{"id":1496,"date":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.glos.ac.uk\/chaplaincy\/?p=1496"},"modified":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","slug":"band-of-brothers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.glos.ac.uk\/chaplaincy\/2024\/06\/06\/band-of-brothers\/","title":{"rendered":"Band of Brothers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today the church remembers Ini Kopuria, who was born about 1900 on the island of Guadalcanal, near Australia, part of the Solomon Isles. Ini was apparently an independent young man. He rejected the route planned for him into teaching and opted for a more adventurous life in the local police. While he was recovering in hospital from a leg injury in 1924 he had an intense conversion experience. He decided to form a brotherhood of young men who would take the Christian faith to the villages where he had worked. \u2018I have visited all the villages as a police sergeant and they all know me: why not go to them now as a missionary?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the Melanesian Brotherhood was born. Ini took his vows in October 1925 and the following year six others joined him. The brothers took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, not for life but for one year (now it\u2019s 5 years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They aimed to live the gospel in a direct and simple way, planting, harvesting, fishing, building, eating and sharing with everyone in their care. Ini was Head Brother until 1940 when he was released from his vows, and married. He sadly died on this day in 1945.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was in my last parish a group of the Brothers visited us. They were young, energetic men, very keen on football – not at all like your usual picture of monks. I remember them dancing up with the collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s good to remember the Melanesian Brothers today, because like the heroes of D Day, they contributed to peace, although in a very different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Solomon Islands gained independence from Britain in 1978 but 25 years ago serious ethnic violence broke out among people from different islands. The Brothers themselves came from every island group, and they realised that the gospel was calling them to make a stand. They set up a camp between the two opposing factions, and visited both sides calling on them to stop the violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eventually the peace-making efforts led to a ceasefire and a peace agreement.  They gathered weapons from combatants and threw them deep into the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One rebel leader, Harold Keke, continued to cause trouble. Brother Nathaniel Sado, who knew Keke, went to reason with him, but did not return. Six brothers went to investigate reports that Keke had murdered Br. Nathaniel, and they did not return either. Sadly, all seven were found to have been killed – and they are now seen as \u00a0martyrs in the cause of peace – this icon is in Canterbury Cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Brothers were presented with an award “for sacrifice above the call of duty to protect the vulnerable and build peace and security in  during the civil conflict and post-conflict reconstruction”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wonder if there are any parts of that story which connect with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ini\u2019s independent spirit, and vision, in founding the Brotherhood\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The commitment of the brothers to their vows and to sharing the good news of Jesus\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The courage of Nathaniel in trying to bring peace – and the courage of his friends who went to find him\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference that these men of faith have made to their country\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*****<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We remember Ini, and his spirit, and calling\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Lord, you know us as we are and love us. Help us find and follow the path that you have for us in our life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We remember the seven martyrs, and the work for peace\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Lord, we long for peace in the broken places of the world. May there be peacemakers with vision and courage.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We think of the difference the Brotherhood has made\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Lord, we pray for our country – especially in this time of choice and uncertainty. Help us to come closer to the values of your kingdom.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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