BY JOSES SAREN
Government will hold a National Thanksgiving Church Service this Sunday, July 5, at St Barnabas Cathedral ahead of the country’s 48th independence anniversary.
This years’ service carries the theme “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands”, marking 48 years since Solomon Islands gained independence from Britain on July 7, 1978. Members of the public are welcome to attend, with arrivals beginning from 2:15pm ahead of dignitaries and Members of Parliament.
Church leaders involved in the service say this year’s theme carries a message that extends beyond marking the anniversary.
Reverend Wilfred Kekea, Dean of St. Barnabas Cathedral, said the Christian body as a church has a role in the nation’s independence commemorations because it exists for the same people the country serves.
“The church is part of the country, and just as Independence Day is a national day for the people, the church is also for the people. This symbolises that as a country, we put God first before everything,” Kekea said.
Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea, who will deliver this year’s sermon, echoed that theme of national purpose, saying the service is a call to unity as much as a commemoration.
“This celebration is not only a commemoration of our history on God’s faithfulness but also a call to unity, renewal, and commitment to building a stronger Solomon Islands. May it inspire our leaders and communities to uphold the values of peace, respect, and shared responsibility as we journey into the future,” Maefonea said.
Lionel Dau, general secretary of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), said the program is organised by the 48th Independence Anniversary Organising Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with SICA represented on the committee.
Dau said this year’s theme reflects language consistent with the Government’s GREAT Coalition policy direction.
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale will follow the sermon with a 15-minute reflection on the nation’s journey since independence.
Governor-General His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, GCMG, Speaker of the National Parliament Patteson John Oti, Chief Justice Sir Albert Rocky Palmer, CBE, and Mayor Edward Siapu are among the dignitaries expected to attend, alongside Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and members of the public.
The service runs from 3:05pm to 5:00pm and will include hymns, intercessory prayer for the nation, performances from local church women’s ministries, and the national anthem led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force band. Mr. George Herming and Mrs. Moddie Nanau will serve as Masters of Ceremony.
The service will be broadcasted live on SIBC Radio and streamed online for those unable to attend in person.
The thanksgiving service has become a regular fixture ahead of Independence Day in recent years, with a similar service held ahead of the 45th anniversary in 2023, also at St Barnabas Cathedral.
Independence Day falls on Tuesday, July 7.
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