The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby and his team arrived in the country on Sunday afternoon for one three days visit.
A high level delegation from the Church of Melanesian led by the Archbishop of the Church of Melanesian in Solomon Islands the Right Reverend David Vunagi and members of the Church were at the Honiara international airport to welcome the visiting delegation.
Despite the slight showers many members of the Anglican Church flocked the airport yesterday afternoon to welcome and witness the arrival of the delegation.
Sunday’s welcome at the International airport included – garlanding, warriors, bamboo band who led the convoy to the western leaf hut at the international airport where the St. Barnabas Cathedral choir presented a welcome song followed by a short welcome speech by archbishop of Melanesia – The Most Revd. David Vunagi and response by Archbishop Welby.
Students from Norman Palmer School and St. Nicholas School were amongst other church members took part in this welcome ceremony waving Canterbury’s flag and ACOM flag as the convoy passed by.
From the Honiara international, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) team escorted the delegation to the Heritage Park hotel yesterday where they will be accommodated during their stay in the country.
This morning Archbishop of Canterbury with his team and will make a visit to Tambala in West Guadalcanal. Later in the day the delegation will be at the St Barnabas Cathedral where the Most Rev and Right Honourable Justin Welby will speak to members of the Church of Melanesian.
The delegation is expected to make courtesy call on the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, the Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo and the British High commissioner to Solomon Islands during the short visit.
Today the Archbishop will also take time speak to the clergies and other lay workers while Mrs Welby will talk to clergies’ wife and the mother union.
The Archbishop and his team will be leaving the country on Tuesday.
BY SOLOMON LOFANA
