BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
BISHOP of the Diocese of Isabel, Chris Hope, has pledged to work closely with churches, community leaders and the Western Provincial Government to strengthen the mission and development of the church in the western region.
Speaking during a dinner hosted by St Luke Anglican Church in Gizo, Bishop Hope said his administration is committed to building stronger partnerships between the diocese, parish leaders, parishioners and provincial leaders.
“My coming is just a familiarise tour. My team came in person for you to see us, talk to us and discuss some of the important ideas that would support our diocese going forward.
“It is our time to work together,” he said.
Hope said the Diocese of Isabel is focusing on securing resources during its first three years before moving into strategic investments, particularly in the western region.
He said the goal is to improve the church’s mission and services in ways that would benefit both the church and the people of the provinces.
Hope said the diocese plans to support churches in Western Province, Choiseul Province and Russell Islands through investments that would strengthen the church and its mission.
“As part of this mission, I’m optimistic to establish new partnerships with our sister churches, provincial leaders, landowners, chiefs, elders and parishioners to drive these aspirations,” he said.
Hope acknowledged the support of the Western Provincial Government, sister churches and landowners who have allocated land for the expansion of the Diocese of Isabel and its services in Western Province.
He said Western Solomons plays an important role in the economy of Solomon Islands and that tapping into opportunities in social, spiritual and economic development is important.
Hope also said Western Province is an influential region that many sister dioceses are interested in.
“I was among other leaders that fought to keep Western Province as part of Isabel Diocese. Now that I’m leading the diocese, I will focus more on investing in the western region,” he said.
Hope also acknowledged the efforts of the parish priest, parish chairlady and parish council of St Luke Anglican Church for their service and leadership.
“I’m proud of the parish chairlady, parish council and parish priest who continue to lead and serve within St Luke Parish,” he said.
Hope reiterated that the Diocese of Isabel will continue to work closely with the Western Provincial Government, sister churches, chiefs and elders of Western Province.
He also calls on parishioners and parish leaders to work closely with the diocese to move the church forward.
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