The 200th Bicentenary Celebrations and 102nd Conference of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga

by Rev. Malcolm Scanlan, Mission Accompanying Team

 

Malo e Lelei | Talofa Lava (Tongan | Samoan for "Hello" or "Greetings")

It was a great honour and privilege to represent our Moderator and our Queensland Synod, at the 200th Anniversary Conference of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, celebrating 200 years of Christianity.

This historic gathering brought together church leaders, ecumenical partners, members of the Royal Family, government representatives, and thousands of worshippers from across Tonga and around the world to celebrate God’s faithfulness and discern the future of the Church.

The central question asked repeatedly throughout the conference was:

“What does the future look like?”

The consistent response was clear.

The future of the Church must remain grounded in Jesus Christ.

Speakers, including our very own UCA President of the National Assembly, Rev. Charissa Suli and former Missionaries, Rev. Dr. Richard Clutterbuck of the Methodist Church in Britain and Rev. Dr. Sandy Yule of the UCA Wesley Church in Melbourne, challenged delegates to:

• raise courageous future leaders
• invest in education
• strengthen discipleship
• preserve history and culture
• remain united as one Body of Christ
• pursue holiness over comfort
• proclaim the Gospel with courage, compassion and unity.

The conference continually emphasised four values that shape both the Church and Tongan society:

• Humility
• Respect
• Mate Ma’a (a willingness to sacrifice for the cause)
• Obligation and faithful service

These values were reflected not simply in speeches but in everyday actions throughout the week.

One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the extraordinary hospitality of the Tongan people. Approximately 5,000 people were fed every day, with hundreds of volunteers serving meals with remarkable generosity, humility, and joy.

Everyone contributed, from young people and families to ministers and church leaders, demonstrating servant leadership in action. Even when it rained, celebrations, worship, and hospitality continued uninterrupted, reflecting a deep commitment to caring for one another.

The worship was equally inspiring. Magnificent choirs from throughout Tonga and around the world filled every service with joyful praise, creating a powerful expression of faith and unity. The singing of traditional hymns, celebrations of Holy Communion and times of prayer reminded all present that worship lies at the heart of the Church’s identity and mission.

Several significant moments marked the conference, including the ordination of fifteen ministerial couples, the induction of new church office bearers, the presentation of important historical publications documenting 200 years of Christianity in Tonga, and the rare privilege of hearing His Majesty King Tupou VI preach. The presence of the Royal Family throughout the conference highlighted the enduring relationship between faith, culture, and national life in Tonga.

The conference reinforced the importance of multicultural ministry, intentional leadership development, genuine partnership, and the celebration of cultural identity as a gift from God.

It also highlighted the value of hospitality, humility, strong intergenerational relationships, and worship that brings people together in Christ.

On a personal level, representing our Moderator and Synod was both a privilege and a deeply enriching experience. It provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with leaders of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, deepen partnerships across the Pacific, and demonstrate our commitment to our Tongan members and congregations within our QLD Synod.

Our presence communicated that we honour their history, value their contribution to our Church, and desire to continue walking together in God’s mission.

The Bicentenary of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga was far more than a celebration of history. It was a living witness to God’s faithfulness, the strength of Christian community and the hope of the Gospel.

The images I will remember most are not only the historic ceremonies or significant speeches, but thousands of people singing together in worship, volunteers joyfully feeding 5,000 people each day, families serving side by side, choirs lifting their voices in praise, ministers praying together, and an entire community demonstrating humility, generosity and unwavering faith.

I return deeply encouraged by what I witnessed and grateful for the opportunity to represent our Moderator and Queensland Synod at such a significant occasion.

This experience has strengthened relationships with our Tongan community, enriched my understanding of the Church’s witness in the Pacific, and reaffirmed that when God’s people remain grounded in Jesus Christ and serve one another with humility and love, the Church continues to flourish.

I finish with a motto that was shared with me that best describes the heart of the conference and the people of Tonga,

“God and Tonga are my inheritance.”

This is a declaration of identity and hope. It reminds every Tongan, whether living in Tonga or across the world, that their lives are rooted in God’s faithfulness and in the rich heritage of their people.

Distance may separate them from their homeland, but it does not separate them from their inheritance. By living faithfully, serving humbly, and honouring their culture, Tongans everywhere continue to strengthen the bonds between God, their nation, and their global communities, ensuring that this precious inheritance is passed on for generations to come.

I am very thankful for this blessed opportunity.

Malo Aupito |  Fa'afetai Lava (Tongan | Samoan for "Thank you very much") and Blessings,

Praise be to God!

Malcolm

 

Rev. Malcolm Scanlon together with Rev. Alamoti Lavaki and dear wife Telesia, Minister at Park Church Uniting Church and Presbytery Chair of Moreton Rivers Presbytery

 

His Royal Highness King Of Tonga, King George Tupou VI, Preaching on the Day Of Commemoration of the Bicentenary of the Arrival of Christianity in Tonga.

His Royal Highness King Of Tonga, King George Tupou VI, Preaching on the Day Of Commemoration of the Bicentenary of the Arrival of Christianity in Tonga.

Rev. Malcolm Scanlan, Rev. Vini Rokomasi Ravetali and husband (far right) with UCA National Assembly President, Rev. Charissa Suli and husband Langi Suli at the Choral Worship Service: Commemorating of the Bicentenary of the Arrival of Christianity in Tonga - 15 Choirs from all over the world singing together.

The Choral Service - 15 Choirs altogether

The Choral Service - 15 Choirs altogether

The Choral Service - 15 Choirs altogether

President of the Free Weslyan Church of Tonga Rev. Dr. Tevita Havea

Rev. Malcolm Scanlan and Vice President of the New Zealand Methodist Church Rev. Peter Norman

Over 5000 people gathered to share lunch and dinner each day

 

 

 

 

Hakiti Faleloa Haapai, Moderator of NSW/ACT Rev. Faaimata Hiliau, Former Missionary Rev. John Connan, one of our wonderful representative Tongan Hosts, UCA President Rev. Charissa Suli, Langi Suli, and Rev. Mal Scanlan

 

Dinner together: UCA President Charissa Suli, Langi Suli, Rev. Malcolm Scanlan and Rev. Dr. Jason Kioa Presbytery Minister NSW

Young People Entertaining with Cultural Dancing

All Presidents of Churches and the Royal Family

Rev. Malcolm Scanlan together with Rev. Alamoti Lavaki and dear wife Telesia, Minister at Park Church Uniting Church and Presbytery Chair of Moreton Rivers Presbytery