Thousands gathered at the Provincial Cathedral of Saint Barnabas on Sunday morning to witness the installation and enthronement of the new archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend George Takeli.
Takeli, from Ulawa in Makira Province, is the sixth Archbishop of Melanesia and Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia.
Speaking to the congregation after the enthronement service Takeli said yesterday’s gathering gave him peace, a swell of encouragement and confidence to take leadership as Archbishop.
He said he deeply treasures a new working relationship between his church members and wants to visit various offices to discuss more on how different organisations can better support each other towards building a strong, peaceful, and prosperous community on the many islands throughout Melanesia.
Sunday’s service was witnessed by the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Opposition Leader Jeremiah Manele, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu government representatives, representatives from SICA and SIFGA churches in SI and those representing the religious orders in Solomon Islands.
From overseas, were the representatives from the Anglican Churches of Canada, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and England.
Also in attendance were the mission partners from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America and representatives of the New Zealand Advisory Council and Melanesian Mission Trust Board.
Takeli, 56, was born in Suholo Village on Ulawa in Makira Province.
He was ordained a priest in 1995 and consecrated as the fourth bishop of Temotu in August 2009.
Takeli holds a master’s degree in theology from the Auckland University, New Zealand and is undertaking a doctoral degree in theology at Charles Stuart University in Australia.
He married his second wife, June Mole, last December. His first wife, Lillian, died in 2014.
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