CWM

Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu

Thursday, 19 July 2007 18:20

Main languages:

• Tuvaluan, English

Main religions:

• Christianity (98%), Baha'i (1%), other (1%)

Government:

• An independent state in the Commonwealth and a member of the United Nations. There are no formal political parties.

National and community concerns:

• Continuing heavy reliance on overseas aid.
• Effects of global warming and sea level rise.
• Seasonal cyclones.
• Impacts of new religious movements.
• Increased unemployment.
• Migration to New Zealand.
• Prevention of HIV and AIDS.
• Increased illiteracy.

Church priorities and programmes:

• Reformation of EKT.
• Quality education.
• Responding to the impact of globalisation.
• Human resources development.
• Development of an effective urban ministry.
• Development of congregations in New Zealand.
• Empowerment of church members.
• Development of ministry to primary schools.
• Establishment of permanent chaplaincy missions to the maritime institution, port and seamen, and prisons.
• Strengthening of ministry to youth, women, children and the elderly.
• Identifying commercial ventures.
• Evangelism.
• Employment creation.
• Ordination of women.

Members/Congregations:

• 9,715/13

Women's representation in church:

• No ordained women.
• Women are very active in organising church and community events and celebrations.
• Church women have their own coordinator, building and organise annual seminars.

Youth activities:

• Boys' Brigade and island youth groups.
• Joint events with groups from Fiji, Nauru, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Ocean Island.

Missionaries sent and received through CWM:

• Lalliansangi, teaching, from the Presbyterian Church of India.
• Malsawmdawmgzuali, teaching, from the Presbyterian Church of India.
• James Kimata, teaching, from the United Church in Solomon Islands.
• Lise Talia, teaching, to the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa.

For more information:

• Rev Dr Kitiona Tausi, General Secretary

Prayers:

• For positive solutions to the threat and effects of global warming.
• For full participation of women at all levels in the church.
• For enhanced use of the Tuvaluan language and musical tradition in the church.