melanesia some burdens. I have only seen Bishop Alfred once thanks to the Melanesian 2005 and returned to the diocese as priest of Fiu since Christmas but we are able to communicate Fellowship and Scholarship people have opportunities and Parish and rector of Fiu Cathedral. Programme for doctoral studies. choices in life that they can Mission and the Chester link. by radio and email. We hope to meet together with Here I am at the University of make use of. Theresa has plans to make more Rose has been very active in the Diocesan the five senior priests of the five regions at least vestments for Melanesia and is Mothers’ Union and was heavily involved in the twice a year and, of course, we all come together East Anglia pursuing a sincere For my time here in the United interest through PhD research holding a series of fundraising planning of hospitality for the consecration. for the annual Diocesan Council meeting. Kingdom, I am gratefully events to fund her work. under the School of indebted to the moral and Bishop Alfred, Rose and Andrew have moved to One hope is that this pattern of an assistant bishop Development Studies. I should financial support from the Sa’a, Small Malaita, waiting for the Assistant will prevent the formation of many more new say that I am privileged to work Commonwealth Scholarship and Bishop’s House at Afio to be finished in a few dioceses in the Church of Melanesia, as that under the guidance of two Fellowship Programme (CSFP), months time. Diocesan Synod agreed that the process is extremely expensive and not always for friendly and distinguished the collegial support from Assistant Bishop would have special responsibility the best of the Church. supervisors. Solomon Islands College of for Small Malaita and Arekwa Regions, Please remember Bishop Alfred, Rose and their My interest is to investigate the Higher Education collegial and comprising of thriteen parishes in Small Malaita, family in your prayers, his new responsibilities in central issue of insecure my wife and daughter who are Sikaiana, Are Are and Kwaio. the diocese and our working relationship. After globalisation and it presence or with me on this journey! The This year he will concentrate on touring his two almost ten years as Diocesan Bishop, I am regions. Already he has conducted three otherwise in people’s livelihoods University of East Anglia is ShawLincoln beginning to look forward to my retirement in and national development with awesome and would recommend ordinations and numerous confirmations. He is August 2008. Please keep us in your prayers. Theresa Moorin with one of the also Chair of the C.E. Fox Secondary School, Sa’a, general reference to the others from the ‘Sea of Islands’ vestments for Melanesia the Diocese’s only CoM secondary school. The Rt Revd , Bishop of Malaita 6 7