𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞

MMUK joins with the Anglican Church of Melanesia in mourning the death of the Right Reverend Patteson Alfred Worek, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres, whom God has recently called to rest.

Archbishop Leonard Dawea, writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, the General Secretary Dr Abraham Hauriasi, and the Anglican family across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, has shared a moving message of condolence with Bishop Worek’s wife, Mrs Annette Worek, and their family.

With deep sadness, my family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you, Mrs. Annette Worek, together with your children, family members, and relatives, on the passing of our dear brother, the 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐤, (retired Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres in the Anglican Church of Melanesia) whom God called to rest yesterday.

On behalf of the Council of Bishops, the General Secretary Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, and the Anglican family in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, we share in your grief and loss.

Bishop Worek was a devoted servant of God who gave himself wholeheartedly to the mission of the Church. Ordained to the priesthood in 2000, he faithfully served in various ministries and parishes within the Diocese of Banks and Torres. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Mission Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia in Honiara. While pursuing studies at the then Pacific Theological College in Suva in 2013, he was elected as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres, a ministry he carried with dedication and humility from 2014 to 2023.

His faithful leadership, humility, and deep love for God’s people will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude. As a Church, we mourn the loss of a shepherd and servant leader, yet we give thanks for his life and witness, holding fast to the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life in Christ.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Please be assured of our continued prayers, love, and support.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4).

Yours in Christ,

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐚 Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia