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

BR.  DEVIS CYPRIAN FROM PNG (Head Brother)

BR. JESSIE ARAIASI FROM SI, MALAITA (Assistant Head Brother)

Mr. ALPHONSE GARIMAE (Brotherhood Secretary)

BR. ALBERT IROGA FROM SI, MALAITA ( Regional Head Brother SI region)

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)