Dear Editor – The Office of the United Church in Solomon Islands at Kokeqolo in Munda seeks to clarify recent media statement on the suspension on the Moderator, which appeared in the Solomon Star editions, Thursday 18th, and Friday 19th of May.
The Office denies being the source based on the following;
(1) That the article which quoted a Source within the Office as supplying the information to Solomon Star Reporter, Simon Abana is false and does come from the United Church Assembly Office.
(2) That particular person which Solomon Star Reporter quoted therefore is not a member of the United Church Assembly Staff.
(3) The allegation mentioned which resulted in the Suspension are damaging and not correct because the Moderator was never caught in the act as mentioned in the articles.
(4) The articles therefore are clearly disturbing because they do not seem to get a balance view of the issue which is a serious pitfall in responsible reporting and journalism.
(5) Matters regarding Leaders Discipline under the Church accepted procedures can only endorsed through proper Meeting(s) of the Church and not in the media. The intent of this publicity is bent on damaging then on informing and so we find the articles unacceptable.
(6) The United Church Office in Munda therefore calls on Church Members not to buy in to such issue but remain committed and continue with our prayerful support and work.
(7) The Office is also calling on its Members to remain resilience and at the same time call on members of the church who may try to take advantage of the situation to refrain from adding further damage to an already hurting situation. Instead we ask everyone to stand together and work towards healing and forgiveness as we prepare to celebrate the 115 years of the Gospel in Roviana as well as receiving the Roviana Bible.
(8) We ask Solomon Star to apologise for the very serious error of judgement and also to make sure check with United Church Office Munda every time you may want to report on UCSI matters.
Rev M.K.Maezama
Office spokesperson