melanesia news

In Patteson’s footsteps f ro m D evo n to S o lo m o n s

Thank you New boat takes to the water

From Principal to Bishop Bishop Ben’s consecration Issue 68, Summer 2011

MM Newsletter April 11.indd 1 27/04/2011 08:49:43 Speaking out... In 2002 I was fortunate to treat. It is heartening to note that part of the be able to visit the Church AusAid Programme in Melanesia has been to of Melanesia on behalf of re-establish malaria prevention programmes and the Diocese of Chester this has had some notable success. But even where I was a Suffragan this would only seem to take the islands back to bishop. I happened to where they were about eleven or twelve years go at the time of the ago. annual commemorations It is still the case that malaria is the leading of the Second World War cause of morbidity in the and landings on Guadalcanal indeed it remains a major killer worldwide. A by the US Marine Corp World Health Organisation report in recent years and Army. stated that 2.23% of deaths worldwide in every The fighting was horrific and costly for both sides year are attributable to malaria. and makes very grim reading. As someone who All of this makes me think again of the had lived and worked for five years in Papua New extraordinary founding episcopate of John Guinea and knew something of the climate, I Coleridge Patteson. I had a chance to read could not even begin to imagine what it was like some of the letters and diaries of Patteson and trying to live and survive under the conditions so often there is a reference to the fact that of war in the tropics. Significantly huge numbers he had to pause in his ministry because of ‘the of the troops on either side succumbed not to ague’. This was almost certainly malaria. In wounds, but to malaria. those days the provenance of malaria was not In Papua New Guinea we, as a family, had the known, indeed it was probably still thought to benefits of the latest malarial prophylactics and be due to ‘bad air’ which of course is what a medical support. We lived in comparative comfort literal translation of “malaria” means. In his ten in the town and from there went out from time to year episcopate without proper medication and time into the remote areas. In those conditions I probably without thinking of the need to be was able to enjoy and appreciate the wonderful protected from mosquitoes, Patteson must have background of the Pacific Islands. suffered from the disease constantly. It is of course a very different story when you I managed to catch the disease once, and have to face these conditions with little or no anyone who has ever had malaria knows that it medical support and without shelter and the is not easily forgotten. It can only leave me even means to protect yourself from the ravages of more admiring of Patteson’s resilient episcopate malarial mosquitoes. As all of those who have and all that he was able to achieve in faith. lived and worked in Melanesia are aware, the That sacrificial ministry is of course the reason threat of malaria is still present. his standing in the Solomons continues to be In Solomon Islands from 1992 to 1999 there so high. His name is used to commemorate was a very successful attempt to reduce the important institutions and the people of Nukapu instances of malaria. However during the time of where he was killed still remain anxious to have ethnic tension there was a steep rise in several a form of reconciliation for his death. provinces. It emphasised the vigilance that is All of this serves to continue to emphasise needed in controlling the breeding conditions for the importance of our link with the Church of mosquitoes, in the provision of mosquito nets Melanesia. One of our strategic aims as MMUK and medication if the disease is to be in any is that of advocacy. It is important to speak up way controlled. Malaria and its ability to for those parts of the world which still suffer adapt and transform is a particularly from endemic disease that can dominate the difficult disease to prevent and lives of so many. You cannot read the New

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 2 27/04/2011 08:49:46 Testament without learning of Jesus’ healing to serve the whole community is also part of of those afflicted by ill health. In His time and the Christian calling. The church by keeping its society, ill health was associated with sin and worldwide links is able to speak up for those punishment and He released people both from parts of the world which continue to need the that sense of guilt but undoubtedly also from medical research and care that begins to tackle the physical afflictions brought about by illness. endemic disease. Most medical research takes The Church has also been associated with place in countries which can afford it and which healthcare and the desire to lead people to address the needs of the wealthier countries. wholeness of life. That has been particularly true The constant need to keep alert to preventable in its ministry in the Pacific Islands. I was always disease in the rest of the world is part of the moved in PNG to see what an extraordinary advocacy that can take place through the difference a Medical Aid Post could make to Christian church. the lives of a huge number of people. An Aid Our connection with Solomon Islands and Post was very limited in its medical provision gives us a particular role in speaking in that it amounted to an Aid Post Orderly who up for their needs. Supporting the Church of had some midwifery skills, some antibiotics and Melanesia helps the transforming love of Christ some anti-malarials. But these basic skills could to continue to touch the lives of people both transform what was happening in an area. spiritually and physically. Your support, your How the church calls people to Christ will of advocacy, your concern continues to be of the course always remain the primary mission. But greatest importance for the mission of God. +Nigel Stock Festival Day returns to Lichfield The Melanesian Mission AGM and Festival day returns to Lichfield Cathedral on 17th September 2011 - seven years since we last held the event there. The Festival will start at 10.30 and should run through to about 16.30. The formal business for the Mission will take place during the short AGM, followed by a festival Eucharist. During the afternoon there will be time to hear from the Drew family who will have just returned from their adventure in the Solomons. Trustees will update members on the Mission’s strategic planning process and more information should be available about the Church of Melanesia University project. A number of the current Trustees will be standing down at the AGM so elections will need to be held. It is only members that are allowed to vote, so if you would like to vote and are not registered as a member of the Melanesian Mission then please get in touch with me before the meeting. Any nominations for new Trustees must be submitted in writing to me before 6th June to allow time for a skills audit of candidates to take place. Please bring a packed lunch - drinks will be provided. If you require any further details or directions then please contact me on 01284 701 988. Thanks. Dave Friswell

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 3 27/04/2011 08:49:51 In Patteson’s footsteps - from Feniton to Solomons Plans are beginning to gather pace for our Drew started to think about travelling and volunteering, family trip to Melanesia this summer. our church’s and Feniton’s connections with Melanesia made it the obvious choice. With only a few weeks to go before our trip to Melanesia, plans seem to be falling into I am really not sure what to expect from this trip. place. Flights booked, injections administered, We have been talking about it for so long now, online blog now live, piles of reading material sorting out the nitty gritty aspects of it, liaising accumulated and two very excited children with the girls’ school and our employers, and now literally counting the days before we go. that we are nearly off it’s hard to believe. Ian has had a steady exchange of emails with With hectic lives, I have had little time to think Julian in the Anglican IT about what it will be department in Honiara, like out there. I am and I am very much certain of a couple of looking forward to things, the welcome we finding out what I will be will receive, and that doing with the Mothers’ this trip will change Union. Lara and Erin our lives forever. And have watched the video this is the over-riding made by Dave Friswell message we have on the Norman Palmer received from the many School, and were very people who have given taken by the singing us advice about our (especially with the trip. Thanks to Dave,

songs they recognised Simon our vicar, Jo from singing in their own Holloway, Archbishop school). The highlight of David, Bishop James this trip for the girls is and Br Sam for all attending the Norman Ian, Lara, Erin and Katie Drew in the newly refurbished their guidance. Palmer School, which is St Stephen’s Chapel at Ottery St Mary Parish Church. The chapel is dedicated to the Church of Melanesia For me this trip is rather wonderful. Feniton about three things – C of E School (which the girls attend), is now in meeting people to build stronger connections, regular contact with the Norman Palmer School, taking the time to reflect on my own faith and to as Global School Partners. They are looking to learn from the Melanesian’s strength of faith, and apply for a grant to enable a teacher exchange finally sharing this most wonderful opportunity programme and working on joint curriculum with my family. A shared experience which I hope projects. Lara and Erin’s class in the UK will be will stay with us forever. Of course I am also following our journey and experiences, and we looking forward to seeing new sights, exploring as hope to send back emails, blogs, pictures and many islands as we can, eating different food and videos to be used in the classrooms. maybe sitting on a beach or two! So what are our expectations, and why are we So it’s the beginning of a journey in many ways. doing this? With the children growing up so fast, A journey of over 20,000 miles, a journey of this seems the right time to have an adventure faith, a journey of cultural exchanges, and a as a family, and to give them a unique learning journey together. opportunity. Although Ian and I have travelled Katie, Ian, Lara & Erin extensively we have never volunteered abroad, so it also seems right to share You can follow the Drew family on their blog at our skills with others. Once we www.pidginpost.wordpress.com/

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 4 27/04/2011 08:49:55 In Patteson’s footsteps - from Feniton to Solomons Wise move... started to think about travelling and volunteering, Also travelling out to Solomons over the our church’s and Feniton’s connections with summer will be Revd Jacky Wise and Melanesia made it the obvious choice. her daughter, Mimi. Jacky and Mimi live in Nantwich, Chester Diocese. As Curate I am really not sure what to expect from this trip. at All Saints, Crewe, Jacky hopes the We have been talking about it for so long now, five week visit will give her a broader sorting out the nitty gritty aspects of it, liaising experience of ministry in a different with the girls’ school and our employers, and now culture and will help to strengthen the that we are nearly off it’s hard to believe. companionship link between Chester With hectic lives, I have had little time to think Diocese and the Province of Melanesia. about what it will be They will split their time in Solomons, like out there. I am working for two weeks at the Christian certain of a couple of Care Centre and then moving on to things, the welcome we Selwyn College once term starts. will receive, and that Before entering full time ministry Jacky this trip will change worked as a journalist with the BBC both our lives forever. And for television and for radio. this is the over-riding Lara and Erin will be taking a similar banner out to If you live in the Chester Diocese area message we have Solomons with them to present to the Norman Palmer do listen out to local radio in the autumn received from the many School - If you look carefully at the banner you should as we hope Jacky and Mimi will have a people who have given be able to spot the Melanesian Islands and Bishop chance to share their experiences on us advice about our Patteson’s sister who founded the school at Feniton. their return. trip. Thanks to Dave,

Simon our vicar, Jo Holloway, Archbishop David, Bishop James Visiting friends and Br Sam for all It is a pleasure to welcome Timothy Vildam their guidance. to the UK for a few weeks. Timothy is a great friend of Fr Brian Macdonald- For me this trip is Milne and they met when Fr Brian was about three things – working in Melanesia. Timothy is a former meeting people to build stronger connections, Melanesian Brother who, when released taking the time to reflect on my own faith and to from his vows, worked for many years learn from the Melanesian’s strength of faith, and for the Solomon Island Broadcasting finally sharing this most wonderful opportunity Corporation (SIBC) in Lata, Santa Cruz, with my family. A shared experience which I hope and Gizo in the Western Solomons. He is will stay with us forever. Of course I am also married to Naomi who is very involved in looking forward to seeing new sights, exploring as MU work in Temotu Diocese. Timothy is many islands as we can, eating different food and here to help Fr Brian catalogue his large Training Bishops maybe sitting on a beach or two! archive collection of books and papers At the end of January 2011 Bishop Sam Sahu, Malaita, So it’s the beginning of a journey in many ways. relating to Melanesia, ready for deposit at and Bishop Alfred Karibongi, Hanuato’o, travelled A journey of over 20,000 miles, a journey of the School of African and Oriental Studies, to Canterbury at the invitation of the Anglican faith, a journey of cultural exchanges, and a who house the Mission’s archives. Some Communion Office who run a course each year for journey together. of you may remember Sharon, Timothy’s new bishops from around the Communion. Along with Katie, Ian, Lara & Erin daughter, who came to the UK in 2002 bishops from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and spoke at the Annual Festival. and they spent ten days learning You can follow the Drew family on their blog at If you know of any other Melanesians www.pidginpost.wordpress.com/ together, meeting Archbishop Rowan and coming to the UK, please do let us know. visiting ACO offices and staff in London.

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 5 27/04/2011 08:50:04 Praying with the Anglican Church of Melanesia

The Anglican Province of Papua New Guinea

Sunday Thursday The Anglican Province of Melanesia and its For Katie, Ian, Erin and Lara Drew and for the neighbouring churches in PNG, Australia and IT and MU work that Katie and Ian are involved New Zealand. with. Pray for Norman Palmer School (5) where Pray for Archbishop , that he may Erin and Lara are sharing in school life. lead the church with integrity, wisdom and For Feniton Primary School, Devon, as it humility. The Diocese of Central Solomons (1). develops its links with Norman Palmer School in Honiara. Monday The Diocese of Hanuato’o (2) and Bishop Alfred Friday Karibongi. The Diocese of Banks and Torres (6) and Bishop Pray for the Solomon Islands Christian Nathan Tome. Association and the Vanuatu Christian Council For the Southern Cross, its crew and all those and their work encouraging unity amongst the who travel by sea around the islands. For the different denominations. workers at the shipyard and all those who look after church boats across the Province. Tuesday The Melanesian Brothers in Solomon Islands, Saturday Vanuatu, PNG, Philippines and the UK. Pray for Pray for Mission Partner Matthew Jones and his the preparations for the Great Conference in wife, Anna, and children, David and Edward. October and the elections of the new leaders. The trustees, staff and supporters of the Give thanks for the life of Fr Caulton Weris and Melanesian Mission UK as they develop new all the Brothers who have died whilst serving the ways of strengthening relationships with the Church. Anglican Church of Melanesia. Wednesday The (3) and Bishop Richard Sunday Naramana. For the developing agriculture work The Diocese of Temotu (7) and Bishop George at Garanga (4) and the growth within the Taleki. church. Pray for the Chaplain of the Mission The clergy, catechists and lay workers to Seafarers, the Society of St Francis throughout the Province. Pray for all dioceses as and the Community of the Sisters of they prepare for their synods over the coming the Church. months. 6 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 6 27/04/2011 08:50:26 Praying with the Anglican Church of Melanesia

Monday The Diocese of Central Solomons (8) and Bishop . Equip Bishop Ben as he starts his new work across the diocese. Give him strength as he travels and discernment as he encounters new situations. Tuesday For the teachers and MU workers involved in adult literacy and numeracy work around the Province. Pray that through learning, people’s whole lives are empowered. For all the ACoM schools, colleges and rural training centres. Pray that 3 students are enthused to learn and staff are fully committed to their 4 teaching.

