ACoM Celebrates 50 Years of Independence with Golden Jubilee Week

Published: June 16, 2025
Statue of Jesus as a Melanesia

This June, the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) celebrates a momentous milestone: 50 years of independence from the Anglican Church of New Zealand, Aotearoa, and Polynesia. The Golden Jubilee marks half a century since ACoM became an autonomous Province in the worldwide Anglican Communion in 1975.

Under the theme “Celebrating Our Golden Past, Serving Our Present and Envisioning Our Future Together,” a week of vibrant celebrations began on Saturday, 14th June 2025, with a parade from the Provincial Headquarters to Saint Barnabas Cathedral. Clergy, religious orders, lay members, and students will join in a symbolic march of unity and faith.

Highlights of Jubilee Week

  • Sunday, 15th June – Holy Eucharist at Saint Barnabas Cathedral
    A service of thanksgiving at 12:30 PM launched the week’s celebrations, setting a spiritual tone of gratitude and reflection.
  • ACOM Secondary School Games (ACOMSIC)
    Anglican schools from across the Solomon Islands will gather in fellowship and friendly competition.
  • Mission and Education Symposia
    The ACOM Board of Mission and Education Department will host key discussions on the Church’s evolving mission and the future of Anglican education.
  • Inauguration of John Coleridge Patteson University
    A historic moment as ACoM launches a new university rooted in Christian values and academic excellence.
  • Sunday, 22nd June – Anniversary Thanksgiving Service
    A grand service at Saint Barnabas Cathedral will mark the official 50th anniversary of ACoM’s autonomy.
  • Election of the New Bishop for the Diocese of Ysabel
    A significant leadership transition as the Church discerns new episcopal leadership.

Church leaders from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and overseas mission partners will join in these celebrations. The Jubilee is not only a time to honour the past but also an opportunity to renew the Church’s mission and vision for the future.

Hands praying on a purple background

A Prayer for ACoM’s Golden Jubilee

Faithful and Loving God,
We give you thanks for 50 years of the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s journey as an autonomous Province.
For the vision of its founders, the courage of its leaders, and the faith of its people, we praise your holy name.

Bless the Church in Melanesia—its bishops, clergy, religious communities, Mothers’ Union, educational institutions and laity.
May this Jubilee be a time of unity, thanksgiving, and renewed purpose.
Guide them to be a light in the Pacific and beyond,
proclaiming Christ’s love in word and deed.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.