New Archbishop of Melanesia enthroned

Thousands gathered at the Provincial Cathedral of Saint Barnabas in Solomon Islands at the weekend to witness the installation and enthronement of the new Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia the Most Reverend George Takeli.

Archbishop Takeli, from Ulawa in Makira Province is the sixth Archbishop of Melanesia and Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia.

Speaking to the congregation after the enthronement service Archbishop Takeli said the gathering gave him peace, a swell of encouragement and confidence to take leadership as Archbishop.

“Your attendance at this service also indicated to me of your willingness to working together with me to carry out my vision and plans for mission work of the Anglican Church in the Province of Melanesia as I take charge of this church beginning from today,” he said.

Sunday’s service was witnessed by the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Opposition Leader Jeremiah Manele, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu government representatives, representatives from SICA and SIFGA churches in SI and those representing the religious orders in Solomon Islands.

From overseas, were the representatives from the Anglican Churches of Canada, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and England. Also in attendance were the mission partners from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America and representatives of the New Zealand Advisory Council and Melanesian Mission Trust Board.

Archbishop Takeli said as the new head of the Anglican Church of Melanesia he is now planning to visit government representatives and different organisations in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to discuss how the church can work with them to building strong, peaceful and prosperous communities throughout Melanesia.

He said he wanted to discuss with them the role of the church in their countries and to identify areas which the Anglican Church in those countries can better support their governments achieve their overall goals for their communities.

On the work of the Anglican Church in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Archbishop Takeli said he would need to see how they are performing and identify their needs.

He said this would help strengthen mission work, administration and investment divisions of the church.

“I have plans to meet with head of sister churches in both countries to establish understanding between churches and to see how we can establish a common mission to build the Kingdom of God on our islands in Melanesia,” Archbishop Takeli said.

He said he would also be visiting mission partners and friends overseas “to see how you can support us achieve the mission work, goals and plans for our churches and communities in Melanesia.    
Source:
PACNEWS