New Leadership for MU in Melanesia as 150th Anniversary Celebrations Begin

The Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) has entered an exciting new chapter following the election and commissioning of a new Provincial Executive to lead the organisation over the next three years.

Leaders from across ACoM’s ten dioceses gathered in Honiara for a week of worship, fellowship, leadership training and strategic planning. The programme began with leadership development sessions before moving into the Provincial General Conference, where members prayerfully considered the future direction and ministry of the Mothers’ Union across Melanesia.

At the conclusion of the conference, Mrs Deborah Kole was elected as the new Provincial President. Mrs Kole previously served as Provincial Vice President and brings significant experience to her new role. She succeeds Mrs Sandra Rollands, whose leadership has guided the Mothers’ Union in Melanesia in recent years.

Joining Mrs Kole on the new Provincial Executive are Mrs Denise Novey Bako, elected as Provincial Vice President, and Mrs Rosemary Sahu, elected as Link and Communication Officer. Together, they will help coordinate and strengthen Mothers’ Union ministry throughout the Province.

The new leaders were commissioned during the closing Holy Eucharist at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral in Honiara. The service was led by the ACoM Mothers’ Union Chaplain, Fr Lonsdale Soboilo Rubaha, who prayed for God’s wisdom, strength and guidance as they begin this important ministry.

The gathering also marked a significant milestone for Mothers’ Union worldwide. Following the commissioning service, the Provincial Mothers’ Union officially launched local celebrations of the organisation’s 150th anniversary, beginning a season of commemorative events that will take place across all ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

The anniversary celebrations were launched by Mrs Dorothy Siep, Zonal Trustee for Zone C, representing Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Australia, Melanesia and Papua New Guinea. A lifelong educator and Mothers’ Union member since 1992, Mrs Siep is a passionate advocate for child protection and safeguarding. In her address, she encouraged members to celebrate the rich heritage of Mothers’ Union while renewing their commitment to Christian discipleship, family life, safeguarding children and serving communities in Christ’s name.

As one conference ends, a new chapter begins. With newly commissioned leaders and the launch of the 150th anniversary celebrations, the Mothers’ Union in Melanesia looks to the future with renewed purpose, continuing its mission to nurture faith, strengthen families and serve communities throughout the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

From ACoM News

Prayer for the New Mothers’ Union Leaders in Melanesia

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the ministry of the Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Melanesia and for all who faithfully serve your people through its work.

We pray for Deborah, Denise and Rosemary as they begin their leadership of the Provincial Mothers’ Union. Fill them with your wisdom, grant them strength for their responsibilities, and guide them by your Holy Spirit in every decision they make.

Bless the members of Mothers’ Union across the ten dioceses of Melanesia. Unite them in faith, hope and love as they seek to strengthen families, nurture Christian discipleship and serve their communities.

As they celebrate 150 years of Mothers’ Union worldwide, renew their vision for the future and inspire a new generation of members to follow Christ and share his love.

We ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.