Church Leader Set To Call It A Day

Reverend Halapua, one of the longest-serving Anglican Church bishops in the Pacific region, has been serving in the church for 52 years.

ASuva-based church leader who is set to retire from duties in August this year, says it has been a tremendous privilege to be called by God. Archbishop of Polynesia, the Most Reverend Winston Halapua, said he enjoyed every part of his journey “with the Lord”. Reverend Halapua, one of the longest-serving Anglican Church bishops in the Pacific region, has been serving in the church for 52 years.

“I have come to the end of my term and I have enjoyed every part of my journey with the Lord,” he said.

Reverend Halapua, 73, will retire this August after serving as the Archbishop of Polynesia for eight years.

Also retiring with him is the Reverend Apimeleki Qiliho.

“After we retire in August, VicarGeneral Orisi Vuki will be taking over until the next Archbishop is elected in January,” Reverend Halapua said.

“So now we have come to an end of our term, which we called tacking.

“Tacking is when we come together and look at our harvest in terms of our achievements throughout our years of service. It’s the time to get in new ideas and share the good news to measure our growth.” Reverend Halapua said they had come up with some strategies that would help the group of people who would take over.

“We don’t know who God will select, this is why we are excited because God has given us so much and there’s so much to be grateful for,” he said.

Photo: Simione Haravanua. From left: Bishop Api Qiliho, Vicar General Orisi Vuki and Archbishop of Polynesia Winston Halapua at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, Suva on April 14,2018.