An Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) youth convention is currently underway in Honiara with an official opening held at the Saint Nicholas College Hall on Monday.
Hundreds of Anglican youths in Honiara and from the provinces are taking part in the convention based on the theme “Calling Youths to God’s Mission.”
Officiating in the opening ceremony was, the Reverend Archbishop of the ACOM David Vunagi.
In his speech, the archbishop said, that it is with honour and gratitude that he took the opportunity on behalf of the Anglican Church of Melanesia to extend a word of welcome to the young people and the facilitators of the youth convention and he also thanked St. Nicholas College for the venue.
The Most Reverend told the participants that the theme of the convention tells them what their presence in the event is for.
“You are here not only for the social aspects of the gathering but for you to seek the mind of God how we as a Church can address the chronic problems that affect the youths of today.
“In view of that I expect you all to respect the purpose of your being here and at no time that you should put God as secondary or second best in your programmes this week,” Rev Vunagi said.
He also highlighted in his speech that this convention is historical in a sense that out of the youth conventions held in the past, it is by far a convention that has brought together the biggest number of young people.
Following the one held at Selwyn College in 2001, the second was at the St. Joseph’s Tenaru School in 2010, and this youth convention is the third of its kind and it is a weeklong event which will end at the 28th of June.
As part of kicking off the program a parade was held on Sunday through the streets of Honiara.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA