The Provincial Mothers’ Union (PMU) of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM)has concluded a week-long programme of leadership training and conference yesterday, 15 July 2026, with the election and commissioning of a new Provincial Executive that will guide the organisation over the next three years.
The gathering brought together Mothers’ Union leaders from across the ten dioceses of the ACoM for a period of worship, fellowship, learning, and strategic planning. Beginning on Sunday, participants engaged in intensive leadership training before moving into the General Conference, where key issues affecting the ministry and future direction of the Mothers’ Union were prayerfully considered.
The conference elected Mrs Deborah Kole as the new Provincial President.
Mrs Kole previously served as Provincial Vice President under the leadership of the outgoing President, Mrs Sandra Rollands.
Joining her on the new executive are Mrs Denise Novey Bako, elected as Provincial Vice President, and Mrs Rosemary Sahu, elected as Link and Communication Officer.
Together, they will provide leadership and coordinate the ministry of the Provincial Mothers’ Union throughout the Anglican Church of Melanesia for the next three years.
The newly elected office bearers were commissioned during the Closing Holy Eucharist at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral in Honiara.
The commissioning service was led by the Chaplain of the ACoM Mothers Union, Fr Lonsdale Soboilo Rubaha, who prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance upon the new leadership as they begin their ministry.
Following the commissioning service, the MU in the ACoM officially launched the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of Mothers’ Union Worldwide, marking the beginning of commemorative activities that will now be observed throughout the ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
The anniversary celebrations were launched by Mrs Dorothy G. Siep, Zonal Trustee for Zone C, representing Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Australia, Melanesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Mrs Siep, who served as a schoolteacher for 31 years, joined Mothers’ Union in 1992. Throughout her years of service, she has become a passionate advocate for child protection and safeguarding, completing numerous safeguarding programmes while holding leadership responsibilities at both local and national levels within Mothers’ Union.
Speaking during the launch, she encouraged members across the Province to celebrate the rich legacy 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 now begins.
With newly commissioned leaders and the launch of the global 150th anniversary celebrations, the Provincial Mothers’ Union looks ahead with renewed purpose, united in its mission to strengthen families, nurture faith, and serve communities throughout the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
