New Provincial Mothers’ Union Leadership Commissioned in Melanesia

Published: July 20, 2026
Deborah Kole, Denise Novey Bako & Rosemary Sahu

The Provincial Mothers’ Union (PMU) of the Anglican Church of Melanesia has concluded a week of leadership training, worship, fellowship and strategic planning with the election and commissioning of a new Provincial Executive team.

The gathering, which ended on 15 July 2026, brought together Mothers’ Union leaders from across all ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Participants spent time reflecting on the ministry and future direction of the organisation while receiving leadership training and sharing experiences from their dioceses.

New Provincial Executive Elected

At the close of the conference, members elected Mrs Deborah Kole as the new Provincial President of the Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

Mrs Kole previously served as Provincial Vice President under the leadership of the outgoing President, Mrs Sandra Rollands, and brings valuable experience and commitment to her new role.

Joining her on the Provincial Executive are:

  • Mrs Denise Novey Bako, Provincial Vice President
  • Mrs Rosemary Sahu, Link and Communication Officer

Together, they will help guide and coordinate the ministry of the Mothers’ Union throughout the Province over the next three years.

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

Celebrating 150 Years of Mothers’ Union

The conference concluded with another significant milestone as the Anglican Church of Melanesia officially launched celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Mothers’ Union Worldwide.

The launch was led by Mrs Dorothy G. Siep, Zonal Trustee for Zone C, representing Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Australia, Melanesia and Papua New Guinea.

A former schoolteacher with 31 years of experience, Mrs Siep joined the Mothers’ Union in 1992 and has become a passionate advocate for safeguarding and child protection. During the launch, she encouraged members throughout Melanesia to celebrate the rich heritage of Mothers’ Union while renewing their commitment to Christian discipleship, strengthening family life, safeguarding children and serving their communities in Christ’s name.

The anniversary celebrations will now be observed across all ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, providing opportunities to give thanks for the past while looking forward to the future.

A Call to Prayer

As one chapter ends and another begins, MMUK invites supporters to pray for the newly commissioned Provincial Executive and for the ministry of Mothers’ Union throughout Melanesia.

Please pray:

  • For Deborah Kole, Denise Novey Bako and Rosemary Sahu as they take up their new leadership responsibilities.
  • For wisdom, discernment and unity as they guide the Provincial Mothers’ Union over the next three years.
  • For Mothers’ Union members across the ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
  • For the 150th anniversary celebrations, that they may inspire a renewed commitment to faith, family life and community service.
  • For the continued strengthening of families, women, children and communities throughout Melanesia.

We give thanks for the faithful ministry of the outgoing leadership and pray that God will bless and equip the new Provincial Executive as they lead Mothers’ Union into this exciting new chapter of its life and witness across Melanesia.