More than 50 Mothers’ Union leaders from the ten dioceses of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) gathered at Saint Nicholas Anglican College this morning for the Provincial Mothers’ Union Leadership Training that will end on Saturday 11th.
The training is being held prior to the Provincial Mothers’ Union Conference which will be officially opened on Sunday 12th with a Holy Eucharist service at the Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral and meeting proper from 13th to 15th July 2026 at the Melanesia leaf haus, Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral.
Held under the conference theme, “Join Us, Join In, Journey Together in Faith,” the three-day leadership training seeks to strengthen diocesan leaders by deepening their understanding of the Church’s mission, enhancing leadership capacity, and equipping them to serve more effectively within their dioceses and communities.
Witnessing the official opening of the training this morning were The Right Reverend Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport and Chairman of the Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) Board, accompanied by The Reverend Jonathan and Reverend Katie Pwai’isiho from the Melanesian Mission UK. ACoM General Secretary Mr. Adrian Toni and ACoM Mission Secretary Rev. Nelson Bako also took part in the ceremony.
In his Keynote address, Mr Adrian Toni, Mr Adrian Tony described the gathering as “more than the opening of a conference; it is the celebration of a movement of faithful women who have quietly shaped the Anglican Church of Melanesia for generations.”
He paid tribute to the Province’s more than 14,000 Mothers’ Union members, acknowledging their steadfast witness through prayer, pastoral care, family ministry and community service.
He encouraged participants to model Christ-centered servant leadership, emphasizing that integrity, accountability, safeguarding, transparency and sound financial stewardship are not merely administrative responsibilities but essential expressions of Christian discipleship and faithful ministry.
Welcoming participants, facilitators and guests, the Provincial Mothers’ Union President Mrs Sandra Rolland expressed her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to gather leaders from across the Province for this important gathering.
She noted that the training marks a significant milestone for the women and encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity for learning, spiritual renewal, fellowship and mutual encouragement as they prepare for the Conference.
Leading the opening devotion this morning, Bishop Sam Corley reminded participants that leadership in the Church begins with faithful discipleship and humble service. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide every session, strengthen relationships among the dioceses, and equip the leaders with renewed vision, wisdom and courage for ministry.
Throughout this 3 days training, participants will engage in sessions on: Understanding the structure of the Melanesian Board of Mission, ACoM Safeguarding Policy, Safe Church and Child Protection, Peace and Reconciliation, Financial Management, Fraud and Corruption Prevention, Evangelism and Intentional Discipleship, Provincial Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and Reporting and Leadership Development.
Departmental heads and various coordinators within ACoM will facilitate each topics.
These sessions are designed to equip Mothers’ Union leaders with the knowledge, practical skills and spiritual foundation needed to strengthen governance, leadership and mission within their respective dioceses while advancing the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s vision and strategic priorities.
As the Province prepares for the opening of the Provincial Mothers’ Union Conference on 12 July, the Church invites all members to uphold the delegates, facilitators and leaders in prayer. May this gathering renew faith, strengthen Christian leadership, empower women in ministry, and inspire fresh commitment to building Christ-centred families and communities throughout Melanesia.
“Together, let us Join Us, Join In, and Journey Together in Faith.”
“May every person who meets you see not simply a Mothers’ Union member, but see Jesus Christ living within you.”