Melanesian Bishops Visit Chester Diocese

The bishops stayed at Foxhill during their visit, which formed part of a wider UK trip for a training course at Canterbury Cathedral run by the Anglican Communion Office. This course brought together new bishops from across the Communion to pray and learn together—an inspiring reminder of the global nature of Anglican fellowship.

A Historic Link

The Chester–Melanesia partnership dates back to 1988, rooted in a shared commitment to mission, education, and community. These visits strengthen our bonds and deepen mutual understanding across cultures.

About the Bishops

Bishop Steven Koete leads the Diocese of Central Solomons, a cluster of islands off Guadalcanal. Historically, Tulagi was the capital of the Solomon Islands before World War II and remains significant as the site of the Taroaniara shipyard, home to the Southern Cross mission boat. Tulagi is also where Ini Kopuria, founder of the Melanesian Brotherhood, received his vision to create the Brotherhood while in hospital.

Bishop Steven has served for six years and previously visited the UK—though his earlier trip was overshadowed by COVID isolation. His wife, Eileen, is an active Mothers’ Union member and helped establish a sewing workshop in Tulagi, supported by UK Mothers’ Union branches in Colyton, Devon, and Ham, Richmond.

Bishop Othniel Gamutu is Assistant Bishop of Central Melanesia, which includes Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. He works closely with Archbishop Leonard Dawea, who is also Bishop of Central Melanesia. Bishop Othniel has served for five to six years, and unlike Bishop Steven, this was his first visit to the UK—a milestone moment for him and for us.

Highlights of the Visit

• Friday 14 November

  
  

  The bishops were collected from the Diocese of Lichfield—a diocese historically linked to Melanesia through Bishop George Selwyn, the first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand (which included Melanesia) from 1841 to 1868. Selwyn later served as Bishop of Lichfield from 1868 to 1878.

• Saturday 15 November

  
  

  A tour of Liverpool, including both Cathedrals and Anfield (Bishop Othniel is a Liverpool FC supporter!). The journey continued via Port Sunlight, reflecting historic links between Lever Brothers and the Solomon Islands. At Chester Cathedral, the bishops met Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood, which celebrated its 100th anniversary at the end of October—a major event attended by 16,000 people. The day concluded with Evensong at the Cathedral.

• Sunday 16 November

  
  

  The bishops joined a confirmation service in Nantwich, lunched with Rector Dr Mark Hart, attended the licensing of Jim Britcliffe in Crewe, and ended the day with dinner with Bishop Mark in Chester.

• Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 November

  
  

  Two days of school visits and diocesan engagement:

  • St Peter’s, Heswall

  • Bishops’ Blue Coat High School

  • Lostock Gralam CE Primary School

  • St Wilfred’s CE Primary School

Evening meals with Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson and Revd Kate Pwaisiho.

• Wednesday 19 November

  
  

  A quieter day for the bishops, including a visit to Deanery Synod at St Alban’s Offerton, Stockport.

• Thursday 20 November

  
  

  Travel to London with Revd Kate Pwaisiho for a meeting of the Melanesian Mission UK, chaired by Bishop Mark.

A Time of Fellowship and Learning

This visit was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our bonds with the Church in Melanesia and to share in fellowship and learning across cultures. We give thanks for the time spent together and look forward to continuing this life-giving partnership.