By Aldrin Peloko, The Anglican Church of Melanesia

The Anglican Church of Melanesia, which includes Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, this week consecrated and installed Reverend Patteson Worek as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres (DOBT) in Vanuatu.

The Rt Reverend Worek was consecrated by the Archbishop of Melanesia, the Most Reverend David Vunagi and was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres by the Vicar General of the diocese, Revd Benjamin Gislapwos.

Preaching to a large crowd, the Rt Revd Michael Tavoa a retired bishop of the diocese, quoted from the Book of Isaiah to highlight the qualities of a good bishop.

He said, “A bishop must be a man of vision, be a man of wisdom and must be a man of integrity. A bishop must be a man who can read signs in these ever changing times and can meaningfully relate to the people in the community and to the Government of the day and to the greater Anglican Church and the Province of Melanesia.

“A bishop must set a high standard of relationship with the leaders of the Government of the day in order to advance the course of the Church. The Church is not an isolated institution but very much part of the community to which it belongs."

Archbishop Vunagi in his speech reminded the newly consecrated bishop of one of the principles of leadership.

“Leadership is not an easy task and does not involve working alone,” Archbishop Vunagi said.

Bishop Worek in his inaugural address stressed that his mission for the Diocese of Banks and Torres would involve a holistic approach.

“The holistic development will include spiritual, social, political and economic aspects of people,” he said.

Bishop Worek urged the Government, the chiefs, church leaders and the people of the diocese to assist him in his vision and mission of the diocese.

Those who witnessed the consecration at Torba Sports Complex on Sunday March 2 included more than two thousand people living in and around the Diocese of Banks and Torres, a team led by Archbishop David from the Provincial Head Quarter of the Church of Melanesia in Honiara, Church partners in New Zealand and Australia, representatives from the Government of Vanuatu, the Vice Chancellor and other prominent Church leaders, and staff from the ACOM in Vanuatu.

The Bishop's consecration was preceded by a retreat on the island of Mota, where the first Melanesian Priest, Fr. George Sarawia was buried. Many groups including Mothers' Union members and youths from the visiting districts staged a lot of entertainments that brought colour to this auspicious day.