The Staff from the Provincial Headquarters of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), together with members of the Religious Communities, warmly welcomed the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Mike Harrison, and his wife, Mrs. Rachel Harrison at Chester Rest House yesterday, Wednesday 5th August 2026.
The Rt Rev. Mike Harrison and Mrs. Harrison was received at the Chester Rest house Car pack by the Chief Operating Officer of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Mr. Peter Pitia, together with the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia, the Right Reverend Othnielson Gamutu, who officially welcomed Bishop Harrison on behalf of the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
The welcome ceremony was attended by representatives of the Diocese of Central Melanesia, members of the religious communities, ministrial leaders, institutions of the Church, and staff members of the Provincial Headquarters.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Peter Pitia expressed the joy of the Church in receiving Bishop Harrison and Mrs. Harrison and extended a warm Melanesian welcome to the distinguished visitors. The gathering was reminded of the long-standing relationship between the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Diocese of Exeter, a relationship deeply rooted in shared faith, fellowship, mission, and the enduring legacy of the early missionaries who helped establish the Church throughout Melanesia.
In his respond, Bishop Harrison conveyed greetings from the 595 churches, 134 church schools, more than 260 clergy, licensed lay ministers, evangelists, pioneers, and the people of the Diocese of Exeter in England.
Bishop Harrison spoke of the importance of strengthening the historic relationship between the two churches and highlighted four principal areas of partnership: mutual support through prayer, learning from one another’s experiences in mission and ministry, drawing inspiration from one another’s witness, and working together on matters of common concern.
He also reflected upon the historical links connecting the Diocese of Exeter with the Anglican Church of Melanesia through the legacy of Bishop John Coleridge Patteson and Bishop Augustus Selwyn, affirming his desire to strengthen these bonds during his episcopal ministry.
Mrs. Rachel Harrison conveyed greetings from the Mothers’ Union within the Diocese of Exeter and expressed her delight at being present during the celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union.
The visit marks another significant milestone in the continuing partnership between the Province of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the Diocese of Exeter. It also reaffirms the shared commitment of both churches to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen Christian fellowship, and work together in service to God and His people.
Bishop Mike and his wife Rachel are in their official visit to ACoM.
During their stay, they will visit key institutions and communities that shape the life of the church in the Solomon Islands. Their itinerary includes worship and teaching engagements at St Barnabas Cathedral, visiting Norman Palmer School, St Nicholas School Farm, All Saints Parish Church, Selwyn College, and the Bishop Patteson Theological College. They will also spend extended time with religious communities such as the Melanesian Brotherhood at Tabalia, the Community of the Sisters of the Church at TNK, the Society of St Francis at La Verna Friary, and the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia at Verana’aso in North West Guadalcanal.
Their program also highlights visits to the Red Beach Observatory project site funded by the Melanesian Mission UK, the Kosu JCPU Project Site, and meetings with the British High Commission, alongside gatherings with ACoM bishops and staff at the PHQ Conference Room.
This journey reflects a blend of worship, theological teaching, educational outreach, environmental awareness, and deep fellowship with Melanesian religious communities.