THE MELANESIAN BROTHERHOOD (MBH)
THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) was formed by Ini Kopuria, a Policeman from Maravovo village, Guadalcanal in 1925. The order was formed purposely to evangelize people who had not heard the message of Christ in the most remote islands and villages throughout Solomon Islands. By doing so, the Brothers went out in pairs and live as brothers to the people, respecting their traditions or everyday life.
Today, the work of the Brotherhood has reached out to other countries beyond Solomon Islands. The Melanesian Brotherhood has three regions in the Pacific:
- Solomon Islands – includes Brothers in the Philippines
- Papua New Guinea
- Southern Region – that includes Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Diocese of Polynesia.
Melanesian Brotherhood became well known around the World during their fight for peace in the year 1998 – 2003 during the ethnic tension. As a result, 7 Brothers (Tasiu) were murdered.
The Brothers take the vows of Poverty, Chastity and obedience for three years that can be renewed. They train for four years as Novices and normally make their vows to become Brothers at the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude.
Great Conference held after every four years is the highest dicession making body of the community. This is when election of new leaders is often held. Below great conference is the regional conferences, where each regions must carry out before the great conference.
The great supporters of the MBH are the companions.
The Head Quarter of the MBH is in Tabalia, west Guadalcanal. You can also visit us at our Chester Rest House just above Anglican Church of Melanesia Provincial Headquarters and Diocese of Central Melanesia head office, Point Cruz, Honiara.
SOLOMON ISLANDS REGION
REGIONAL FATHER – The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea (Archbishop of Melanesia)
HEAD BROTHER- Br. Augustine Paikeni (Isabel Province).
ASSISTANT HEAD BROTHER – Br. Alister Knights
BROTHERHOOD SECRETARY – Mr. Alister
REGIONAL HEADBROTHER (Solomon Islands region) –
The Mother House of the Melanesia Brotherhood
Tabalia
P O Box 1479
Honiara – SI
Tel: +677 26355
Fax: +677 23079
PAPUA NEW GUINEA REGION
Dobuduru Regional Headquarters
Haruro
P O Box 29
Popondetta
Oro Province
Papua New Guinea
THE ARCHBISHOP OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Regional Father)
REGIONAL HEADBROTHER – Br. Joe Narui
SOUTHERN REGION
Tumsisiro Regional Headquarters moved to Malo Island, Santo.
Vanuatu
REGIONAL FATHER – The Right Reverend James Tama
REGIONAL HEADBROTHER – Br. Enis David
News
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