Cama to be first iTaukei Archbishop of Polynesia
Fereimi Cama, 63, is set to be installed as the first iTaukei Archbishop of Polynesia, the head of the Anglican Church in Fiji and the Pacific.
The Archbishop-elect, a former school teacher from Ono-i-Lau, was appointed last Monday in New Zealand and said the news was made known in the church’s Diocese yesterday.
He was among nine others who were also in contention for the position of Archbishop. He also said being newly appointed in various areas was not new to him.
“I was also the first local Dean for the Cathedral in Suva and being the first is not something completely new to me,” he said.
“I was also the first from the Diocese of Polynesia to attain a Bachelor of Theology through Auckland University and now being appointed as the first iTaukei Archbishop.”
Archbishop-elect Cama said this new achievement would be a challenge.
“It is a big achievement and also a big challenge taking on the roles and responsibilities. It is not easy getting into big shoes of my predecessors,” he said.
“Before the appointment I was and I am still the Vicar of St Peter’s Anglican Church in Lautoka.”
He said he was not planning on introducing any changes into the church yet because he wanted to sort out some issues that were hindering progress within the Diocese.
“There is still some unfinished business in the Diocese because the Diocese involves Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, American Samoa and a few parishes in New Zealand so it will be a challenge trying to be the Bishop of the church and trying to get down to the grassroots people to find out how they feel about the change in their hopes and their dreams,” he said.
“We need to make sure the differences and challenges are addressed in the Diocese before anything can be implemented.
“To add something completely new will just add to the frustration of our people.” The Archbishop-elect dedicates his achievement to his late wife, Mereadani Cama, who sadly passed away last year. Edited by Epineri Vula
We need to make sure the differences and challenges are addressed in the Diocese before anything can be implemented. Fereimi Cama Archbishop-Elect