Bishop Greg Thompson represented the Primate of Australia and the Diocese of Newcastle at the enthronement and installation of the new Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Rev. George Angus Takeli on Sunday 17th April 2016.
Bishop Greg was among more than four-thousand local and international guests gathered to witness the service at Saint Barnabas Provincial Cathedral, Honiara.
Bishop Greg presented gifts from the Diocese of Newcastle, the Anglican Church of Australia and ABM, reflecting the ongoing partnership in the gospel between our churches.
“It was a privilege to share this celebration with the Archbishop while representing not only the Diocese of Newcastle, but also the Anglican Church of Australia,” Bishop Greg said.
“I congratulated the new Primate on his appointment and prayed for an ongoing companionship between our dioceses as we learn from one another on mission, discipleship and the impact of climate change on Pacific communities.”
During the sermon, Archbishop George Takeli spoke of working with mission partners and friends both locally and overseas and expressed confidence in a new emerging church in the Province of Melanesia.
“The call to build this new emerging church in Melanesia is urgent, because it is a call that will bring new meaning and hope to our people for today.
“I have made plans to visit mission partners and friends overseas to see how they can support us achieve the mission work goals and plans for our churches and communities in Melanesia,” he said.
The Diocese of Newcastle will continue the covenant that was established with Bishop Nathan Tome of Guadacanal and seek to strengthen the bonds that already exist between the neighbouring churches.
The Australian Primate, Archbishop Philip Freier was in Zambia for the Anglican Consultative Council meeting during the installation and was unable to attend, however his letter of congratulations and encouragement was presented to Archbishop George Takeli along with an Aboriginal painting from Central Australia and a red mitre with waratah symbol for emerging new life.
