The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), along with members of the ACoM Management Board made courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Vanuatu respectively.
During the visit at the Prime Minster’s office yesterday morning, Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat acknowledged the Anglican Church’s positive contributions to Vanuatu, particularly in leadership development, but also expressed his concerns about the weakening relationship between the church and the government and called for renewed collaboration.
During their meeting at the State House, President Nikenike Vurobaravu expressed his deep appreciation for the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s contributions to Vanuatu’s national development. He emphasized the church’s integral role as a key stakeholder in the country’s progress, particularly reflecting on its historical involvement in Vanuatu’s independence struggle.
The President acknowledged the church’s ability to unite diverse tribes, languages, and customs under the common belief in God, which is protected in the nation’s constitutional preamble.
He also highlighted the importance of the church’s collaboration with the government and traditional chiefs in advocating for Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). He particularly emphasized the church’s role in addressing climate change and promoting resilience by incorporating traditional wisdom with modern development strategies.
Archbishop Leonard during this visit took time to acknowledge and congratulated the two leaders for their successful election and leading the country forward despite so many challenges.
The Archbishop also extended his sympathies to the two leaders for the devastation caused by the December 2024 earthquake, which resulted in loss of life, property destruction, and disruptions to livelihoods and schools. He highlighted ACoM’s humanitarian efforts in providing relief, including the deployment of the church’s mission ship, Southern Cross.
Recognizing Vanuatu’s leadership in climate change advocacy, the Archbishop reaffirmed ACoM’s support for the government’s efforts to push for climate justice, particularly for small island developing states. He also noted the church’s partnerships with mission organizations to enhance disaster preparedness and community resilience.
The Archbishop emphasized the Anglican Church’s historical contribution to education and health services in Vanuatu. He expressed a desire to strengthen these efforts, particularly in areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), early childhood education, and secondary education. Additionally, he announced that the Anglican Church is working towards establishing its own university, which will provide greater educational opportunities for Vanuatu’s youth.
The Archbishop also discussed ACoM’s interest in collaborating with the government to enhance support for Vanuatu’s citizens participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes.
Addressing concerns about gender-based violence, Archbishop Dawea reaffirmed ACoM’s commitment to creating safer communities. He outlined initiatives to begin by making church spaces safer, with a long-term vision of expanding these efforts throughout the wider community.
Archbishop Dawea concluded both meetings by reaffirming the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s commitment to working alongside the Vanuatu government in education, health, disaster response, climate change advocacy, and community development.
This historic visit reinforced the deep-rooted relationship between ACoM and Vanuatu’s government, setting the stage for strengthened partnerships in the years ahead.