The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, The Right Rev. Anthony Poggo, has visited the grave of the Melanesia Martyrs as part of  a provincial tour in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. 

Hosted by The Most Revd Leonard Dawea, the Archbishop of Melanesia, the Secretary General visited grave at the headquarters of the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican Religious order, at Tabalia. He was greeted with a traditional warrior welcome and a vibrant performance by the Brothers and Novices. The dancers led the visiting team to the Brothers’ garland, where they were warmly received by the Melanesian Brotherhood community.  

He learnt more about the seven martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood, who were murdered by rebels in the Solomon Islands in 2003, while engaged in peacebuilding work during the Soloman Islands ethnic tensions.  The Melanesian Martyrs are also commemorated in Canterbury Cathedral, where an icon of them was dedicated at the closing service of the 2008 Lambeth Conference.

The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion and The Most Revd Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of The Anglican Church of Melanesia along with other leaders from the Anglican Church of Melanesia visit the graves of seven martyred members of the Melanesian Brotherhood.

The Secretary General prayed and honoured their sacrifice and celebrated their legacy of courage and service. In his closing remarks, he encouraged the brothers to continue the important work entrusted to them, reminding them of their vital role in spreading the Gospel and serving their communities.

During his tour in Melanesia, the Secretary General also met with with members of the Council of Bishops and staff at the Provincial Headquarters. He learnt more about Anglican educational institutions in the region, including Saint Nicholas Anglican College, Bishop Patteson Theological College and John Coleridge Patteson University. He spent time with teachers and students, hearing about the curriculum and student life.

Other visits were made to Tetete Ni Kolivuti (TNK), where he met with the Sisters of the Church community and the Christian Care Centre (CCC), which is the only safe home in Solomon Islands for children, women, and young girls who are victims of domestic violence.

The visit concluded with the Secretary General attending a Church service as the guest preacher at the Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral, Diocese of Central Melanesia, in Honiara. The Most Revd Leonard Dawea presided.

The Church of Melanesia reported that: “Bishop Poggo’s visit underscores the Anglican Communion’s commitment to fostering unity and strengthening relationships among its provinces worldwide. The Anglican Church of Melanesia welcomes this historic visit, which serves to deepen ties and encourage mutual collaboration in the mission and ministry of the global Anglican family.”

Archbishop Leonard Dawea said: “It has been a joy to welcome the Secretary General on his visit to The Anglican Church of Melanesia. His visit is a clear testament of our sense of belonging to the Anglican Communion. It shows us that distance does not keep us apart. We understand each other best when we go, see, talk, eat, learn from one another and share our Christian journey together.”

The Secretary General said: “I have been overjoyed by my visit to the Anglican Church of Melanesia where I have learnt much about the mission and witness of my Anglican brothers and sisters. It was inspiring to see the church’s vision for education and community work and visit the site of the university the Province wish to build. My visit to the graves of the seven Melanesian Martyrs was moving and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to honour their sacrifice and commitment to peace. I will continue to pray for the ministry of the Anglican Church of Melanesia."

Get more information about the Anglican Church of Melanesia here