The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) celebrated the inauguration of its 10th diocese, the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, on the Feast of Christ the King. The historic event occurred at Saint Barnabas Cathedral in Saá Village, South Malaita, and marked a significant step in ACOM’s ongoing efforts to decentralize and better serve its growing communities across the Solomon Islands.
The new diocese comprises the Small Malaita and the Kwaio regions, covering the parishes of Small Malaita, Kwaio, East Are’are, West Are’are, Maramasike, Walade, and Sikaiana. It is the culmination of a vision that began in 1996 during the Diocesan Synod of Malaita and was formally endorsed at the 19th General Synod held at Selwyn College in 2021.
The decision to create a separate diocese stemmed from the need to address the unique challenges of serving the diverse and geographically dispersed areas of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana. The existing Diocese of Malaita had found it increasingly difficult to effectively manage its resources and ministry across these varied territories with their distinct cultures, languages, and geographical separation.
The establishment of the new diocese will enable:
- More localized leadership and outreach
- Greater authority to local clergy, empowering them to provide more direct spiritual guidance
Right Reverend Rickson Maomaoru was installed as the first bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana. The inauguration service was a momentous occasion, with Archbishop Leonard Dawea presiding over the reading, and Chancellor Linton Stevens presenting the legal document confirming Bishop Rickson’s election and installation.
Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita, Right Reverend Sam Sahu, delivered a powerful sermon, emphasizing the importance of truth, unity, holiness, mission, and love as the foundation of the new diocese. Bishop Sahu highlighted the historical connection of the new diocese to the broader Anglican Communion, the legacy of missionary bishops like Selwyn and Patteson, and the pioneering work of local missionaries.
He urged the new diocese to:
- Embrace the inclusive and exclusive nature of Jesus Christ, following his example of loving sinners while hating sin
- Remain grounded in biblical and theological doctrines while adapting to the administrative, liturgical, and missional demands of the present-day
- Uphold truth and righteousness, even at the risk of personal cost, just as Jesus did
- Reflect the unity of the Godhead, promoting a spiritual oneness rooted in a shared mind, heart, purpose, and love
- Pursue holiness both personally and within society, advocating for ethical standards and a clear moral vision for the Solomon Islands
- Actively engage in mission work, extending God’s love and care to the lost, the needy, and the marginalized through preaching, teaching, healing, feeding, and acts of good governance
- Build the diocese on a foundation of love, recognizing that God is love and that true fellowship flows from abiding in Jesus
The inauguration was attended by a diverse gathering of dignitaries, clergy, and lay people from across the Solomon Islands and beyond, including:
- A delegation from the Melanesian Mission Trust Board (MMTB) in New Zealand
- Governor General Reverend David Tiva
- Representatives from various dioceses within ACOM, including the Diocesan Bishop of Central Solomon, the Diocesan Bishop of Malaita, and the Diocesan Bishop of Temotu.
- Ecumenical representatives from other Christian denominations
- Representatives from traditional communities
- Member of Parliament for Maringe Kokota; Mrs Honourable Cathy Nori
- Religious communities, including the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Sisters of Melanesia, and the Sisters of the Church
- International guests, including representatives from the Anglican Diocese of Riverina in Australia
- The event was also live-streamed, allowing Anglicans throughout the Solomon Islands and abroad to participate in this historic moment.
The inauguration of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana represents a significant milestone in the growth and development of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. The creation of this new diocese reflects the church’s commitment to serving the unique needs of its local communities and promoting local leadership.
As Bishop Rickson Maomaoru takes on his role as the first bishop, the new diocese is on board on a journey of faith, mission, and service, guided by the principles of truth, unity, holiness, mission, and love.