THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) was formed by Ini Kopuria, a Policeman from Maravovo village, Guadalcanal in 1925. The order was formed purposely to evangelize people who had not heard the message of Christ in the most remote islands and villages throughout Solomon Islands. By doing so, the Brothers went out in pairs and live as brothers to the people, respecting their traditions or everyday life.
Today, the work of the Brotherhood has reached out to other countries beyond Solomon Islands. The Melanesian Brotherhood has three regions in the Pacific:
- Solomon Islands – includes Brothers in the Philippines and Vancouver
- Papua New Guinea
- Southern Region – that includes Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Diocese of Polynesia.
Melanesian Brotherhood became well known around the World during their struggle for peace in the year 1998 – 2003 during the ethnic tension.
The Brothers take the vows of Poverty, Chastity and obedience for three years that can be renewed. They train for four years as Novices and normally make their vows to become Brothers at the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude.
The Head Quarter of the MBH is in Tabalia, west of Honiara.
NEWLY ELECTED LEADERS AS OF 2015 GREAT CONFERENCE
SOLOMON ISLANDS REGION
Regional Father – Archbishop of Melanesia The Most Reverend George Takeli
BR. NELSON BAKO (Head Brother)
BR. JESSIE ARAIASI FROM SI, MALAITA (Assistant Head Brother)
Mr. ALPHONSE GARIMAE (Brotherhood Secretary)
The Mother House of the Melanesia Brotherhood
Tabalia
P O Box 1479
Honiara – SI
Tel: +677 26355
Fax: +677 23079
PAPUA NEW GUINEA REGION
Dobuduru Regional Headquarters
Haruro
P O Box 29
Popondetta
Oro Province
Papua New Guinea
THE ARCHBISHOP OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Regional Father)
BR. MARTIN OGOBA (Regional Head Brother)
SOUTHERN REGION
Tumsisiro Regional Headquarters
P O Box 05
Lolowai, Ambae
Vanuatu
THE RT. REVD JAMES LIGO, Bishop of the Diocese of Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Regional Father)
BR. CHILLION MONGAGI (Regional Head Brother)
Information provided by: Mr. ALPHONSE GARIMAE (Brotherhood Secretary)
EIGHT Novices (pictured) were the pioneers of the David Sale Section Headquarters in the Diocese of Guadalcanal. They were admitted
The Community of the Melanesian Brotherhood has made a special welcome to the Bishop of the Diocese of Chester in
AN official welcome ceremony to the Melanesian Brotherhood ‘Brothers and Companions 13th Great Conference was held at the MBH headquarters,
THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Church in the Philippines has celebrated their 4th Concordat
THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) of the Anglican Church of Melanesia now has a coconut crushing mill established at Tanaeba area