BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PARISHIONERS of Saint Luke Anglican Church in Gizo gathered over the weekend to warmly welcome the newly consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Isabel, Reverend. Chris Hope, and his delegation during his first official visit to Western Province.
The delegation arrived in Gizo on Friday evening, while the official welcome ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon.
The program continued with a dinner later in the evening and concluded with a Holy Eucharist service on Sunday morning.
Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, accompanied by two provincial ministers, also attended the dinner celebration.
Speaking during the dinner, Chairlady of Saint Luke Church, Mrs. Ilene Ziudanga, described the bishop’s visit as an important opportunity for parishioners to meet their new spiritual leader and reaffirm their faith in the church.
She said the visit also provided an avenue for church leaders to discuss issues and share visions that aim to strengthen church development in Western Province.
Ziudanga said Bishop Hope’s visit will strengthen relationships between the diocese, church leaders and parishioners throughout the province.
“We are honoured to welcome and acknowledge Bishop Hope and his delegation to St Luke Parish,” she said.
Ziudanga said Saint Luke Parish continues to work towards strengthening the church’s capacity, sustaining its mission and expanding its ministry throughout Western Province.
According to Ziudanga, the church has secured parcels of land in various parts of the province that are yet to be developed.
She also revealed that the church possesses large areas of land that require further investment to support church operations and future programs.
“I’ve made this same call to the outgoing bishop but nothing has been done. Our call now is for your administration to focus more on developing not only St Luke Parish but Anglican churches throughout Western Province.
“Our vision is to build a rest house and hall for the church to generate revenue that would support the vision and mission of the church,” Ziudanga said.
She also acknowledged Premier Billy Veo and the Western Provincial Government for their continued support towards churches in the province.
Rev. Chris Hope is currently visiting churches in Western and Russell Islands as part of his first pastoral tour since his consecration as bishop.
The delegation departed Gizo yesterday and will continue their visit to Seghe before travelling to the Russell Islands later this month.
Photos: Ben Bilua
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