Bishops & Spouses Gather for TNK Retreat

Bishops from the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), together with their spouses, gathered for a three-day spiritual retreat at Tetete Ni Kolivuti (TNK), the headquarters of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, from Saturday 13th to Monday 15th June.

Set in the peaceful surroundings of TNK, the retreat provided a valuable time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship. It was an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal and for strengthening relationships within the leadership of the Church.

The retreat was led by Fr Jonathan Lawson, a priest from the Diocese of Newcastle, at the request of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. MMUK was delighted to facilitate Fr Jonathan’s visit to Solomon Islands, supporting this exchange of ministry and fellowship. During his visit, Fr Jonathan will also spend time with the four Anglican religious orders and the Mothers’ Union, deepening links across the Anglican Communion.

Fr Jonathan is a guest director at St Beuno’s Retreat Centre in North Wales, an Ignatian spirituality centre where Archbishop Leonard has previously attended retreat. Drawing on this experience, Fr Jonathan guided participants in exploring their understanding of God — who God is, where God is found, and how God’s presence is encountered in daily life and ministry.

A key focus of the retreat was the vocation and calling of bishops. Through prayer and discussion, participants were encouraged to reflect on their spiritual and pastoral responsibilities, and how they are called to lead and serve within the Church.

Discernment formed a central theme throughout. Fr Jonathan introduced the Ignatian practice of the examen — a simple but profound way of prayerfully reflecting on daily experiences to recognise God’s presence and guidance. He also shared the practice of imaginative prayer and offered insights from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, helping participants deepen their awareness of how God is at work in their lives.

Alongside the structured sessions, the retreat was marked by shared worship, meals, and informal fellowship. The hospitality of the Sisters of the Church, together with the serene setting of TNK, created a nurturing environment for rest and renewal.

The gathering strengthened bonds between the Bishops, their spouses, and the Sisters, leaving all who attended refreshed, encouraged, and renewed in their shared mission to serve the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

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