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2 13 1 8 The Anglican Province of Melanesia Wednesday 6 The Diocese of Vanuatu & New Caledonia (9) and Bishop . Bless the work of the new boat in the Diocese, for the safety of those who travel in it and for its effective use in mission and evangelism. Vanuatu Thursday The Community of Sisters of Melanesia, their novices and aspirants. Pray for Jacky and Mimi Wise as they work alongside the Sisters at the Christian Care Centre (10) and at Selwyn College (11) during July. Friday The (12), Diocesan Bishop Sam Sahu and Area Bishop . For Bishop Patteson Theological College (13) and staff. Pray for the Ministerial Training Centres as they develop their diploma courses in the local areas. 9 Saturday Pray for the planning and preparations for the mission to the UK in 2013. For financial resources, the mission team and those who will attend. Pray for MBH Companions around the world that they may freely offer support in the most New Caledonia appropriate way. Melanesia News - Summer 2011 7 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 7 27/04/2011 08:50:44 Money Matters As I write our accounts for the year ended 31st work of the Church of Melanesia are still March 2011 are being drafted and I hope that available. Contact Dave for more details. when I report to you at the AGM in Lichfield Following on from the group work at the last we will have some positive news showing that AGM the Trustees have continued to consider the restructuring our investments with CCLA our mission and our strategy. We have been will have paid off. Our investment income has focussing on three specific areas: significantly increased in the latter half of the year and this means that we shouldn’t have to • Relationships, spirituality and prayer draw on our reserves this year. • Education • Advocacy We have continued to pay a “block” grant to the Church of Melanesia of £3,000 per month The Trustees will be considering ideas for a new and the Trustees have agreed that this will be project as this type of focussed fundraising can increased to £3,250 per month from April 2011. help create enthusiasm for a particular idea This is the first time we have felt able to offer an which, of course, should fit with our aims. If you increase for some years. We are grateful to you, have any ideas for a project then please let us our members and supporters, for your continued know. support which has enabled us to do this. A As I often say as Treasurer, sometimes the special thank you to those who have committed numbers seem boring, but in their own way they to giving monthly in response to my last article. bear fruit as we continue to fulfil our Mission. If you don’t currently give on a regular basis and would like to do so, then please do get in Helen Miller. Hon Treasurer touch with Dave and he will send through the paperwork. As usual we have made a number of specific In brief... grants and donations as well and, in doing so, Date for the diary - The Melanesian Mission AGM have managed to support a number of people and Festival in 2012 will be held at Foxhill retreat and projects including study and sabbatical and conference centre, Frodsham, in Chetser grants, donations to the Christian Care Centre Diocese on 22nd September. More details in the and to St Patrick’s towards their Chapel magazine nearer the time. extension and grants to assist travel to Solomon Islands. In February 2004 Balo Village, Weather Coast, Our “Boat Appeal” has raised £10,700, just over lost their Church due to a storm. With help half of our original target. Funds have already from MBH Companions they had the Church been transferred to purchase the first of the re-built and Archbishop David re-dedicated the boats which has now been built and delivered. new church on the feast day of St Thomas. The Thank you for your commitment to this project service was attended by friends from the local Under construction at the boat yard and for your donations. Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist churches. As it will be a while before we launch a new After many years praying in several churches project, it would be great to try and raise enough made from palm leaves, Kolomola’s dream of funds to reach our target. So why not ‘push the having a permanent church building has finally boat out’ and help the church in Vanuatu fulfil came true. A full capacity crowd from Kolomola its mission across its isolated island regions. and surrounding villages witnessed the Holy How about a special stall at your church Eucharist conducted for the first time inside summer fete, a cake sale, an extra coffee the new church on the morning of Sunday 2nd morning or a special collection during January 2011. Kolomola village in West Maringe a service? Fundraising leaflets and District is situated west of Buala Township within copies of the DVD highlighting the Diocese of Ysabel.

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 8 27/04/2011 08:50:47 We are blessed... That was the message flying high on the banner that helped launch the new boat for Maewo in Penama Province, Vanuatu, recently. (See cover photo.) As most regular readers of Melanesia News will know the Melanesian Mission has been running a special appeal for funds for this project for the past year - and thanks to the generous support, the first boat is now in service. Getting around in the vast isolated region is impossible except by boat. This first boat was handed over to Fr Harry Lenga, senior for the Maewo region, by Bishop James Ligo at a special ceremony attended by diocesan council members, the Vice Chancellor and members of the Maewo George Hinge, Diocesan Secretary writes: community. “I am pleased to let you know that the boat has been delivered and fitted out and it is being used on Maewo in Penama Province. Please convey our appreciation and gratitude to all who have made it possible for our Diocese, and most importantly the people of Maewo, to have access to such a boat and assure them that we will send you evaluation reports in due time.” “Thank you so much for your generosity, with MMUK we are blessed.”

Under construction at the boat yard Thanks again to everyone who has contributed towards this project over the past months. We hope it has helped give an insight to the challenges of transport and travel faced by the church in Melanesia as it ministers to the remote island communities. Dave

Bishop James Ligo (left), handing over the boat to Fr Harry Lenga (right) and his secretary, Mr Alfred Boe (centre)

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 9 27/04/2011 08:51:04 Provincial MU programme news We are looking forward for Katie Drew’s time and excited about these programmes and we will with us, as she will bring good things to help us be committing five years to these activities. in our work. Mary Sumner has organised this with the The Mothers’ Union in Melanesia as part of the World Wide Trainer, Sheran Harper, to assist Worldwide Organization involves and work in us in getting the parenting programme rolling. many activities by encouraging, strengthening Anglicord and MU Australia had been our and supporting marriage and family life. partners in providing funds and human resource Our current active membership is 16,300 personnel which we greatly acknowledge. working together in meeting community needs We are also working in partnership with other through the work of our various Departments in stakeholders and civil society organisations our community commitment programmes. where appropriate to implement our activities to Apart from these rolling programmes, our major achieve our common goals. This is because we components are the HIV/AIDS, Literacy and believe that when we build stronger families, we Parenting Programmes which have added a new build a strong community which builds a strong dimension to the work of MU. We are passionate nation. That is just a bit of news from us. Edith Koete All stitched up... Staying positive Twenty women from the ACoM have completed The first ever Positive Parenting training a month long training course in tailoring and programme has been launched by the MU. sewing. Conducted by the Honiara Women Speaking at the launch, the Mothers’ Union Initiative (HWI) the training aimed to develop Provincial President, Edith Koete said that the women’s skills and to enable them to the parenting training was a boost for the generate income. participants and the Mothers’ Union as a whole The course covered pattern drafting, design, as such training and knowledge are vital for pattern cutting and sewing. This was the fourth parents nowadays as it will help to teach local group of women HWI have trained. couples good parenting skills. Ms Sanga said when HWI established in 2009 “The Mothers’ Union aims to build relationships the first twenty-six women who trained were between mothers and help them to promote and from the outskirts of Honiara. Groups from the use positive parenting values which are starting Seventh Day Adventist Church, the South Sea to fade away nowadays. Promoting positive Evangelical Church along with the Catholic and parenting is essential as only when parents know United Church have also received training how to bring up their children well, can families . experience real peace in their households and Ms Sanga said once all the church groups are communities. Young parents nowadays know very trained the plan is to established a centre little about good parenting and this is one of the where they can come and display their products main issues that training for positive parenting for sale and gain further training. One of the programme is aiming to address” Mrs Koete said. future plans is to organise a sewing competition for national costumes. Also speaking during the ceremony was the MU Worldwide parenting trainer and diocesan Two young participants Rose Ouo and Rachel president of Guyana, Mrs Sheran Harper, who Ina said they felt privileged to attend the said that she was proud that the MU in the training and that during the course they Church of Melanesia was taking up the role of had learned a lot and they hoped to spreading the message of positive parenting to start their own business. the people in the country. 10 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 10 27/04/2011 08:51:06 Provincial MU programme news First Aid for Temotu and excited about these programmes and we will Five isolated communities in the Temotu appealed to his parishioners for extra help. His be committing five years to these activities. Province received first aid kits, donated by parishioners responded well and Fr James was Mary Sumner has organised this with the ACoM recently. The large first aid kits, worth able to get the first aid kits and send them to the World Wide Trainer, Sheran Harper, to assist SI$7,200 (£600), were brought from Australia Solomons. us in getting the parenting programme rolling. and were specifically designed to be used in The five kits were handed over by Archbishop Anglicord and MU Australia had been our remote areas. Vunagi and Fr James to the Bishop of Temotu, partners in providing funds and human resource Speaking during the handing over ceremony, George Takeli whilst he was in Honiara. On personnel which we greatly acknowledge. Archbishop David said that after his years of receiving the first aid kits, Bishop George We are also working in partnership with other service and touring in the Temotu Province he thanked the Archbishop, Rotary and the church in stakeholders and civil society organisations saw how people in these communities lacked Brisbane for helping his diocese. basic health facilities and medicines due to where appropriate to implement our activities to Bishop Takeli said that he has approached the their isolated location. achieve our common goals. This is because we Temotu provincial government and asked for believe that when we build stronger families, we Archbishop David approached his Commissary, assistance to help train several villagers in first build a strong community which builds a strong Fr James Oulds, to try and help the villagers aid and the use of the kits. The communities will nation. in the five communities. Fr James took up also be asked to restock and resupply medicines That is just a bit of news from us. Edith Koete the challenge and asked his local Rotary Club to the first aid kits whenever they run out. in Brisbane to support the islanders. Despite The five communities which have received the their generous gift it was still not enough first aid kits are Niukapu, Nifolou, Matema, to purchase all the first aid kits and so he Niupani and Pileni. Challenge to Selwyn College Archbishop David Vunagi has challenged the Archbishop David went on to remind the teachers teachers and students of Selwyn College to that they do not own the position that they occupy deliver academically as they did during the in this college, rather it is the position that owns time when he was a teacher at the school. them through their job description, conditions Archbishop David said he had noticed a of service. He said that they can only stay here decline in the academic performance of the if they are able to meet the conditions and school in comparison with other schools in requirements of the position. the country and he will continue to monitor Addressing the students, the Archbishop told them the performance of all ACoM schools whilst that they do not own the space that they occupy he is in office. He reminded staff and students in this school, it is the space that owns them. But that they are all there for a purpose. that space has certain conditions and requirements “For staff, you are here to teach, guide, that they must fulfil. They must work hard so that discipline, mould and to prepare the students they can meet the academic standard of this for their future lives. The success of your school. They must faithfully honour and observe students partly lies in your hands. You must be the rules of this school. “A student who is lazy, faithful and be committed in everything that idle and who has no respect for the school rules you do as teachers and educators. is not supposed to be here. As members of this “For you the students, you must know community you must cooperate and have respect that you are very fortunate to be given an for each other,” he said. “As you all begin another opportunity to be here. In this country, having academic year you should aim to be successful in access to secondary education is not a right. whatever you do. Give your best in your study, There are many boys and girls who want to be your revision and in every situation in your here but they can’t because the opportunity preparation and then leave the rest to does not allow them.” God.” Melanesia News - Summer 2011 11 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 11 27/04/2011 08:51:09 From Principal to Bishop Following almost a year after the retirement of Bishop Charles Koete, his successor, Ben Seka, was recently consecrated in Tulagi at the packed cathedral church of Christ the King. Bishop Ben was elected on 5th September 2010 by the Diocesan Electoral Board and the Council of Bishops. The following report was sent through to the Melanesian Mission office: “The day started early Sunday morning at 6am beginning with the procession of clergy and officials. The commitment of oaths were then read by the Bishop- elect and Vice Chancellor Gabriel Archbishop David (left) with the newly consecrated Suri read the election document Bishop Ben Seka, Diocese of Central Solomons to complete the legal process. The The afternoon continued with the presentation of gifts, consecration started with the diocesan dancing and a feast for the whole congregation. The bishops vesting the new bishop with official ceremony finished at 5pm.” the holy oil, a Bible, a pectoral cross, Mitre, and pastoral staff. After the Before taking up his new office Bishop Ben was Principal installation, Communion was shared to the Bishop Patteson Theological College, Kohimarama. among the congregation both inside He holds a Masters in Theology with Honours from and outside the cathedral. Melbourne University, Bachelor of Divinity with Honours Speaking during his consecration the from the Pacific Theological College in Fiji, and Diploma 51 year-old from Ngella Island said that of Theology with distinction from the Bishop Patteson he wanted to see Christian teaching Theological College. revitalised so that followers understand Ben was ordained priest in 1997 and served as district the traditions of the church. priest in Gaeta. Keeping it in the family... A new Anglican priest was ordained in late January at the St Alban’s parish west of Honiara. Steven Zaku, from Kia village in the western end of Isabel, was ordained priest by Archbishop David in front of hundreds of people after completing his years of studying at Bishop Patteson Theological College. The ordination was a very lively as the members of the Melanesian Brotherhood were also present as part of the ordination service. The singing from the Brothers choir and the traditional dancing truly made the ordination service a memorable occasion for those present. Working for the church is no new thing for Father Steven Zaku as he hails from a family of and bishops that includes his father, Revd Atkin Zaku and the former Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, Sir . Father Steven Zaku is married and has two children.

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MM Newsletter April 11.indd 12 27/04/2011 08:51:12 Welcoming Companions Once again we are welcoming new Companions exist to help the Melanesian Brothers Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood by praying for them and their work, giving money to here in the Europe Region - and once again support the Brothers, and by taking care of Brothers they are from Ottery St Mary in Devon! when they visit or pass through their area. If you feel you could support the Brothers and the As the ancestral home of the Coleridge Church of Melanesia in this way then please do get in family, with the Patteson home just down touch. Dave the road at Feniton, Ottery is still very much linked in to its past history. Having welcomed Lord Coleridge as a Companion last year, we are now happy to welcome Sam Coleridge (pictured far right) along with John and Ann Masters (Katie Drew’s parents) and Alan Steel (left). Hiding in the background is Revd Canon Simon Franklin, vicar of Ottery St Mary, and Mrs Jo Holloway, Companion and ‘champion recruiter’ for the Companions in the south east of ! Continuing partnership Following a recent meeting of the , the Obiso Maximo of the Philippine Independent Church and other senior church officials, the two churches agreed to continue to work together and develop relationships further. The concordat below was issued at the end of the meeting. Concordat between the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) and the Iglesia Filipina Independentiente (IFI) affirm that they have shared relationships since 1964 when the IFI entered into Full Communion with the Anglican Province of New Zealand. ACoM was then a part of the New Zealand Province. ACoM became an autonomous Anglican Province in 1975 and the mission journey developed further in the exchange of resources and visions. It is deemed necessary that continued partnership shall be guided by the following terms as both partners share a common Catholic and Apostolic faith: 1. Each Church recognises and respects the Catholicity and autonomy of the other and maintains its own; 2. Each Church agrees to admit members of the other to participate in the Sacraments; 3. The partnership does not require from either Church the acceptance of all doctrinal opinions, sacramental devotions, liturgical practices or ecclesiastical polity characteristic of the other, but implies that each believes the other to hold all the essentials of the Christian Faith; 4. The partnership seeks to proclaim and manifest more fully the unity in the mission of God, the ministry of Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit. 5. The partnership endorses the development of mutual support towards the establishment of Filipino Brotherhood, and toward other mission endeavours which involve both partners. 6. Each partner recognises the importance of regular consultation to keep each other informed on the shape of the relationship in all levels of church life. The Most Revd David Vunagi The Most Revd Godofredo J David, D.D

