Companions to the Melanesian Brotherhood Gather in Exeter for Annual Meeting

Companions and friends of the Melanesian Brotherhood gathered at the Bishop’s Palace, Exeter, on Friday 18 September for the annual meeting of the UK Companions. Participants travelled from across the United Kingdom, with some making the journey from as far afield as Scotland and Northern Ireland, reflecting the deep affection and commitment that exists for the Brotherhood among its supporters.

The Melanesian Brotherhood is an Anglican religious community founded in 1925 by Ini Kopuria in Solomon Islands. Today, Brothers serve across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Australia, living a life of prayer, evangelism, reconciliation and community engagement. Alongside the Brothers, thousands of Companions around the world support the community through prayer, financial giving and by following a simple rule of life that encourages regular prayer for the Brotherhood and its ministry.

The gathering began with a welcome from the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, who spoke briefly about his visit to Solomon Islands in August and his time spent with the Brothers.

A highlight of the day was an interview conducted by the Revd Richard Carter, former Brother and author of In Search of the Lost, which recounts his experiences with the Brotherhood and the story of the seven Brothers who were martyred during the ethnic tensions in Solomon Islands. Richard interviewed the Rt Revd and the Rt Hon. the Lord Williams of Oystermouth, Rowan Williams, exploring his long association with the Brotherhood and why he became a Companion.

Reflecting on how the Brotherhood first came to his attention during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan spoke movingly of the witness of the seven martyred Brothers:

“I was introduced to the Brotherhood early on in my time as Archbishop when the seven brothers were martyred. It was as if God was telling me, ‘Don’t forget this place, don’t forget these people.’”

The conversation also touched on the distinctive spirituality of the Melanesian Church and religious communities. Lord Rowan reflected on the impact this had made on him personally:

“There is a solidity of the worship, a robustness to the worship, not only the robustness of the music but a solid and centred worship. The clarity that, the main thing, is the main thing. Along with the easy integration of indigenous styles, I thought I had to have this at the Lambeth Conference.”

He went on to explain how Brothers and Sisters from Anglican religious orders in Melanesia were invited to form part of the chaplaincy team at the 2008 Lambeth Conference. Lord Rowan’s vision was for the conference to become a retreat rather than simply a talking shop, and he also asked the chaplaincy team to pray for him at the start of the conference because of his concern about how the gathering would unfold.

Richard also spoke about the vision of Ini Kopuria, the founding mission of the Brotherhood and the importance of Companions. He reflected on how the example of the Brothers, their commitment to prayer, evangelism and reconciliation, and the Companion rule of life had shaped and inspired his own ministry.

During the afternoon, Richard announced the transition in leadership among UK Companions. After many years of faithful service as National Chaplain, he formally handed over the role to the Revd Dr Sam Rylands of the Diocese of London. In the Southwest, the Revd Dr Steve Martin of Exeter Diocese will also take on a leadership role among Companions.

Sam spoke warmly about his own time with the Brotherhood and the profound impact it had made on his life and faith. Looking to the future, he shared aspirations for strengthening the Companion movement in the UK and of plans to organise group pilgrimages to Solomon Islands from 2027 onwards.

There was also a renewed commitment for Companions to gather regularly, either locally, nationally or online, on four key dates each year:

• 24 April – Commemoration of the Seven Martyred Brothers
• 6 June – Ini Kopuria Day
• 19 September – Bishop John Coleridge Patteson Day
• 28 October – St Simon and St Jude, when novices are installed as Brothers

Katie Drew was introduced as the new Secretary to UK Companions and invited those present to share ideas for strengthening links with the Brotherhood in the years ahead. Suggestions included opportunities for online meetings with Brothers and Companions from around the world, shared Bible studies and receiving more regular news and updates from the community.

Katie reminded the gathering that pilgrimage to Melanesia is not a requirement for Companionship.

“You do not need to visit Melanesia to be a Companion. What matters is being faithful in your support, prayer and commitment to the community.”

The Revd Dr Steve Martin spoke movingly about his own visits to the Brotherhood, first as a curate and later during the Brotherhood’s centenary celebrations in 2025. He reflected on the lasting impact those experiences had made on his ministry and spiritual life.

The meeting concluded with attendance at Evensong in Exeter Cathedral. During the service, Ellen Anning from Exeter Diocese and the Revd Canon Jonathan Lawson from Newcastle Diocese were admitted as Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood, while the Revd Dr Sam Rylands was blessed in his new ministry as Chaplain to UK Companions.

The day ended with online prayers linking Exeter with the Melanesian Brotherhood in Solomon Islands. For many present, seeing and hearing the Brothers pray in real time across the world was a deeply moving conclusion to a day marked by thanksgiving, fellowship and renewed commitment to supporting this remarkable Christian community.

As those gathered departed for home, there was a strong sense that the vision of Ini Kopuria continues to inspire people far beyond Melanesia. Through prayer, friendship and faithful support, Companions across the world remain closely connected to the Brothers and their mission of sharing Christ’s peace.

If you would like to learn more about the Melanesian Brotherhood and the Companions, a number of short films are available on the Melanesian Mission UK website at https://www.mmuk.net/films/.

Anyone interested in becoming a Companion, supporting the Brotherhood through prayer and giving, or finding out more about its work across Melanesia is warmly encouraged to contact the Melanesian Mission.

Whether or not you ever visit Melanesia, becoming a Companion is a meaningful way to share in the Brotherhood’s mission of prayer, evangelism, reconciliation and service.