The Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana (DOSMS) in the Province of Malaita is the newly inaugurated diocese within the Province of Melanesia. The diocese was inaugurated on the 24th of November 2024, on the Feast of Christ the King, at St. Barnabas Church in Sa’a Village, Small Malaita, Malaita Province.
The first bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana is the Right Reverend Rickson Maomaoru, formerly the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita in the Church of Melanesia. He was elected to this position on the 16th of June 2024 by the diocesan electoral board at TNK.
Thousands of people from the regions and parishes of the diocese, including Are’kwaio, Small Malaita, and Sikaiana, witnessed the inauguration of the new diocese and the installation of its first bishop. Notable attendees included the Governor-General of Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rev. David Tiva Kapu, along with other government ministers and representatives from the Small Malaita Constituency Office. The ceremony was also graced by the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of Melanesia, and the Council of Bishops, including retired Bishops Rt. Rev. Sam Sahu and Rt. Rev. Nathan Tome. Also present were the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the Province, Bishop Donald Kirk of the Diocese of Riverina (Anglican Church of Australia), clergymen and women, and lay members of the Church of Melanesia. Representatives from the Melanesian Trust Board in New Zealand also attended this historic event.
The preacher for the day was the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita, retired Bishop Rt. Rev. Sam Sahu.
The Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana encompasses areas from the borders of Kwaio and Are’are, both to the east and west, including the Maramasike Passage, Small Malaita, and the Sikaiana Atoll islands.
The diocesan headquarters is currently established at Afio Station, while the diocesan cathedral, St. Barnabas Church, is located in Sa’a Village.
Contacts:
Diocesan Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Rickson G. Maomaoru
The Bishop of Southern Malaita & Sikaiana Islands
Bishop’s House,
Afio Postal Agency,
Small Malaita, Solomon Islands
Email: ricksonmaomaoru70@gmail.com, rgmao2017@gmail.com, maomaorurickson@gmail.com
Mobile Phone: (677) 7239922
Diocesan Secretary
Phone: (677)
Mobile: (677)