Church elects new leaders as meeting ends

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 21 May 2016, 12:00AM

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) has elected a new Deputy Chairman.

He is Reverend Tunumoso Iosia of Falealili. The appointment was made yesterday when the church’s annual conference at Malua ended. 

The new Deputy Chairman is the former Secretary of the Elders Committee. He won a ballot against Reverend Palemia Tauiliili, securing 337 votes to 320. 

The former Deputy Chairman, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara automatically became the Chairman of the Church, replacing pensioner, Reverend Elder Tavita Roma. 

Speaking to the Weekend Observer, Rev. Iosia was emotional about his election. 

He thanked the church for trusting in him to carry the position and he acknowledge God’s guidance over his life and his family.

The Minister has served the Sapoe, Falealili parish for 27 years.

He said since he is new in the post he will take direction from others that have been in the executive for years in conducting the work for the church. 

As for Rev. Elder Senara, he is looking forward to working with his new Deputy.

 “Even though he was elected by the church but that decision was done through the work of the Holy Spirit,” said the Chairman. 

“If this is God’s will, I am happy to follow it and I pray that whatever problems that we come across he will guide us through.”

He added they are just servants for the church and God and will continue the works that has been approved by the church.  

Asked about several multimillion dollars developments of the church that are still incomplete, Rev. Elder Senara declined to comment. He said it was the responsibility of the General Secretary and it was not his area to comment on.

The Chairman also refused to comment about a member of the church who has been making headlines for claims that she is carrying the marks of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

 “The church cannot comment about that,” he said. 

“We are careful not to say anything that might offend other churches that are listening. 

“The E.F.K.S. is not quick to draw conclusion on things like this because there is a Constitution that we have to follow. There will be a time to comment.”

Rev. Elder Senara said it’s not important what makes one church different from the other but what makes it all the same is the belief in God “and that is the most important thing”. 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 21 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>