Melanesia News - Summer 2011 13

MM Newsletter April 11.indd 13 27/04/2011 08:51:18 Measuring the effects of climate change across Oceania Can we detect the real impact of climate In order to identify the optimum design for change on Pacific Island coastal fisheries? monitoring projects that can be implemented When something goes wrong, we have a natural in PICTs, a group of twenty experts from the tendency to look outside for a culprit – for region, including oceanographers, modellers, something or someone responsible for the biologists, socio-economists and remote sensing wrongdoing – to allow us to avoid questioning and fisheries specialists participated in a four- our own responsibility. day workshop in Noumea to share their expertise with SPC and help Is global climate choose monitoring methodologies change the real that are rigorous and can be culprit responsible implemented by national services for the diminution with some initial support from SPC. of coastal marine resources in Oceania? Because monitoring over a long Is climate change period and with standardised already impacting protocols is required to determine our coastal resources, what changes are occurring due or will the effects to climate change, simple data only be felt in twenty collection methods and easily years, by our children deployable equipment (temperature and grandchildren, in addition to the effects of loggers, photo transects) have been proposed by ongoing habitat degradation, destructive fishing experts in order to get the maximum information practices and increased demand for marine despite the limited resources of most PICTs to products due to rapid population growth? do in-water field work. Members of the Anglican Church of Melanesia now have access to a new bookshop facility that There are no easy answers to these questions. Long-term surveillance of sites will be conducted was opened recently. With funding assistance from the Australian through surveys every four to five years if no Agency for International Development (AusAID), major change is reported by communities or The new bookshop was officially opened by and in relation with an ongoing assessment after destructive events such as cyclones or Archbishop David Vunagi and was witnessed of the vulnerability of coastal fisheries to coral bleaching. by a panel of clergy and staff members of the climate change, the Secretariat of the Pacific Church Headquarters. The work will be conducted at a national level Community (SPC) has launched a two-year in locations still to be determined according to The bookshop is an expansion from the previous project to assist Pacific Island countries and a set of survey design criteria and willingness location following a call by the bookshop territories (PICTs) to design and field-test of governments. It will be strengthened through management for more space and for the monitoring pilot projects to determine what collaborations and data sharing between opportunity to increase sales. changes are occurring in the productivity of organisations, research projects and national coastal fisheries and to what extent they can Speaking during the opening ceremony, services. Participants expressed their willingness be attributed to climate change as opposed to Archbishop David praised those who took part to contribute actively in such a network. other causes. in the work to make this extension possible. He Dr Johanna Johnson reminded those present of his call on the leaders and people within the church to do something Low lying islands at risk positive for the church. Temotu Provincial Member and Deputy Premier, Baddley Tau wants the problem of climate change “This successful completion of the bookshop to be deliberately addressed in his province. He made the call after being notified of the increasing is one of the very good examples of positive devastating effects of the natural environmental catastrophes affecting the low lying islands. action,” he said. “Some of our very low lying islands, especially Duff Island and Reef Islands, are badly affected by “We need to change our mind-set and I this environmental problem. The rising of the sea level has been part and parcel of this and believe by opening this bookshop a big creates many related problems environmentally and impacts on people in most of the contribution towards the church budget can be low-lying islands. They have suffered a lot especially with regard to food availability. accomplished,” he added. 14 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 14 27/04/2011 08:51:20 Measuring the effects of climate change across Oceania “Given the fact that they only survive on edible fruits such as breadfruit and others, this problem is making it severe for them. Many of the fruit trees are bearing fruit seasonally and thus may not be available all throughout the year as expected. “To make it even worse, the soil fertility on those islands has been infiltrated by the rising sea, making it to have less nutrition for the fruit trees and some of the crops that they usually survived on,” said the Deputy Premier. “Availability of pure drinking water is also scarce and they have to depend very much on the rain water. It is estimated that the level of pure water available is less compared to the mixed salty water that has intervened over the years. These have made survival on these low lying Islands so difficult and a risk for the people in years to come if the trend continues. With this I would like to call on the national government in particular and those agencies held responsible to consider our people affected of this environment problem.” The Anglican Church of Melanesia under its Climate Change Division including the Solomon Islands Red Cross Climate Change Division is also addressing issues related to this environmental problem there and it is understood that within the current Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change project, low lying Islands in Temotu including Tikopia are included in the plan. Adapted from an article in the Island Sun newspaper ACoM bookshop expands Members of the Anglican Church of Melanesia “Being independent for the last 35 years the now have access to a new bookshop facility that Church has been dependant on grants from was opened recently. Auckland and , but being independent we must do things on our own, let The new bookshop was officially opened by that grants come when they come, but we must Archbishop David Vunagi and was witnessed not just sit and wait for those grants to come. by a panel of clergy and staff members of the Church Headquarters. “It’s good to have visions and dreams, but if we have visions and dreams and do not know how The bookshop is an expansion from the previous to look for money then that would be a failure, location following a call by the bookshop therefore, we must try to know how to make management for more space and for the money by ourselves so we can go on with our opportunity to increase sales. plans,” he said. Speaking during the opening ceremony, “This newly opened bookshop is here for all Archbishop David praised those who took part the members of the Anglican Church within in the work to make this extension possible. He Melanesia, and has all the books which are used reminded those present of his call on the leaders under the constitution and the Canons of the and people within the church to do something Church. There are also other suitable books for positive for the church. all Christians to buy.” “This successful completion of the bookshop “Having this bookshop is one of the firm is one of the very good examples of positive foundations for the Church to further expand its action,” he said. work, in fact this bookshop is one of the main “We need to change our mind-set and I contributors within the church and it will believe by opening this bookshop a big be there to uphold the Church in the contribution towards the church budget can be future,” Archbishop David said. accomplished,” he added. Melanesia News - Summer 2011 15 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 15 27/04/2011 08:51:23 Sad news... On 5th March the following sad news reached the office of the Melanesian Mission in the UK:- Dear all, This email is inform all friends of our late Father and Former Brother Caulton Weris that he has passed away today on the 5th March 2011. He was transported from Lord Howe Atolls this morning by a helicopter accompanied by wife. He was said to have an accident by falling off a coconut palm tree. His body has been transported to Tabalia this evening and will be buried at Tabalia tomorrow, 6th March. Fr Caulton Weris had been a Brother and served the Brotherhood for almost 32 years since his admission. May his soul rest in peace with our Lord. Alphonse Garimae

In response, both personally and on behalf of the Trustees of the Melanesian Mission, Fr Richard Carter sent the following letter to the Head Brother and the whole community. Dear Head Brother, Brothers and Novices, and those gathering for Brother Caulton’s funeral, I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of my beloved friend, Brother and former Head Brother Fr Caulton Weris. I have only just received the news and am so shocked to hear he has died. Brother Caulton was a true man of God, wise, prayerful and with a deep humility. I have always admired him and all that he has done serving the Brotherhood for thirty two years. I was deeply fortunate to work so closely with him as Chaplain for so many years, to have his guidance and support through the time tragedy when our seven Brothers were martyred. He was not only a wonderful leader but also one of the holiest men I have ever met. I count myself so fortunate to have known as the leader of the Community but also as my friend and Brother. I have so many memories of his goodness. I will never forget the time he visited us in the UK, and waiting for him at the airport and our trip to Rome together when the Brothers when the seven Brothers were remembered in the Basilica of St Bartholomew. I will never forget all the times his gentle but firm wisdom and discernment guided and inspired The Melanesian Brotherhood and me personally. I learnt so much from him about the meaning of being a true Brother and living the Gospel. He was a man of great truthfulness who saw things as they were. He was a man who never wanted position or leadership but took them on humbly and faithfully with such balance, dedication and love for God. He saw the truth about the Melanesian Brotherhood that he served and led for so many years. He never idealized it or lost the sense that in all things we were entirely dependent on God. He could always discern what was good and what was true from that which could lead us away from our calling to serve Christ. He has shown us as the collect of the Brotherhood prays “the true way of service” …”being true to God alone so that the works we are called may bear good fruit and make God’s loving plan for all people come true.” We will remember him here in the UK and will pray for his soul tomorrow 6th March on the day of his funeral. We will of course pray for the whole community gathering at Tabalia. What more can I say to you other than that I know he rests with the Lord he spent 16 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 16 27/04/2011 08:51:27

