Aiwo Congregational Church, Nauru

29th November

Nauru made history on the 29th November 2015 by ordaining their first women ministers:  Pastor Wanda Joleen Hiram and Pastor Ruth Omodien Garabwan.  Our Pacific Regional Secretary Rev. Fei Taulealeausumai Davis was invited to preside over the ordination and preach the sermon from Luke 4:14-22.  The occasion was attended also by a representative from the Pacific Conference of Churches Rev. Rusiate Tuidrakulu who read the bible and led the prayers of intercession.  The Chair of the Church Council Rev. Dennett Roger Mwareow presented the candidates for ordination and co-ordinated the day of celebration.  Five other men were also ordained at the same time and we join with them all in celebrating this milestone of the Nauru Congregational Church.

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CWM played a significant part in helping NCC achieve this milestone by holding workshops and a consultation on Gender Justice in the Pacific Region and also visiting NCC in in February 2014 as part of our Team Visitation Programme.

Both Wanda and Ruth feel extremely privileged and excited to be the first women to be ordained and they look forward to working with the NCC parishes they are called to minister to alongside their brother ministers.  A huge feast and celebration was held at the conclusion of the service and the Nauruan community were joined by the Fijian and Kiribati communities that reside in Nauru in the celebration.

Thank you NCC for taking this step of truth for the women of Nauru and for women around the world.  We join with you in offering a blessing and encouragement for these new ministers as they pioneer the way for other women who will follow in their footsteps.  To God be the Glory.


 

CWM Pacific