Solomon Islands holds Church service ahead of PIFL Meeting
By Lachlan Eddie
The Solomon Islands Government held a Church service on Sunday which marks the start of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Honiara.
The message for the sermon “Peace for the Blue Pacific” resonated throughout the cathedral as PIF leaders and delegates took time to honor God before the regional meeting.
The sermon was delivered by Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, at St. Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara.
“Dear beloved in Christ, leaders and peoples of the Blue Pacific, we gather on this first Sunday of the season of creation to seek God’s peace for our ocean of islands.
“Peace then is not a thin truce; it is balanced reciprocity. It flows from righteousness, integrity, fairness, and mercy. It is expressed in public life and in private conduct, he said.
Reverend Bhagwan said that for Pacific peoples, seeking God’s peace means letting go of false securities, pride, rivalry, and waste while embracing simplicity, generosity, and solidarity.
He emphasized that true peace shares leadership across generations, reflecting the body of Christ where every member is needed and honored. Peace is Christ-shaped.
“Christ is our peace, breaking down dividing walls, reconciling us to God and to one another,” he added.
During the church service, young people presented gifts symbolizing peace for the Blue Pacific: saltwater and freshwater, soil, fruit, and a fan.
These gifts carry both symbolic meaning and serve as living parables.
“The saltwater reminds us that we are one solwara, one saltwater people.
The freshwater speaks of life and blessing, the springs that gladden communities. The soil represents our deep bond with land as Pacific people, kin to country, entrusted as custodians.
The fruit recalls Isaiah’s promise that wilderness will become fruitful, peace tasted in harvest shared,”Reverend Bhagwan explained.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, his cabinet ministers, and other Pacific leaders including the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Baron Waqa, along with other government officials, also attended the service.
This Sunday service officially commenced the PIF Meeting, with more programs scheduled throughout the week.
[end]