The Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) has commenced preparations for the celebrations of its centenary, marking 100 years since its founding in 1925. This milestone anniversary was officially launched at the end of the Holy Eucharist service on Sunday led by the Right Rev. Othnielson Gamuatu the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) and regional father of the MBH at the Brotherhood’s Central Headquarters in Tabalia, West Guadalcanal.
Hundreds of attendees, including members of the Melanesian Brotherhood, members of the Society of Saint Francis (SSF), Sisters of Melanesia, Companions of MBH, clergy from Bishop Patteson Theological College, and members of the local Christian community, gathered to witness this historic event. Later in the day, a pilgrimage to the grave of the MBH’s founder, Ini Kopuria, in Maravovo served as a touching reminder of the Brotherhood’s spiritual journey and enduring mission.
In his sermon at the Holy Eucharist Service, Rev. Dr. Zaku reflected on the importance of MBH’s legacy, drawing parallels between the founding of the Brotherhood and the profound Christian love embodied in John 3:16. He emphasized that, much like God’s love for humanity in giving His son, the formation of MBH can be viewed as an extension of God’s love for Melanesia.
Rev. Dr. Zaku remarked, “God so loved Melanesia that He gave the Melanesian Brotherhood, that through them, the life of Christ might be revealed.”
Reflecting on the Brotherhood’s roots, Rev. Dr. Zaku noted that while it was officially founded in 1925 by Ini Kopuria, its spirit may have been birthed long before, as early as 1849, with the establishment of the Melanesian Mission by Bishop George Augustus Selwyn.
The Melanesian Brotherhood, he explained, “became the channel through which the mission of the Melanesian Church could be indigenized, transforming it from a Western institution into a native church guided by Melanesian values and spirituality.”
The centenary launch was held leading up to a year of reflection, celebration, and service for the Brotherhood, honoring the journey of the Brothers who have dedicated their lives to the faith over the last century. With upcoming events across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Philippines and beyond, the event is expected to highlight the Brotherhood’s unique legacy and contribution to the Anglican Church and Melanesian and the nation at large.
In the closing of his sermon, . Rev. Dr. Zaku called on all present to join in the “100-year legacy” of the Brotherhood by contributing their own “stones” of faith, love, and service, much like successive generations of bishops, Brothers, and Christians have done since the Brotherhood’s inception.