BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
BISHOP of the Diocese of Isabel, Rev. Chris Hope, has acknowledged the Premier and Government of Western Province during his familiarisation visit to Gizo over the weekend.
Speaking during a gathering at St Luke Anglican Parish, Bishop Hope said he was honoured to meet Western Province Premier Billy Veo and two of his ministers, describing their presence as significant to the future vision of the Diocese of Isabel.
“To the Provincial Government of Western Province, today is very significant. My coming is just a familiarisation tour to meet parishioners, but meeting you is an honour.
“On behalf of St Luke Parish and the entire Diocese of Isabel, I’m honoured and humbled by your presence here today, though it was on short notice. Your presence is a gift of blessing to us,” he said.
Hope said the attendance of the provincial leaders fulfilled one of the key pillars of the new approach being undertaken by the Diocese of Isabel — strengthening partnerships with important stakeholders.
He said God had provided the opportunity for the diocese to meet one of its important partners in governance.
“This partnership we establish today brings me back to my province and our relationship with our own provincial government.
“We have been distanced and this is why I’m sad and at the same time honoured to have this relationship with the Western Provincial Government,” Hope said.
He said governance structure in Isabel Province was traditionally based on a tripod system involving the church, provincial government and chiefs working together to govern the province.
However, Hope said the system had weakened over time, resulting in social, economic and spiritual challenges.
“I’m so pleased to see the system is fully active and honoured in Western Province.
“Premier and Ministers, your presence here reinforces the very root of success in our province, communities and churches,” he said.
Hope commended Premier Veo and his government for their continued support towards church development throughout the province.
He said building churches was part of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth and acknowledged the government’s generous support towards churches across Western Province.
“Churches represent God on earth to guide all Christians into the Kingdom of God,” Hope said.
He said the Diocese of Isabel looks forward to working closely with the Western Provincial Government, sister churches, chiefs and elders throughout Western Province.
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