Following in the Footsteps of Bishop Selwyn: Bishop Benedict’s Pilgrimage to Lichfield

Following his visit to the Diocese of Exeter, the Rt Revd Benedict Loe, Bishop of Guadalcanal, made a special pilgrimage to Lichfield, a place of deep significance in the history of both the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Melanesian Mission.

Bishop Benedict travelled to Lichfield to pay homage to Bishop George Augustus Selwyn, the first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand and one of the founding figures of the Melanesian Mission, whose vision, leadership and missionary zeal helped shape the Anglican Church across the Pacific.

During his visit, Bishop Benedict was warmly welcomed by the Diocesan Secretary Sam Rushton and by the Canon Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral, the Revd Canon Dr Gregory Platten, and was given a tour of the Cathedral, including an opportunity to visit Bishop Selwyn’s tomb, before attending the Cathedral’s midday Eucharist.

For Bishop Benedict, the visit was both personal and symbolic. As Bishop of Guadalcanal, he serves in a diocese that traces its roots directly to the missionary work begun by Selwyn and continued by those who followed him.

The Legacy of Bishop Selwyn

George Augustus Selwyn arrived in New Zealand in 1842 as its first Anglican bishop. From the beginning, he looked beyond New Zealand to the wider Pacific. He undertook numerous voyages amongst the islands of Melanesia, travelling thousands of miles by sea and developing relationships with communities across the region.

Recognising the need for local Christian education and leadership, Selwyn established what became known as the Melanesian Mission, bringing young men from island communities to be educated before returning home to serve their people. His vision laid the foundations for what would eventually become the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

In 1861, Selwyn consecrated John Coleridge Patteson as the first Bishop of Melanesia. Patteson expanded the work throughout Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and beyond, becoming one of the most influential figures in Melanesian Christian history. His death on Nukapu in 1871 profoundly affected supporters in Britain and helped inspire renewed commitment to the Mission.

After more than twenty-five years in New Zealand, Selwyn returned to England in 1868 to become Bishop of Lichfield, where he continued to champion overseas mission and maintain a keen interest in the work of Melanesia until his death in 1878.

Renewing Historic Connections

The historic relationship between Lichfield and Melanesia has been given fresh expression in recent years through a growing programme of visits in both directions. The Revd Rich Clarkson from Lichfield Diocese visited Solomon Islands in September 2025 New Resource: “Pray For Us & Tell Our Stories” – A Bible Study with the Anglican Church of Melanesia | MMUK | Melanesian Mission, and in August 2025 the Diocese of Lichfield welcomed members of the Community of the Sisters of the Church from Solomons. These encounters have enabled people to share experiences of faith and ministry, develop lasting friendships, and strengthen the ties that continue to connect Lichfield with the Church in Melanesia.

Such visits continue the spirit of mutual learning and fellowship that has characterised the relationship between Melanesia and the Church of England for more than 170 years.

Looking Towards 2028

For Bishop Benedict, standing at Bishop Selwyn’s tomb and grave was a moving reminder of the connection between the Church in Melanesia today and one of the key figures whose faith and leadership helped shape its beginnings.

The visit also looked ahead to the future. 2028 will mark the 150th anniversary of Bishop Selwyn’s death, providing an opportunity to celebrate his life and reflect on the enduring impact of his mission in Melanesia and the UK. The Melanesian Mission UK is already planning to be involved in a number of commemorative events and activities, helping a new generation discover the story of Selwyn.

For Bishop Benedict, the pilgrimage to Lichfield offered a poignant connection between past and present, honouring those whose faith and sacrifice helped establish the Church in Melanesia while celebrating the living relationships that continue to unite Anglicans across the world today.