The General Secretary of the Council for World Mission (CWM), Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, made a landmark visit to the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu (PCV) from 17-20 October – the first stop of his two-week Pacific visit that will also see him paying a call to Etaretia Porotetani Maohi (EPM) and the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC).
Accompanied by Rev. Philip King, the Global Mission Director of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) and a former member of the CWM Board, Keum also met with the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, His Excellency, Mr Nikenike Vurobaravu to discuss the issue of independence for French territories in the Pacific and the role of mission.
Prior to gaining independence in 1980, Vanuatu was jointly administered by both the British and French as part of their colonialist expansion in the Pacific. The administrative model, known as the Anglo-French condominium, that has shaped Vanuatu of the past still impacts Vanuatu in the present via its divisive political landscape that continues to complicate the country’s pursuit of a unified national identity.
Over 180 years ago, the London Missionary Society (LMS), the precursor to CWM, arrived on these shores to share the Gospel. The early LMS missionaries planted seeds of faith that have grown into the vibrant Christian community in Vanuatu today.
“While they contributed to the spiritual growth and development of education and health services, they were also part of a larger colonial system that reshaped Indigenous customs and introduced external control over land and resources,” lamented Keum in his address to Mr Vurobaravu where he emphasised the need to reflect on the legacies of colonisation.
This need saw CWM embarking on a journey of decolonising theological education and mission practices since its restructuring in 1977, transforming itself from a colonial missionary organisation that was LMS into a global community of churches in mission.
Today, even as Vanuatu celebrates its 44 years of independence, it still grapples not just with the phantoms of its colonial past but also finds itself hard-pressed against the devastating effects of climate change such as frequent cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and rising sea levels that continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Vanuatu’s reliance on agriculture, fishing, and tourism makes the nation especially vulnerable to disasters that have also exposed glaring social challenges, including limited healthcare and infrastructure.
Highlighting the crucial role of the church, Keum said, “In this context, the church is called to be a force for justice, advocating for the most vulnerable, fostering resilience, and promoting hope and healing in the face of these trials. Through faith, the church can help build flourishing communities and guide Vanuatu toward a more just and stable future.”
“At the heart of CWM’s mission is a commitment to self-determination and decolonisation—values that resonate deeply with Vanuatu’s own story of independence. Vanuatu’s journey, from under dual colonial masters to its courageous fight for independence, reminds us of the importance of local agency in shaping a nation’s destiny.”
Welcoming PCV as a future CWM member
The visit to PCV also marked a significant step forward in forging a deeper relationship between CWM and PCV as the latter was extended an invitation to join CWM as the latest addition to the family of member churches in the Pacific region.
The visit was a natural progression after the CWM Assembly in June when PCV was invited to participate as an Observer.
In his greetings to PCV, Keum highlighted that the church in Vanuatu has long been a beacon of hope and strength as it guided the local communities through both spiritual and national journeys.
“From its involvement in the movement toward independence to its ongoing role in education, healthcare, and social support, the church has always been at the heart of Vanuatu’s self-determination and nation-building,” said Keum who added that the impending membership, to be formalised in the coming years, will herald a new chapter in which PCV’s rich heritage and strong faith will contribute positively to the global mission of spreading Christ’s love and justice as the CWM global family.
“As the church in Vanuatu continues to navigate the ongoing challenges of climate change, political independence, and economic vulnerability, I encourage you to remain resilient, rooted in faith and hope,” said Keum as he exhorted the leaders of PCV, “trust that God’s purpose for Vanuatu is to see life-flourishing communities strengthened by the PCV’s witness to justice, self-determination, and human dignity.”
