Leaders and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) gathered for a solemn church service at St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara on Sunday afternoon, ahead of the official commencement of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Monday, 8 September.
The service, held in Honiara, served as a spiritual opening to the regional gathering, bringing together dignitaries, government officials, clergy, and the local community.
The service commenced at 2pm with a welcome by the Master of Ceremony. This was followed by the Call to Worship at 2pm, led by the Very Rev. Wilfred Kekea, Dean of St Barnabas Cathedral and Bishop-elect of the Port Moresby Diocese (ACPNG).
Rev. Armstrong Pitakaji, Moderator of the United Church Solomon Islands, delivered the Opening Prayer, accompanied by an opening item performed by the Wesley United Church Choir.
At 2:10pm, a Ritual of Blessing and Symbolic Offering representing land and ocean was performed by local youth and His Grace Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
Other highlights included:
• Prayer of Confession and Assurance by a representative of the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association
• Bible Readings by women and youth representatives
• Sermon delivered by Rev. James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches
At 2:40 pm, Intercessory Prayers were led by Bishop Eric Maefonia of the South Seas Evangelical Church.
The service concluded with the Peace and Blessing of Leaders by Archbishop Leonard Dawea, followed by a closing item from the St Barnabas Cathedral Choir.
The Benediction was given at 2:53 pm by His Grace Christopher Cardone, Catholic Archbishop of Honiara, followed by announcements and a recessional led by clergy.
Dignitary Departures:
• 3:00 pm: Solomon Islands Prime Minister and PIF Leaders
• 5:10 pm: Chief Justice of Solomon Islands
• 8:10 pm: Secretary General of the PIF Secretariat
• 8:15 pm: All remaining dignitaries
The service reflected the cultural and spiritual unity of the Pacific region and set a reflective tone for the discussions and deliberations to follow in the upcoming 54th Forum Leaders Meeting.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
