The newly consecrated spiritual leader of the Anglican Diocese of Malaita, Bishop Sam Sahu, has pledged a fresh vision to lead the more than forty thousand Anglicans in Malaita Province.

In his first public speech to an estimated six thousand congregation at the Christ the King Cathedral at Fiu Village on Sunday, Bishop Sahu pledged to work closely with fellow leaders and people of the province to develop a kind of vision relevant to the context of Malaita.

Bishop Sahu, who hails from Lama Village, East Kwara'ae, is Malaita's fifth Anglican Bishop, replacing the retired Bishop Terry Brown.

One of Bishop Sahu's immediate priorities is to ensure the church and societal leaders in Malaita work together towards addressing pressing issues facing the province.

Bishop Sahu acknowledges that Malaita is a difficult province to lead, especially, in light of the growing social and economic pressures triggered by global forces.
However, he firmly believed that with God's divine guidance, leaders will be able to find ways that can address the difficulties created by human greed and carelessness.
He also acknowledged that church leadership is not an easy task and he will commit himself to learn from leaders and people from all spheres of life including government, church and traditional leaders in the country and abroad.

Bishop Sahu says he is looking forward to work closely with leaders and people to develop a new vision at this time of rapid social and economic changes to make an impact on Malaita.

The consecration and installation ceremony last Sunday was attended by the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena, the Premier of Malaita Province, Richard Na'amo Irosaea, senior church representatives from other denominations and representatives from all the regions of Malaita and all other dioceses in the Church of Melanesia.

Guest of Honor, Sir Nathaniel encouraged Bishop Sahu to play a leading role in the process of reconciliation and healing in the province.

Sir Nathaniel expressed confidence that Bishop Sahu's concretion is God's call and he has every confidence in the new Bishop's leadership qualities.

Bishop Sahu has been chosen as the new Bishop following an election by the Diocesan Electoral Board and the subsequent endorsement by the Council of Bishops in September this year.

He holds a licentiate of Theology and a Graduate Diploma in Theology from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. He also holds a Master of Theology and a Bachelor of Theology from the Trinity College in Singapore.

Bishop Sahu has previously served in various positions within the Church at the parish, Institution and provincial level.

His previous work experience includes two years as Lecturer and Acting Principal of Bishop Patterson Theological College of the Church as well as Coordinator of Evangelism and Renewal of the Melanesian Board of Mission.

He is married to Rosemary Siale and they have four children; Rita, Selwyn, Linda and Jean.

Bishop Sahu's election was held following the retirement of the Diocesan Bishop the Rt Reverend Terry Brown in August 2008.


Source: Press Release (Government Communication Unit)