As part of his visit to the Pacific region, Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, General Secretary of the Council for World Mission (CWM) arrived at Tahiti on 21 to further engage with the communities and leadership of the Etaretia Porotetani Maohi (EPM) and forge new bridges of partnership and strengthen bonds of collaboration.
Warmly received by EPM President Rev. François Pihaatae, General Secretary Rev. Hinatea Marotau, and the Executive Committee, EPM is Keum’s second stop of three destinations planned for the Pacific circuit, the third being the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC).
Tahiti, the largest of the Maohi Nui or French Polynesia group of island states, has a rich history with Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society (LMS) – the forebear of CWM. The first LMS missionaries landed on its shores in 1797.
However, the region would also bear the brunt of the negative effects of colonialism that are still being felt today as French Polynesia, as it name suggests, is still under the administrative rule of France after Tahiti was declared as a French Protectorate in 1842.
Today, French Polynesia remains a semi-autonomous territory of France where the French still possess partial legislative, executive, and judiciary control over the region’s defence, foreign affairs, law, finance, and education.
Speaking in his address to the EPM leadership, Keum reiterated the unique history of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) that comprises a complex blend of socio-political, economic, and environmental challenges, many of which are the enduring legacies of colonialism and globalisation. He also highlighted the region’s unceasing struggle for self-determination since the 19th century.
Hailing the re-inscribing of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) on the United Nations (UN) list of non-self-governing territories in 2013 as a significant step towards a global recognition for the region’s right to self-determination, Keum also pointed out that the UN designation also left a domestic society fractured and polarised.
Challenges that stymie the flourishing of the Pacific
Living under the shadows of modern colonialism has exposed the Pacific to various social, environmental, and economic challenges that continue to threaten livelihoods and the sanctity of life itself in the region.
Working closely with its regional partners to continue resisting against the powers of empire, CWM, as an organisation born from the legacies of colonial mission societies, has been fully committed to accompany the Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) and by extension, the rest of the Pacific to reflect God’s vision of justice, peace, and life in its fullness for all.
One of the myriad challenges that the Pacific faces is the legacies of slavery, both past and present. Keum highlighted The Onesimus Project (TOP) as a key CWM-led initiative and “a movement rooted in the gospel’s message of liberation, justice, and peace” that seeks to promote reparatory justice, healing of memories, and combating modern-day slavery through three modes of funding support available to member churches.
Additionally, Keum also touched on the ongoing nuclear tests carried out by France in Mururoa and Fangataufa that have brought considerable environmental woes to the region. Between 1966 and 1996, France conducted 193 nuclear tests that left lingering repercussions for the island communities, impacting their health and wellbeing, and threatening income and jobs through decades of exposure to radioactive elements in the air, water, and soil.
The seas of the Pacific have also been ground zero of crimes of exploitation of its rich marine resources—crimes that have adversely affected the livelihoods of the local fishing communities. In addition, climate change has wreaked havoc on the surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity through rising sea levels and coastal erosion as well as giving rise to more frequent extreme weather events.
Keum added that, even as CWM has been deeply alarmed by the escalating threats of climate change and how the Pacific has been suffering greatly under them, the work of the EPM to foster the flourishing of life despite difficult circumstances continues to inspire hope.
“Your determination to find sustainable economic solutions honouring the land, waters, and identity is inspiring. It reflects a deep faith in God’s provision and wisdom,” commended Keum, “your advocacy for policies that protect God’s creation and safeguard the unique ecosystems of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) is a powerful witness to the rest of the world.”
Noting that while it is an utmost imperative to take immediate action to safeguard the vulnerable communities in the Pacific, Keum stressed that it must happen in tandem with the dismantling of life-denying systems that cause widespread ecological destruction such as the nuclear tests by the French.
“CWM urges the members to honour and treasure the Earth, turn away from harmful practices, and seek economic systems that promote the fullness of life without exploiting or polluting the environment,” exhorted Keum.
Closing his address with a message of encouragement from the Bible, Keum stressed once more CWM’s commitment to journey with the communities of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) toward self-determination, environmental justice, and the flourishing of their peoples.
“The words of Philippians 1:6 encourage us: ‘He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.’ I believe this wholeheartedly for you, for EPM, and for the people of Maohi Nui,” said Keum, “may God continue to bless the work of EPM, transforming your communities into life-flourishing communities with hope, justice, and peace.”
