Much important work for the Church of Melanesia is undertaken by the four religious orders working in the region. These are the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Sisters of Melanesia, the Franciscan Brothers and the Sisters of the Church.

The Melanesian Brotherhood

Of the four religious orders in the Church of Melanesia, the Melanesian Brotherhood is the largest with over four hundred Novices and Brothers.

Founded in 1925 by Ini Kopuria the Brothers take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for three to seven years. They work in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the UK.

The ethos of the community is to live the religious life in an indigenous Melanesian way, reflecting the strengths of their own tradition. The Brotherhood aims to reach out to the whole community, welcoming those who visit them, sharing their resources, offering labour and showing care and respect for all they meet. They too are respected and are supported with food, prayer and offerings from those around them.

They go out in pairs to villages, living alongside those they talk, pray and work with. The Brothers visit each home, listen to what people have to say and help those in need. They share food and at the same time share the Gospel with all in the community.

Melanesian Brother chatting with the locals

The Community of the Sisters of Melanesia

Formed in 1977 the Sisters of Melanesia was established along the same lines as the Melanesian Brotherhood. Over the years they have been instrumental in carrying forward women's work within the church and the community. Alongside the Sisters of the Church they have helped establish the groundbreaking work undertaken at the Christian Care Centre refuge for abused women.

Melanesian Sisters carrying the Bible in a traditional canoe during a service in Chester Cathedral

Photo PNGCP
The Brothers are supported by a large network of Companions  who undertake to pray for the Brothers and their work, give money and other useful resources, and to take care of the Brothers whilst they are working in (or travelling through) their area. There are thousands of Companions throughout Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and over 100 in the UK.
Although there are not as many Sisters of Melanesia as there are Melanesian Brothers, they have been able to work with the Brothers on their missions to Australia and the UK - sharing their faith through drama, music and chatting with those they meet.