The Diocese of Ysabel in the Anglican Church of Melanesia witnessed a joyful and another historic occasion with the consecration and installation of Reverend Christopher Hope Fihu as its 7th Diocesan Bishop. The service took place at Saint Paul’s Church, Buala Village, drawing a large crowd of church members, leaders, and guests from across the Solomon Islands and beyond.
The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, led the consecration service. He was assisted by several bishops, including the Rt. Rev. Benedict Loe (Diocese of Guadalcanal), Rt. Rev. Arthur Abui (Diocese of Hanuato’o), Rt. Rev. Michael Bebeu (Diocese of Malaita), Rt. Rev. Anthony Ling (Diocese of Banks and Torres) Rt. Rev. Rickson Maomaoru (Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana), Rt. Rev. Patteson Nibeo (Diocese of Temotu), together with retired Bishops of Ysabel, the Rt. Rev. Richard Naramana and Rt. Rev. Ellison Quity.
Following the consecration, the Vicar-General of the Diocese of Ysabel, Rev. Dudley Palmer, formally installed the Rt. Rev. Christopher Fihu on the diocesan episcopal chair, marking the beginning of his leadership in the diocese.
The Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, preached during the service. In his sermon, he reminded the new bishop and congregation that a bishop’s calling is to be a shepherd to the flock — to listen, care, and offer hope in times of change and challenge.
Archbishop Uluilakepa urged the Church to walk alongside people not only in worship but in every part of life, fostering transformation and resilience. He called on Bishop Fihu and the people of Ysabel to strengthen their partnership with God and one another, so that through faithful discipleship and unity, the church might grow in mission and service. He also spoke about finding new life in the midst of crisis, noting that despite hardships like climate change, isolation, and poverty, the gospel continues to bring hope and renewal.
The Rt. Rev. Christopher Hope Fihu comes from Nareabu Village in Maringe District, Isabel Province. He is married to Salina Hope, also from Nareabu, and they have five children.
Bishop Fihu was ordained deacon in 2009 and priest in 2010. Over the past 14 years, he has served in various ministries within the Diocese of Ysabel, including as District Priest, Parish Priest, and in the diocesan office. He was also a Chaplain, Lecturer, and Deputy Principal at the Mano Wadrokal School of Theology at Tasia.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Fihu shared his vision to promote God’s Kingdom through peace building, strong spirituality, intentional discipleship, self-reliance, and partnership. He emphasized the need for holistic transformation and revitalization of the diocese’s mission work.
The Diocese of Ysabel, established in 1975, was among the first dioceses formed in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. The consecration of Bishop Fihu marks a new chapter in the diocese’s ongoing ministry, with renewed focus on discipleship, community empowerment, and stronger partnerships within the church and island communities.
The Diocese of Ysabel, one of the founding dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), was established in 1975 when the Province became independent from the Church of New Zealand. Since its establishment, the diocese has been shepherded by a line of dedicated and faithful bishops who have guided its people in faith, mission, and service to God. They are:
The Right Reverend Sir Dudley Tuti (1975 – 1981) – Bishop Dudley Tuti was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Ysabel. A pioneer in the life of the Anglican Church in Solomon Islands, he played a key role in shaping the identity of the new diocese after ACoM gained its provincial independence.
He was deeply respected for his wisdom, simplicity, and strong leadership. Under his care, the diocese established its foundational structures for pastoral work, clergy formation, and education. Bishop Tuti’s leadership left a lasting spiritual legacy still remembered across the province.
The Right Reverend Sir Ellison Pogo (1981 – 1994) – Succeeding Bishop Tuti, Bishop Ellison Pogo brought a new era of energy and vision to the Diocese of Ysabel. His ministry focused on building up the clergy, strengthening lay participation, and developing local leadership.
In 1994, he was elected Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, a position he held with distinction until 2008. Archbishop Pogo later became Chair of the Anglican Communion Primates’ Meeting, earning international recognition for his wisdom and peacemaking spirit.
The Right Reverend Walter Siba (1995 – 1999) – Bishop Walter Siba served during a period of renewal and outreach in the diocese. His leadership emphasized evangelism and education, ensuring that mission and social development remained central to the church’s life.
He later also served as Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia (1994 – 1998), helping guide the wider church through a time of growth and change.
The Right Reverend Zephaniah Legumana (2000 – 2003) – Bishop Zephaniah Legumana continued the work of his predecessors with focus on pastoral care and spiritual renewal. His time as bishop strengthened community life within the diocese, and he was known for his humble approach to ministry and strong faith.
The Right Reverend Richard Naramana (2004 – 2015) – Bishop Richard Naramana led the Diocese of Ysabel through focusing on spiritual and institutional strengthening. Under his leadership, the diocese saw growth in clergy training, parish development, and improved relationships with the wider Anglican Church.
He was admired for his pastoral heart and for encouraging cooperation between parishes and mission districts across Ysabel.
The Right Reverend Ellison Quity (2016 – September 2025) – Bishop Ellison Quity, who succeeded Bishop Naramana, served the diocese for nine years. His episcopacy was marked by a focus on spiritual formation, youth empowerment, and sustainable ministry development.
He retired in 2025 after faithfully guiding the diocese through social and environmental challenges while encouraging faith and unity among its people.
The Right Reverend Christopher Hope Fihu (2025 – present) – Consecrated and installed on 2 November 2025 at Saint Paul’s Church, Buala Village, Bishop Christopher Hope Fihu became the 7th Bishop of Ysabel.
A native of Nareabu Village in Maringe District, he brings many years of service within the diocese, having worked as Parish Priest, Diocesan Officer, and Deputy Principal at Mano Wadrokal School of Theology, Tasia.
His vision centers on peace building, strong spirituality, intentional discipleship, self-reliance, and partnership—aiming to revitalize the diocese’s mission and empower communities across Ysabel.