Pacific churches have rejected a United States proposal to terminate the UN decolonization mandate. The group, led by Rev. James Shri Bhagwan, argues that self-determination remains essential for remaining territories. They cite the 2019 Chagos advisory opinion to support the right to self-determination. The churches emphasize that the region still suffers from nuclear testing fallout in places like the Marshall Islands. They assert that colonized peoples deserve to have their 1960 promises kept rather than being used in political campaigns. The Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism concludes in 2030, and the group urges acceleration of this work instead of abolition.
Bishops from the three dioceses of the Solomon Islands gathered at the Holy Name of Mary Major Seminary in Honiara last week. The archipelago nation, home to approximately 150,000 Catholics, currently has 44 seminarians. During the visit, five students received their clerical garments, a significant milestone symbolizing their dedication. Bishop Jacob Aba of Auki emphasized that the vocation requires a life of holiness rather than merely holding a title. Established in 1996 to keep local candidates close to their pastoral duties, the institution receives support from the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Pontifical Work of St. Peter the Apostle to cover basic living and travel expenses for students from remote islands.
Translated from EspañolAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Pacific churches have rejected a United States proposal to terminate the UN decolonization mandate. The group, led by Rev. James Shri Bhagwan, argues that self-determination remains essential for remaining territories. They cite the 2019 Chagos advisory opinion to support the right to self-determination. The churches emphasize that the region still suffers from nuclear testing fallout in places like the Marshall Islands. They assert that colonized peoples deserve to have their 1960 promises kept rather than being used in political campaigns. The Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism concludes in 2030, and the group urges acceleration of this work instead of abolition.
Bishops from the three dioceses of the Solomon Islands gathered at the Holy Name Major Seminary in Honiara to review theological studies. The archipelago, home to approximately 150,000 Catholics, faces economic challenges and geographic isolation. During the visit, five students received their priestly vestments. The Bishop of Okoi emphasized that the vocation requires a life of holiness rather than just a title. Established in 1996, the seminary allows local students to study domestically. It receives support from the Pontifical Association of St. Peter the Apostle and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples to cover operational costs and student travel expenses.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay addressed the Migrants and Refugees Oceania Network in Sydney on December 10. He urged governments and civil society to collaborate on protecting vulnerable populations across the Pacific region. The bishop highlighted three key concerns: climate-displaced communities, seasonal workers, and refugees from West Papua. He emphasized that rising seas and extreme weather threaten entire islands, requiring pastoral strategies grounded in scientific data. Additionally, he called for fair treatment of labor migrants and better asylum pathways for those fleeing violence. The network aims to strengthen advocacy and cooperation among Catholic conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
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