As part of the closing ceremony of the Melanesian Brotherhood Centenary celebrations on Saturday, 25th October, a total of one hundred trees were planted at Tabalia — a symbolic act that carries deep spiritual and ecological meaning.
The tree planting was led by Section Fathers of the Brotherhood, together with visiting clergy, companions, and supporters from across Melanesia and beyond.
This activity aligns with the Anglican Communion’s global call for the “Communion Forest,” a movement launched at the 2022 Lambeth Conference encouraging every province, diocese, and community to take tangible action for environmental restoration and care of God’s creation. By planting trees, the Melanesian Brotherhood not only commemorated one hundred years of faithful mission and brotherhood but also contributed to the Communion-wide vision of healing the Earth and protecting it for generations to come.
The act also reflects the Mission Statement of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), which calls the Church “to witness to the Kingdom of God through teaching, healing, and caring ministries.” Tree planting embodies this call by addressing ecological healing — restoring life to the land, sustaining biodiversity, and promoting resilience in the face of climate change. It is a visible expression of faith in action, showing that mission is not only about preaching but also about protecting the environment that sustains all life.
As the newly planted trees take root in the sacred grounds of Tabalia, they stand as living symbols of the Brotherhood’s enduring commitment to God’s creation and the shared responsibility of all Anglicans to nurture the Earth as stewards of His divine gift.
Source: Anglican Church of Melanesia