MEMBERS of the Brothers of the Church of Melanesia have marked the birth of the Melanesia Brotherhood society in the over the weekend.
The commemoration featured members of the Melanesian brotherhood walking from Tabalia to Maravovo villages.
This was an act of remembrance of the founder, the late Ini Kopuria who was the first local brother of the Churches of Melanesian.
Solomon Star West Guadalcanal stringer John Toki said, more than 30 members of the Church of Melanesian Brothers including Selwyn College students and members of the surrounding communities participated in the program.
The highlight of the program involved the Selwyn College students who were given responsibility to work in the communities providing spiritual teaching to the people.
As Church workers it is important that responsibility, taken to serve the live of people in the communities with the word of God by teaching, helping and showing people about the spiritual life, according to the most Rev Archbishop David Vunagi of the Church of Melanesian.
The Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) was formed by Ini Kopuria, a Policeman from Maravovo village, and Guadalcanal in 1925.
The order was formed purposely to evangelize people who have not heard the message of Christ in the most remote islands and villages throughout Solomon Islands.
By doing so, the Brothers went out in pairs and live as Brothers to the people, respecting their traditions or everyday life.
Today, the work of the Brotherhood has reached other countries beyond Solomon Islands. The Melanesian Brotherhood has three regions in the Pacific:
– Solomon Islands – includes Brothers in the Philippines and Vancouver
– Papua New Guinea,
– Southern Region – that includes Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Diocese of Polynesia.
Melanesian Brotherhood became well known around the World during their struggle for peace in the year 1998 – 2003 during the ethnic tension.
The Brothers take the vows of poverty, hastity and obedience for three years that can be renewed.
They trained for four years as Novices and normally make their vows to become Brothers at the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude.
The Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia – The Most Reverend David Vunagi is the father of Brotherhood.
Their headquarters is in Tambalia, Northwest Guadalcanal.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
