THE Soko ni Nuinui (Voyage of Hope), launched earlier this month, outlined a strategic framework for a faith-based climate initiative that utilises a maritime journey to engage diverse island communities.
Organisers prioritised a holistic approach, balancing spiritual reflection and scripture with practical environmental action and logistical safety planning.
To ensure inclusivity, the strategy addressed potential obstacles, including low attendance, heated discussions, trauma-sensitive situations, language barriers, weather disruptions, transport needs, safety planning, and coordination across a 50-day, eight-location sailing schedule around Fiji.
Climate Change Commissioner at the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, said that while there was no exact timeline or duration for planning the entire programme, there was evidence of at least a year of commission-level preparation and development. Still, there is no precise planning timeline for the voyage itself.
“The eight locations and parishes coordination model combines diocesan leadership, local parish leadership, and embedded facilitator training,’’ Tevi said.
“The program mentions leadership from (Anglican) Archbishop Sione (Ulu’ilakepa) and diocesan champions, parish priests leading local cohorts, and cross-diocesan coordination for consistent delivery, and the sail plan adds that facilitator workshops are embedded at each location, with common themes, resources, and action-planning tools.”
Tevi said local communities played an important role in preparing for each stop. Local communities were not passive hosts; they were central to preparation and delivery.
“Facilitators are told to consult elders, gather local ocean stories, identify language needs, adapt examples to each place, plan culturally appropriate openings, and ensure accessibility and local safety arrangements,’’ he said.
“The programme also expects parish-led actions at each stop, which shows strong local ownership.”
Ensuring both spiritual and practical goals were balanced, the organisers have built this directly into the weekly format, with every session including prayer, scripture, talanoa, skills practice, action planning, commitment cards, and follow-up.
“The programme is therefore structured so that theological reflection always leads to concrete action in the community,’’ Tevi said.
He added that teamwork behind the scenes for the programme, like this voyage, was essential.
“The guide assumes a whole support team: co-facilitators, youth helpers, worship leaders, pastoral care contacts, transport support, safety planning, and communications planning,’’ he said.
“The wider programme also depends on diocesan champions, parish priests, partner parishes, and ongoing network support. In other words, the voyage is built as a collaborative ministry, not a solo effort.”
