The Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, David Vunagi last week paid a pastoral visit to the Renell and Bellona Province.

The visit was to consecrate a new household for the Melanesian brothers and confirm nine new members of the church in the Rennell-Bellona Province.

Members of the All Hallows Anglican Church of Tongomainge in West Bellona last Thursday witnessed the blessing of the new household together with various faiths throughout Bellona.

The Archbishop officiated the events supported by his clergy and the St Barnabas Provincial Cathedral choir.

Most Rev'd Vunagi, who is also the current Chair of SICA stated that he was impressed with the spirit and fellowship demonstrated by all churches of the two islands.

In welcoming the Archbishop and his party, the Parish Priest of Rennell Bellona, Reverend Francis Taupongi said that the small Anglican community on Rennell and Bellona was very happy that the Archbishop accepted an invitation to formally visit the parish and officiate the events.

Fr. Taupongi said the Archbishop's visit was very significant for his small Anglican community in Renbel, which was declared a mission area in 1995.