Archbishop Welby ‘Deeply Grateful’ For Hospitality Accorded To Him By Fijians
He said he had fond memories of his visit to Fiji.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Portal Welby departed Fiji last night carrying with him fond memories of the grand hospitality Fijians of the Anglican Church and government officials had shown him. Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Diocesan Bishop, The Most Reverend Archbishop Winston Halapua said Archbishop Welby used the term “deeply grateful”.
“He is deeply grateful and the hospitality given to him was something he did not expect,” Archbishop Halapua said.
“He was coming for a church meeting and saw us here, the vanua, matanitu and lotu and with the leadership of the Government, the President and Prime Minister for Fiji was an eye opener for him.
“In his own words he said he has learned a lot about the hospitality and the way people here go about their lives.” Archibishop Halapua said the distinct dimension about Fiji was the multiracial nature of the people.
“For him to see us, driven by hospitality, you only have to come to Fiji to see that. The achievement of the event for the Oceania Anglican FONO was a contribution from the church to the leadership of the nation, especially toward climate change,” he said. “The meeting represented the wider Anglican community. “In our commitment we will finalise it and see what action to take that is very much deep in our heart, to move from conferences, talking and advocating to taking action.”