Sad news... his life serving and I know that his example, There are many people whose lives were humility and service will continue to inspire me touched by Fr Caulton across Melanesia and and many others all our lives. May he continue the UK. I personally shall not forget the day to inspire the community he loved and served so when he admitted me as a Companion to the faithfully. Brotherhood in the chapel at Tabalia on my first May he rest in peace and rise in glory. He was visit to the region in 2006.

such a good and faithful servant. Jocelyn Squires, MBH Companion and MM With all our prayers, Trustee writes “I was so lucky to spend a Fr Richard Carter marvellous day with Caulton at Chester Zoo and will remember for ever his wonder at seeing the The Rt Revd , Section Father for animals especially the elephants, giraffes and CoMBH in Southern Section, writes:- the LION. “So this is the lion who lies down with the lamb,” he said as we leant on the boundary Thank you for letting us of the death of our rail. His joy was contagious and I saw everything beloved Father in God and former Brother afresh through his wonderment. He will certainly Caulton Weris. We deeply shocked of the revel in the glories of heaven.” Dave news, and the way he died. I have informed our Companion Section Leader, the Chaplain and members of the Companions of the Archbishop Amos Waiaru Brotherhood. Like us they too were shocked and Amos trained at Pacific saddened by the news of his death. Theological College and become Chaplain of St Caulton indeed was a great man of his own Patrick’s Secondary School, right, and a great leader within the Brotherhood Vureas. In 1979 he was and in the Church of God. He has done great elected first bishop of the work for the Church of Melanesia and has been new Diocese of Temotu. He a great ambassador for the Brotherhood and travelled faithfully around ACoM throughout. He has led the Brotherhood the diocese and put it on a during times when the Brotherhood was in firm footing. With the retirement of Archbishop leadership crisis and he has been true a servant Norman Palmer, Amos was elected the third of the Lord. Archbishop of Melanesia and Bishop of Central We are saddened that he should die that way Melanesia. A principal task at that time was but we are sure that the Lord has rewarded the moving and rebuilding of Selwyn College, him greatly for his dedicated and committed after its destruction by Cyclone Namu in 1986. service to the Brotherhood, and the Church of It was also a time of much ferment with various Melanesia. charismatic groups breaking away and forming We will missed a humble and loyal servant of new churches. Amos encouraged the ministry the Lord however, the Lord gains and I am sure of renewal and evangelism during those years there is a great welcome in heaven over one but had little patience with those who went sinner who repents. Praise the Lord for Caulton to extremes or broke away. He led the Council is in his glory for ever. of Bishops to the 1988 Lambeth Conference, including visits to the Pope and to St George’s The Diocesan Bishop of Exeter, the Chaplain and College, Jerusalem. Archbishop Amos’ health all Companions and myself with my family in the began to fail and he resigned as Archbishop in Southern Region of UK send his wife, families 1993. Amos died on 12th March at his sister’s and the Brotherhood our prayers and love at home near Star Harbour, Makira. this time of grief. He is survived by his widow, Mary, May his soul rest in peace with the Lord. and two daughters. Melanesia News - Summer 2011 17 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 17 27/04/2011 08:51:30 Bishop Derek Rawcliffe was a man of surprises. After The arrival of the charismatic movement in growing up with a Free Church background, he the Pacific Islands deepened his involvement decided to become an Anglican. After taking with other Christians. He had already been his degree in English at the University of , a strong supporter of the establishment of a city to which he returned for the last years the New Hebrides Christian Council in 1965, of his life, he trained at which, significantly for those days, included Mirfield and became a the Roman Catholics. His life convinced Anglo-Catholic and Churchmanship were thus and a Benedictine Oblate. modified by many influences. After a curacy of three To the surprise of many, he years in Worcestershire, met and married Sue, who had he offered to serve with sought healing at a charismatic the Melanesian Mission in convention he attended. After her the Diocese of Melanesia. death he found love in another He served first in the direction and became a prominent two leading Anglican and sometimes controversial boys’ schools in Solomon supporter of gay rights. In 2000, Islands, notably All he published a book entitled “The Hallows’ School, Pawa, Meaning of It All is Love”. where the very high In 1971 he was awarded the OBE altar had six enormous and on the establishment of the candlesticks which he Anglican Province of Melanesia in introduced and later 1975 he was elected as the first rather regretted. He Bishop of the New Hebrides. Whilst was a good teacher in the New Hebrides he gained a Bishop Derek Rawcliffe. and a strict disciplinarian Died 1st February 2011, aged 89 reputation for physical toughness, who was always ready to scaling mountains, eating any kind of local put others right! While there he worked food and celebrating the Eucharist on board in the local Ugi island language. This led later ship in the heaviest seas. When that country to further involvement in much translation work was preparing for independence as the Republic when he moved south to be Archdeacon of of Vanuatu he decided to step down in order Southern Melanesia, in the country then called for a Melanesian to take his place, a sign of his New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), with its 112 local recognition of local sensitivities. languages, its common language of Pidgin (called He left not knowing what he should do next, and there Bislama), as well as English and French, his unexpected call to be Bishop of Glasgow and which he spoke well. He translated the Eucharist Galloway led to a new chapter in his life. into Bislama and some other languages, and He had a sharp and agile mind and when in encouraged the translation of the whole Bible into his eighties he typed up the whole of Brian Bislama. His interest and skill in both poetry and Macdonald-Milne’s history of the Melanesian music was shown in his writing and composition Brotherhood on his computer. His ministry was of the Pawa School song which is still used at that one of unstinting service, great creativity and school’s successor, Selwyn College, on the island constant exploration. of Guadalcanal in the Solomons. He continued In the 1970’s David Attenborough visited the to write poetry and in retirement he published Pacific to make a TV series about indigenous some works from his home, which was the cultures. When David Attenborough was asked base of the Living Artists Movement. His what had been the most remarkable thing he Christmas card would always include had seen there, he answered without hesitation: one of his poems. “The Anglican bishop”. 18 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 18 27/04/2011 08:51:33 Leadership Development The Anglican Church of Melanesia ‘Inclusive other organisations in the region who believe Communities’ Program (ACoM ICP) is a joint that inclusive leadership can pave the way programme between Australia’s Anglican Board forward for a coherent, peaceful society where of Mission (ABM) and the Church of Melanesia. people can co-exist without resorting to Its overall objective is to strengthen communities violence. to have increased governance capacity for self PLP and ACoM ICP embarked on a partnership reliance and peace. ACoM ICP actively promotes in early 2009, through which ACoM ICP has the participation of women and young people delivered a range of initiatives supporting in community decision making and conflict leadership resolution; and development in strengthens Solomon Islands. traditional This has included governance by training for the building traditional and capacity of other community traditional leaders in Savo, leadership Gela, Guadalcanal through and Malaita; support participatory for the Mothers’ action learning. Union conference; ACoM ICP’s and funding for a activities extend pilot strengthening across six ACoM program for the dioceses, and Council of Chiefs in cover all of Isabel province. Solomon Islands. The Pacific Leadership Programme (PLP) first began discussions with ACoM ICP in early December 2008. PLP recognised, in consultation Diplomatic mission with its Solomon Islands Advisory Panel member and AusAID’s bilateral programme, that ACoM Solomon Islands will open two new foreign ICP played an important role in developing missions - one in Cuba and another in Geneva. the capacity of women and youth in decision The national broadcaster SIBC reported that making processes in