THE DIOCESE OF BANKS AND TORRES

The Diocese of Banks and Torres was inaugurated on the 12th of May 1996. 

The First Bishop then was Right Reverent Charles W. Ling who served the diocese from 1996 – 2000. On 24th May 2001, Reverend  Nathan Tome became the Bishop of the diocese till he resigned in 2013 and became elected to became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal in June 2014. Then the third Bishop who was consecrated on the 2nd day of March 2014 was Right Reverend Patteson Alfred Worek who led the diocese until 2023. The newly elected Bishop of the diocese was Rev. Anthony Ling. Elected on the 1st of September at Saovaro Parish in Port Vila.

The Diocese of Banks and Torres is one of the very unique dioceses in the history of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. It was from this diocese that the first indigenous Melanesia was ordained into priesthood. The first Christian village was established at Veverau on Mota Island, and the first Holy Communion was celebrated on its shore by Bishop John Coleridge Patteson. Mota language from this Diocese was used to Christianize Melanesians.

The Diocese of Banks and Torres is made up of thirteen islands structured with five regions with 55 active priests in 2023.

Contacts: 

Diocesan Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Anthony Ling

Diocesan Secretary
Mr. Sam Bondell                    Tel: +678 5986908/7761349 Email: sblondell2466@gmail.com

VICAR General
Rev. Edwin Maurice Vaes        Email: mauricevaes1978@gmail.com

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