In March 2025, USPG strengthened its commitment to partnership and mission across Oceania through a series of visits to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. These journeys offered valuable opportunities to engage with Anglican churches, religious orders, and local communities, witnessing firsthand the creative and faithful ways they respond to pressing social and environmental challenges.

In New Zealand, USPG Regional Manager for Europe & Oceania Ella Sibley gathered with members of the Oceania Regional Anglican Alliance Committee (ORAC) at Taranaki Cathedral in New Plymouth. ORAC, coordinated by the Anglican Alliance, brings together representatives from all four provinces to collaborate in mission, including work in safeguarding, gender justice, climate action, and disaster resilience.

Central to ORAC is the desire to promote fuller participation and ensure voices from the islands are heard. It was therefore a joy to be joined by Sister Veronica Vasethe, from the Anglican Church of Melanesia, who is a key member of the Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission, a board tasked with promoting the safety and protection of all people within Anglican churches globally. Additionally, Ella is part of the working group for safeguarding, and is currently reviewing and developing safeguarding practices across all four provinces of Oceania.

Watch the ORAC highlights video:

 

Taranaki Cathedral is, itself, a great example of the Church’s work in reconciliation between Māori and Pākehā peoples. Here, Māori language, culture, and theology are visibly woven into worship and community life—signs of a Church committed to justice and healing.

Due to an unexpected stay caused by Cyclone Alfred*, travel plans had to be adjusted. This provided the opportunity to attend an International Women’s Day service at Auckland Cathedral, as well as a visit to St John’s Theological College and Mission Bay accompanied by the Bishop of Auckland.

From there, Ella continued to Popondetta, Papua New Guinea, where religious orders play a vital role in offering both spiritual and practical support to communities facing significant challenges. For example, the Franciscan Brothers and Sisters of the Visitation focus on peacebuilding and reconciliation in remote villages. Despite limited resources and frequent theft, their commitment greatly strengthens the Anglican mission across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands too.

Ella Sibley and Thelma Guni, from the Provincial Office of the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea (pictured far left) with the Sisters of the Visitation

Within the Anglican Church of Melanesia, programmes like Positive Parenting (in partnership with the Mothers’ Union), as well as initiatives that promote adult literacy are making a real impact. The Church continues to serve and support its communities despite many practical challenges familiar to the region—long journeys by canoe or on foot, unreliable communication, and the resilience required to work in such contexts.

Reflecting on her visit, Ella said: “What struck me most was the determination and warmth of the people I met.

Across Oceania, churches are deeply embedded in the life of their communities, responding with creativity and faith to complex social and environmental challenges.

For this reason, USPG remains proud to stand together and partner with churches across Oceania.

 

*Cyclone Alfred caused at least one death, many serious injuries, and extensive damage in Queensland and New South Wales. The increase in the number, strength and range of cyclones and tropical storms is further evidence of the climate crisis. Please continue to hold Pacific peoples in your prayers, and consider prayerfully how you can safeguard the integrity of creation.