Mothers’ Union Leaders Gather for Provincial Leadership Training in Melanesia
More than 50 Mothers’ Union leaders from across the ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) recently gathered at Saint Nicholas Anglican College for a Provincial Leadership Training programme designed to equip and strengthen women serving in leadership roles throughout the Church.
Held in advance of the 2026 Provincial Mothers’ Union Conference, the training brought together diocesan representatives for three days of learning, worship, fellowship and spiritual renewal. The programme formed an important foundation for the Provincial Conference that followed at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral in Honiara.
Guided by the theme, “Join Us, Join In, Journey Together in Faith,” the training focused on building leadership capacity, deepening participants’ understanding of the Church’s mission, and equipping them to serve more effectively within their dioceses and communities.
Welcoming Friends from MMUK
The opening of the training was attended by The Right Reverend Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport and Chair of MMUK, alongside Fr Jonathan Roberts and Revd Kate Pwai’isiho from Chester Diocese. They were joined by ACoM General Secretary Mr Adrian Toni and ACoM Mission Secretary Revd Nelson Bako.
Their presence highlighted the strong links of friendship and partnership that exist between MMUK and the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
Celebrating a Legacy of Faithful Service
In his keynote address, Mr Adrian Toni described the gathering as far more than the opening of a conference.
“It is the celebration of a movement of faithful women who have quietly shaped the Anglican Church of Melanesia for generations.”
He paid tribute to the Province’s more than 14,000 Mothers’ Union members, recognising their commitment to prayer, pastoral care, family ministry and community service across Melanesia.
Mr Toni encouraged participants to embrace Christ-centred servant leadership, emphasising the importance of integrity, accountability, safeguarding, transparency and responsible financial stewardship as vital expressions of Christian faith and discipleship.
Strengthening Women for Ministry
Provincial Mothers’ Union President Mrs Sandra Rolland welcomed participants, facilitators and guests, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to bring leaders together from across the Province.
She encouraged delegates to make the most of the training through learning, fellowship and mutual encouragement, describing it as a significant milestone in their leadership journey.
Leading the opening devotion, Bishop Sam Corley reminded participants that Christian leadership begins with faithful discipleship and humble service. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide the training, strengthen relationships between dioceses and equip leaders with wisdom, courage and renewed vision for their ministries.
Practical Training for Effective Leadership
The programme covered a wide range of topics designed to strengthen leadership and governance within Mothers’ Union and the wider Church.
Sessions included:
- Understanding the structure of the Melanesian Board of Mission
- ACoM Safeguarding Policy
- Safe Church and Child Protection
- Peace and Reconciliation
- Financial Management
- Fraud and Corruption Prevention
- Evangelism and Intentional Discipleship
- Provincial Strategic Planning
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
- Reporting and Leadership Development
The sessions were facilitated by departmental heads and coordinators from across the Anglican Church of Melanesia, providing participants with practical knowledge and skills to support their ministry at diocesan and parish level.
Investing in the Future
The training demonstrated the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s commitment to investing in women leaders and strengthening the ministry of Mothers’ Union throughout the Province.
For many delegates, the gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and return home better equipped to support families, nurture faith and serve their communities.
As Mothers’ Union continues to play a vital role in the life of the Church across Melanesia, programmes such as this help ensure that leaders are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of ministry in a rapidly changing world.
The words shared during the gathering offer a fitting summary of the vision behind the event:
“Together, let us Join Us, Join In, and Journey Together in Faith.”
And perhaps most importantly:
“May every person who meets you see not simply a Mothers’ Union member, but see Jesus Christ living within you.”
At MMUK, we give thanks for the dedication and faithfulness of Mothers’ Union members throughout Melanesia and pray that the knowledge, encouragement and friendships gained through this training will continue to bear fruit in families, churches and communities across the Province.