Sir Nathaniel Congratulates New Malaita Bishop

Government Communications Unit
Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
P O Box G1
Honiara, Solomon Islands

03/11/08GH

Sir Nathaniel Congratulates New Malaita Bishop

The Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena has congratulated Malaita’s new spiritual leader, Bishop Sam Sahu on his consecration and installment in Malaita yesterday.

Sir Nathaniel was the Guest of Honor at the consecration ceremony at Christ the King Cathedral, Fiu village in Malaita Province.

Bishop Sahu is the fifth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Malaita.

He replaces Bishop Terry Brown who retired in August this year.

In his message, Sir Nathaniel encouraged Bishop Sahu to work closely with leaders and the people of Malaita province to establish a common bond suitable to addressing the socio-economic and cultural needs of the province.

Sir Nathaniel said church leadership is not an easy task because it deals directly with the lives and cultures of people.

“Walking in the footpath set by Christ on the cross is not a comfortable factor in any leadership role,” Sir Nathaniel said.

He says working together and understanding the needs of the flock is the only way to success.

The Governor General also encouraged the new Bishop to take a leading role in the peace and reconciliation process in the Province.

“The Church has the light to show to the world and our churches have been very influential in reconciliation and peace building in the country,” Sir Nathaniel said.

An estimated six thousand people gathered at Fiu village to witness the consecration ceremony on Sunday.

Bishop Sahu has been chosen following an election by the Diocesan Electoral Board and the subsequent endorsement by the Council of Bishops in September this year.

He holds a licentiate of Theology and a Graduate Diploma in Theology from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. He also holds a Master of Theology and a Bachelor of Theology from the Trinity College in Singapore.

Bishop Sahu has previously served in various positions within the Church at the parish, Institutional and provincial level.

His previous work experience includes two years as Lecturer and Acting Principal of Bishop Patterson Theological College of the Church as well as Coordinator of Evangelism and Renewal of the Melanesian Board of Mission.

He is married to Rosemary Siale and they have four children; Rita, Selwyn, Linda and Jean.

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