Our people are not yet ready: AB Vunagi

MELANESIAN MESSENGER 090810-3 August 10, 2009

[Melanesian Messenger - Melanesia] Archbishop of Melanesia The Most Rev. David Vunagi on August 2, 2009 paid a courtesy call to the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of Solomon Islands Bishop Zephaniah Legumana.

At Biluro, headquarters of the Anglican Orthodox Church of Melanesia and Philippines which Anglican Orthodox Church of Solomon Islands is part of, the two leaders briefly exchanged views on the way forward for the two churches in terms of building bridges.

During the brief encounter Presiding Bishop Legumana said the Archbishops visit certainly portrays the new leadership style which sheds new light and sets new direction for the church in this new millennium.

“I hope that many leaders either from the Anglican Church of Melanesia and other churches will take this vision with wisdom and positivenes. This is surely a demonstration of your vision in action of breaking down barriers and building bridges between us. And I am sure this is already taking effect and gaining momentum at this point in time,”

He said the Archbishops presence is a reflection of a true shepherd and a very pastoral leader in a unique way. “This should result in cooperation, tolerance and respect between our leaders and peoples. In other words breaking down barriers and building bridges must start from the top in order to be successful."

In a short response Archbishop David Vunagi said while leaders at the top level are ready, people down there who are affected by the conflict and experienced the pain and sufferings are still not yet ready. This is the barrier that needs breaking down. Therefore it has to first start from the people who felt and lived with the pain. Only then can a bridge be built he said.