The Anglican Church of Melanesia, which includes Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia has successfully consecrated and installed Reverend Patteson Worek to become the third Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres (DOBT) in Vanuatu.
The Right Reverend Worek was consecrated by the Archbishop of Melanesia, the Most Reverend David Vunagi and was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres by the Vicar General of the diocese, Reverend Benjamin Gislapwos.
Quoting from the book of Prophet Isaiah, a retired Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Tavoa who preached to a parked crowd highlighted the qualities of a good bishop.
He said; “a bishop must be a man of vision, be a man of Wisdom and must be a man of Integrity”.
“A Bishop must be a man who can read signs in this ever changing times and to meaningfully relate to the people in the community and to the Government of the day and to the greater Anglican Church and the Province of Melanesia”, he said.
“A Bishop must set a high standard of relationship with the leaders of the Government of the day in order to advance the course of the church. The Church is not an isolated institution but very much part of the community it belong”.
On the same note, Archbishop David in his speech reminded the newly consecrated bishop of one of the principles of leadership.
“Leadership is not an easy task and does not involve working alone” Archbishop David said.
Bishop Worek in his first address emphasized that his mission for the Diocese of Banks and Torres will involve a Holistic Mission approach.
“The Holistic development will include spiritual, social, political and economic aspects of people”, he said.
Bishop Worek urged the Government, the chiefs and church leaders and the people of the diocese to assist him in his vision and mission of the diocese.
More than two thousand people living in and around the Diocese of Banks and Torres and a team led by Archbishop David from the Provincial Head Quarter of the Church of Melanesia in Honiara, Church partners in New Zealand and Australia, representatives from the Government of Vanuatu, Vice Chancellor and other prominent church leaders and staff from the ACOM in Vanuatu witnessed the event.
His consecration was a preceded by a retreat on the island of Mota, where the first Melanesian Priest, Fr. George Sarawia was buried. Many groups including Mothers Union members and youths from the visiting districts staged a lot of entertainments that made the event colorful.
The consecration took place at Torba Sports Complex on Sunday the 2nd day of March 2014.
Archbishop David and his party at a welcome ceremony at Torba Sports Complex upon their arrival on Friday 28th of February.
One of the youth groups performing their welcome song at the welcome ceremony.
Visiting Clergy from overseas, General Secretary and Bishops and Archbishop processing onto the consecration site.
Retired Bishops, visiting Bishops and the Archbishop of Melanesia processing into the consecration venue at Torba Sports Complex.
Rev. Worek making his promises before the Archbishop of Melanesia, the Most Rev David Vunagi and the Vice Chancellor of the Anglican Church in Vanuatu, Justice Dudley Aru
Archbishop David and his colleague Bishops laying hands on Rev. Worek during his consecration.
Retired Bishop, Rt. Rev Michael Tavoa placing a MITRE on the newly consecrated Bishop, Rt. Rev Patteson Worek.
VICAR General of the Diocese of Banks and Torres Rev. Benjamen Gislapwos installing Bishop Worek on a diocesan chair to be the Bishop of the Diocese.
One of the districts with in the diocese of Banks and Torres putting on their entertainments after the consecration service on Sunday.
Newly Consecrated Bishop and the third Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres Right Reverend Patteson Worek.