Solomon Islands, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel, told in strengthening traditional leadership to parliament the Geneva Embassy will co-ordinate support those efforts and maintain peace. It Solomon Islands interests with UN agencies and also recognised ACoM as an important faith- other international organisations based there. based organisation in Solomon Islands, with an established network extending down to village On the Cuban Embassy, Minister Shanel said one level (encompassing 33 per cent of Solomon of its main tasks will be to look after the welfare Islands population), and throughout Melanesia. of the Solomon Islands students studying there. ACoM ICP recognised that partnership with PLP Meanwhile, Fiji has allocated nearly two hectares offered a valuable opportunity to continue its of land in the capital, Suva, for the new Solomon work with women, young people and traditional Islands diplomatic mission in a bid to leadership that was established with support strengthen bilateral ties between the from the AusAID bilateral program. It also saw two Melanesian countries. benefit from drawing on the vast network of Melanesia News - Summer 2011 19 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 19 27/04/2011 08:51:35 Patronal Festival at Gilbert Camp Slowly, surely, the faithful of the parish of Christ the King Anglican Church, Gilbert Camp, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island, arrive for Sunday worship. All is set to be a joyous patronal festival, a day of Eucharist, feasting and custom dancing to celebrate the reign of Christ. Mothers’ Union, choir members, clergy, and lay leaders have spent many hours getting ready. The whole of Gilbert Camp has been invited. The whole community will come. Special guests will include the Deputy Prime Minister and neighbouring pastors. The Rt Revd (retired Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita) will serve as celebrant and preacher, having confirmed more than thirty of the parish’s young people the day before. When the final drum and bell eventually end the call to worship, more than 1000 women, men and children – especially children! - are gathered to glorify God in prayer and song, and to give special thanks for the gift of Christ’s teaching, advocacy and compassion on earth. We are reminded by Bishop Terry that being a disciple of Christ is not always comfortable or easy. Yet, we are called by our baptism to try, so in every relationship and action within our families and communities there will be peace, hope and love. Gilbert Camp is one of the growing communities along the northern boundary of Honiara city. It is a place where the paved road stops, electricity is intermittent and there is no water service. Land is variously owned by government, private interests, and traditional landlords. During the height of the ethnic tension (1998-2000), Gilbert Camp was dangerous and violent. Many died. Mass graves have been discovered. Today, the scars of that time are fading, much like the cars long burned and abandoned in ditches now covered by vines and plants. Though traumatic memories remain in the centre of Gilbert Camp’s story, and the church’s ministries of healing and reconciliation continue, life goes on. The force of creation is irrepressible, be it new housing being built, burgeoning gardens, babies, clusters of friends in conversation, the constant going and coming of people on the road. Life is difficult, yes. Like much of Honiara, there is high unemployment, especially among young men, and there are many of the social problems that often accompany this situation. Water is scarce, especially in the dryer season, and there is little local infrastructure. Despite these challenges and because of them, and the faith-full presence of Christ the King parish, and other churches, Gilbert Camp is a safer place these days; a place that welcomes a stranger to the table and feeds her, a place that invites you in with alacrity and hospitality. The Archbishop Norman Palmer Anglican Secondary School is increasing its curriculum and student body, and many small community projects have been supported by trained facilitators – trained by the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Please pray for Christ the King parish, Gilbert Camp, its clergy and lay leaders, Mothers’ Union, Girls’ Friendly Society, youth groups, choir, men, women and children. May there be peace and harmony throughout the neighbourhood, and may there be political will among elected officials to develop jobs, water systems and reliable electricity. Andrea Mann, Anglican Church of Canada 20 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 20 27/04/2011 08:51:37 Bringing light to the islands Around 82% of Solomon Islanders have no information on the product, sales and marketing access to electricity and rely on kerosene to techniques, and skills training in the areas of light their homes. Across the Pacific people financial management, stock control, fundraising spend up to £150 million each year on and entrepreneurship. kerosene. It is expected that the trainees will be available Solar energy is a climate-friendly technology to deliver peer-to-peer training to other youth and a major business opportunity for micro- in the country following the pilot. The trainees entrepreneurs. will also develop a business plan (as part of The civil unrest from 1998 to 2003 had their training) to assist them with ongoing a crippling effect on economic activity in marketing and sales of these products. As the Solomons. entrepreneurship training is generic in nature, While economic stability is slowly being restored these skills could be transferred to other the country is still considered fragile. Eighty products or business opportunities over time. percent of the population continue to rely ACoM will manage the project implementation on subsistence agriculture and fishing, the and oversee a micro-capital fund. This fund will economic base is extremely narrow and formal purchase the solar lamps and make sure that opportunities for unskilled labourers to find stock is available for distribution to micro- gainful employment, particularly in the outlying entrepreneurs. ACoM and participants will also islands, are extremely limited. develop a strategy for increasing the micro- Even with the lack of opportunities, large capital pool and eventually use it to purchase numbers of teenagers, particularly boys, other marketable goods. are dropping out of school to find work. The level of interest and uptake of this concept Unfortunately, with few opportunities, their has been huge. Its potential is widely accepted levels of frustration are rising. In a country with by the target communities who understand a recent history of civil unrest, finding ways to the importance of providing gainful work productively engage these young people in the opportunities for young people, particularly economy, and ensure they are hopeful about in the outer islands. Decreasing reliance the future is crucial. on kerosene which is both expensive and ‘Barefoot Power’ is supporting the Anglican dangerous is an obvious benefit. Following Church of Melanesia who have selected a group a full project evaluation of this current pilot of 15-20 youth (both men and women) to be phase, the aim is to scale up the project to trained in entrepreneurial skills. The project uses include six ACoM training institutions targeting a self-sustaining finance model that has been communities across the whole of Solomon successfully implemented in other parts of the Islands. It is estimated as many as 40,000 world and is based on selling solar lamps to remote households could access electricity households in surrounding villages. through solar power over the next three years. The solar desk lamps are simple devices that, once charged, can provide up to 30 hours of light reducing a household’s reliance on kerosene entirely. Each of the entrepreneurs will initially be given two lamps on credit to sell in designated areas, after which they purchase further stock. The initial training will be provided through the Rural Training Centre at Ariahu on the island of Malaita. The micro-entrepreneurs participate in a three day programme, provided at no charge to them. The training covers technical Melanesia News - Summer 2011 21 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 21 27/04/2011 08:51:41 Bursaries for St Patrick’s College, Vanuatu Funding for the first eight of the new bursaries for pupils at St Patrick’s College, Ambae, was sent out in April 2011. This initiative has been set up by Dr Diana Hudson of Wycombe Abbey School and her husband Mike, following their visit to St Patrick’s in August last year. The £2,200 sent represents the first year’s payment of partial bursaries for children already in the school whose parents are unable to afford the full school fees. Six of the bursaries are for a Students enjoying themselves on the football pitch (above) and maximum of five years, and some of the cattle on the school farm (below) two