08/07/2025
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๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐
SINCE April 9, 2024, two members of the Melanesian Brotherhood, Brothers Patteson Sikua and Brown Haveligu, have been serving in the Diocese of Palawan. Their mission is part of the concordat partnership between the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).
Both missionaries are actively supporting the IFIโs pastoral ministries in the Diocese of Palawan. Their work centers on participating in diocesan programs, offering pastoral service, and helping deepen awareness and understanding of the concordat.
โThe people here are very friendly. Weโve built strong connections,โ said Brother Patteson. โEven though we come from different places, we are united by something deeper and by a shared commitment to mission,โ He added.
The Melanesian Brotherhood was founded in 1925 by Ini Kopuria, a former police officer who envisioned a religious community grounded in peace, prayer, and service. He is commemorated in the Church of England calendar every June 6.
Today, the Brotherhood is led by Brother Thomas Ini Junior. It includes more than 200 professed members and over 170 novices, serving in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.
โWhen I return home, I will tell our people that spiritual unity can bridge any distance,โ Brother Patteson said. โWe were welcomed here. We became part of the community," he added.
The Concordat of Full Communion between IFI and ACOM was signed on March 27, 2011, at the IFI National Cathedral in Manila. It was signed by Obispo Mรกximo Godofredo David of the IFI and Archbishop David Vunagi of ACOM, with Prime Bishop Edward Malecdan of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines serving as witness.
