PCC supports church peace effort

THE Pacific Conference of Churches has written to its members in the Solomon Islands after unrest erupted in Honiara earlier this week.

General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, reaffirmed the role of local churches as channels of peace.

Police and protesters have clashed intermittently since Wednesday when Manasseh Sogavare was elected Prime Minister.

The PCC’s members in the Solomon Islands are the Anglican Church in Melanesia, the Catholic Diocese of Honiara, the United Church in the Solomon Islands and the Solomon Islands Christian Association.

Here is the letter to the churches:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ of the Solomon Islands, Warm Easter greetings to you from your Pacific Conference of Churches Secretariat! We are saddened to hear of the violence that erupted yesterday following the election of the Hon. Manasseh Sogovare as Prime Minister. In this time where the Christian community is challenged to celebrate life, restoration of relationship, renewal and peace, I affirm your call as bearers of the Gospel of love, peace and reconciliation to shine the Christ Light in those communities that have been engulfed in the darkness of hate, anger and violence. The Body of Christ in the Solomon Islands has a legacy of being the light of love and peace during the enormous difficulties of the past. May the Risen Christ give you strength, courage and humble love in your role as peacemakers in your communities at this politically volatile time. We your sisters and brothers in the Pacific uphold you in prayers and solidarity and the Pacific Conference of Churches stands ready to support you in anyway to ensure peace in your communities.

With deep affection and blessings,

James Shri Bhagwan (Rev.),
General Secretary