Fono: Theological Education

The Anglican Primates of the 3 Tikanga Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, members of St. John’s College Trust Board, and Anglican Theological College Principal from Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji convened for an intensive Talanoa with a focus on discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous and Pacific-led Anglican theological education in Oceania. The gathering delved into topics such as Pacific learning methods, and regional histories.

On Tuesday evening, Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa welcomed everyone to start the Fono on theological education with students from St. John the Baptist Theological College representing the Archbishop and the Diocese of Polynesia in a traditional Fijian cultural welcome. Archbishop Justin Duckworth expressed his appreciation for the ceremonial welcome and was glad to attend his first Fono as a Primate of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia.
Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa officially welcomed the Fono to the Moana Anglican Services and Training (MAST) center on Wednesday. The welcome began with an Eucharist service led by the staff and students of St. John the Baptist Theological College. The sermon by Principal Rev Liliani Havili eloquently highlighted how Jesus taught with a unique authority, independent of the Jewish academic conventions, emphasizing the divine origin of his teachings. This message holds particular significance within the framework of the Fono on Theological Education, underlining the idea that impactful and authoritative teachings can transcend formal educational structures, drawing wisdom from diverse cultural and historical practices.