The Pacific Theological College Bridging Cultures, Nurturing Faith

The Pacific Theological College (PTC) Principal Rev. Professor Upolu Vaai was accorded the finest and most splendid of traditional displays of welcome and farewell during his recent visit to the Kiribati Uniting Church (KUC). First KUC’s Eita church received the PTC delegation in true warm, friendly Kiribati style, followed by traditional dances, sweet coconuts, and words of welcome. Later that evening at the Uean Te Bangota (Shrine of God) Maneaba in Antebuka, the church and the former Pacific Conference of Churches staff Rev Elder Soama Tafia welcomed the Principal. “We are thankful that you have visited us and we have no doubt that God will fulfill the purpose of your visit,” said Rev. Elder Tafia. The farewell feast at the KUC headquarters Maneaba, attended by KUC leadership and the community was a highlight of a trip marked by conversations and firm commitments in elevating and growing quality theological education within the PTC member churches and communities. The Kiribati trip followed on the heels of visits with member churches the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the United Church of Solomon Islands a week before. Both trips demonstrated the ethnic, multicultural diversity and strong spirit of ecumenism that is a hallmark of the PTC regional community.