are for pupils in the sixth form. meeting the criteria set out for the scheme. He Pupils will be selected on the recommendation will be sending back details to the UK shortly. of the whole of the senior management team St Patrick’s is a mixed boarding school for boys at St Patrick’s and with the written approval of and girls aged from thirteen to eighteen, which Launch Of Vanuatu Church Partnership Program the Chairman of the Governors, Bishop James is run by the Anglican Church of Melanesia. It Ligo. The bursary scheme comes under the currently has about 320 pupils in all. The school is terms of agreement made between Wycombe on Ambae, in Vanuatu. It was originally founded in Abbey and St Patrick’s earlier this year as part Vureas, in the Banks diocese, in 1903, and moved of there ‘school to school’ link. The pupils will to Ambae in 1936. be expected to write a letter to their sponsor During their visit last year, Di once a year to report on their progress. Hudson helped teach biology in St The timing of the new Patrick’s, and Mike assisted the bursaries has worked headmaster on a variety of issues well as some children including governance. were about to be sent Wycombe Abbey has had links home from St Patrick’s with St Patrick’s, and the this month as fees had Melanesian Mission, for a number not been paid since the of years. One of Wycombe’s old beginning of the school girls, Fiona Willans, taught at St year. Patrick’s in her gap year and has The headmaster of St been back several times since. Patrick’s, Clemson Szallai, has confirmed that It is hoped that there will be about twenty he and his colleagues are working on the bursaries in due course. Anyone who would like to selection of a number of well motivated contribute to the bursary scheme for St Patrick’s children with the potential to achieve should contact Dave Friswell (contact details on high grades, whose parents are rear cover). unable to pay the full fees, thus Andrew Cartwright 22 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 22 27/04/2011 08:51:44 The future of logging in Solomons The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to out. Because income from logging currently Australia has admitted that the demise of the covers about sixty percent of the country’s GDP, Solomons’ logging industry could spark tensions it will certainly cause some friction and tensions among landowners and the government. between our leaders and landowners,” said Last month, a report by the Australian Strategic Beraki Jino, Solomon Islands High Commissioner Policy Institute warned that there’s a high risk of to Australia. conflict re-emerging once Solomon Islands runs “We know it’s going to be a big challenge for out of forests of commercial the Solomon Islands government value in about 2015. and the economy of the country. We are looking at ways to fill the It recommended that Australian gap as we move towards 2015 and and New Zealand troops should we’re trying to look at alternatives. stay on the ground for another We are currently looking at the ten to fifteen years and mining sector but this can take a possibly longer. The Australian long time - certainly beyond five government’s funding for the years.” mission runs out in 2013 but it says it won’t leave until Solomon Islands is ready A recent report released by the Australian to stand on its own feet. Strategic Policy Institute has argued for a external security guarantee, highlighting the “I think there is a real concern about what will Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands happen when the logging in this country runs (RAMSI) as “a useful vehicle for that.” Launch Of Vanuatu Church Partnership Program Partnership with churches is a relatively new approach for AusAID given that the first Church Partnership Programme was established in 2004 in PNG. The Vanuatu Churches Partnership Program (VCPP) has been developed after a significant period of baseline research conducted by the representatives of local churches in consultation with local congregation, the Government of Vanuatu and the Australian Church NGOs partners (Anglican Board of Mission, Uniting Church Overseas Aid, Adventist Development Relief Agencies, Baptist World Aid and the National Council of Churches Australia). The program of support is for Aus $4 million over 3 years. The objective of VCPP is for the Christian Council and churches in Vanuatu, individually and collectively, to play an increasingly recognised and effective role in improving governance and service delivery at national and local levels. The VCPP follows through on a commitment between the Australian and Vanuatu governments to increase community engagement in line with Australian commitment to building demand for better governance in the Pacific. The Vanuatu Priorities and Action Agenda (PAA) 2006 – 2015, also provides a policy platform for government to work with civil society organisations including churches. Over the 3 years the programme will focus on strengthening governance, management and operations of the Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) and institutional strengthening of individual churches. The funding will support local churches develop their human resource plan, conduct capacity building training, including administrative and financial management, and fund office equipment that will help improve the performance of local churches. Local churches are expected to individually and collectively engage effectively with Vanuatu Government, donors and other development partners to expand and improve development initiatives as a result of this support. AusAid Melanesia News - Summer 2011 23 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 23 27/04/2011 08:51:47 Mission 2013 ‘Living a simpler lifestyle’ For those of you who saw a copy of the previous edition of ‘Melanesia News’ you will have read about the forthcoming mission of the Melanesian Brothers and Sisters to the UK. The original plan had be to host the mission in 2012 but due to availability of a suitable leader for the mission the Trustees decided that it would be best to postpone the mission by twelve months to 2013. The good news about this is that we can now announce that the mission will be led by Brother Clark Berge SSF. Br Clark is currently Minister General of the Franciscans and spends Brothers at prayer during the Lambeth Conference 2008 his time working throughout the five SSF provinces around the world. In 2008 Br Clark of then please do register your interest as soon played a major part in the Lambeth Conference as possible. I will ensure you receive full details Chaplaincy team and last year he facilitated a little nearer the time. My contact details are and led the three week course for the religious below. orders in Melanesia on social justice, human Plans for the mission are well underway and the rights and advocacy issues. proposed programme is as follows:- The mission in 2013 will focus on helping people 9th to 14th May 2013 Exeter to ‘live a simpler lifestyle’ drawing upon the 16th to 21st May 2013 Lichfield daily routine of regular prayer of the religious 23rd to 28th May 2013 Chester Diocese communities. The programme will consist of 2nd to 5th June 2013 Chester Diocese seven weeks of ‘mission’ where people can join 14th to 19th June 2013 Chorley the community, experience, pray with and live 21st to 26th June 2013 Ely alongside the Sisters and Brothers. For some 28th June to 2nd July London this may be joining the group for part of a day, for others it may be an opportunity to spend Funding a mission such as this is not cheap! The the whole week together depending on personal Melanesian Mission has agreed to cover 20% circumstances and work commitments. of the costs and we have already had some donations from churches and individuals. If you Each evening there will be a Eucharist followed feel able to support this venture financially that by a shared meal and a topical session on such would be great. Please send cheques made issues as climate change, advocacy, Christian payable to “The Melanesian Mission” or contact spirituality, justice issues and mission. me for bank transfer details or a standing order Places for some venues will be limited so if this form. Do remember that if you are a UK tax payer sounds like something you might like to be part you may also be able to Gift Aid your donations. We are also looking for people, around the areas Contact details below:- where the mission will take place, to get involved Mr David Friswell, Executive Officer with the planning and publicity at the local level. 15 Covell Close, Bury St Edmunds If you feel that you have a few hours to spare and Suffolk, IP33 2HU, UK would like to be involved please do get in touch. Tel: 01284 701 988 This mission will be a great opportunity to Email: [email protected] become better equipped to spread the Gospel Web: www.melanesia.anglican.org message through both faith and action. Registered Charity No 1104551 Dave 24 Melanesia News - Summer 2011 MM Newsletter April 11.indd 24 27/04/2011 08:51:50