As Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Snyder Rini resigns, a leading Christian spokesperson says the present crisis highlights the continuing need for the support of Australian churches.
The Director of Christian World Service/National Council of Churches in Australia (CWS/NCCA), Alistair Gee, says that the current reports of violence from Honiara demonstrate that support for Solomon Islanders is needed now more than ever.
Mr Rini resigned Wednesday morning, just eight days after his election as Prime Minister sparked mass rioting in Honiara, leaving most of Honiara’s Chinatown district burnt down.
"The Australian Churches recognise the need to address underlying economic and social justice issues in the Solomons to achieve lasting peace," Mr Gee says.
Anglican order assisting in the Solomons
The Community of the Sisters of the Church, a 136 year-old international Anglican religious order, has over 70 sisters in the Solomon Islands.
Sydney based sister, Sister Frances CSC says the Church is well respected in the community and has been a support at this time.
"Our sisters have a house in the middle of Honiara but fortunately they are not in the firing line," she says.
"They have offered hospitality in a care centre to women and children frightened by the unexpected violence taking place."
Christian World Service promote education
In conjunction with Caritas Australia, CWS is launching this year's Simply Sharing Week from May 14 to 21.
The annual education program will focus on physical and mental health in the Solomon Islands.
"Solomon Islanders are frustrated by the lack of health, education and other essential services available to them," Mr Gee says.
"Without healthy and happy people, it is difficult for the community to feel empowered enough to realise their potential."
Mr Gee says the Simply Sharing health programs in the Solomon Islands have a focus on rehabilitation which will serve to increase the peace in the region.
"Whilst people are still disturbed, they will continue to launch into violent behaviour. By offering the people the opportunity for healing, we can be instrumental in bringing peace in the region," he says.
While the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has played an important role in restoring order to the Solomon Islands, Mr Gee says the Church community needs to follow this up
"The Church community [can assist] by providing basic health education services, rehabilitation and trauma counselling as well as supporting the long term projects which will facilitate peaceful solutions to conflict," he says.
"Prayers for church partners and a peaceful end to the conflict are also encouraged at this time."
Simply Sharing Week education resources are available for churches and schools to develop their understanding of the situation in the Solomon Islands and equip them to take positive action in the Pacific region.
To receive Simply Sharing Week education resources or to support the program contact Kaylea on (03) 9650 6811.
