wfn.org | Tonga hosts first regional gathering of church partners

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

May 31, 2001 News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212)870-3803·New York
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By United Methodist News Service

United Methodists met recently in Tonga with church partners from eight
Pacific Island nations to discuss issues ranging from mission work to the
effects of HIV/AIDS in the region.

The consultation was the first of six regional gatherings planned by the
United Methodist Board of Global Ministries during the next three years. The
purpose is to discuss critical issues related to mission and ministry and
consider how best to work in partnership.

Joining eight staff members and two directors from the mission agency were
representatives from autonomous Methodist or United churches in Tonga, Fiji,
Papua-New Guinea, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu.

A pre-meeting orientation was set for women and youth "to give them voice
and empower them to be full participants throughout the event," according to
the Rev. Youngsook Kang, a board executive.

Opening worship on May 20 in Tonga's Free Wesleyan churches was followed by
fellowship and a celebration of Father's Day in local homes. The day ended
with a choral night featuring individual and mass choirs from 11 churches in
the district, presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Mele
Siu'ilikutapu Fotofili.

The next day, delegates continued their orientation to Tonga and some of its
Methodist history. Ministries there include the Mo'unga Olive School, the
Tupou and Queen Salote Colleges and the Sia'atoutai theological colleges. A
Tongan feast with music and dance, hosted by the Free Wesleyan Church,
concluded the evening.

During discussions, each church highlighted a mission activity for
celebration, such as the fact that the church in Tahiti will ordain its
first clergywoman in June. Common mission themes were identified and ideas
shared on how to strengthen partnerships.

Kang noted that the equality of women was an issue that arose continuously
throughout the meeting. "The bottom line is that women do not feel their
voice is being heard and they are not full participants," she explained.

Many of the island nations are struggling with ethnic divisions and the
impact of HIV/AIDS. Nuclear testing in New Caledonia, youth violence and the
loss of youth members in the church also are concerns, she said.

Meeting with the participants on the closing day of the consultation May 24
was King Taufa'ahav Tupou IV of Tonga. A member of the Free Wesleyan Church,
the 80-year-old king is a licensed preacher and biblical scholar.

As a follow-up to the consultation, Kang plans to present staff/director
recommendations for action to the Board of Global Ministries' cabinet. She
also hopes to develop a partnership paper for the region and generally
strengthen relations between the agency and its church partners there.

The board plans three other regional consultations for 2002: Europe in
January, Latin America in May and Asia in September. Consultations in Africa
and the United States will follow. 
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United Methodist News Service
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