Our Vision
The Diocese of Polynesia is a Relevant, Responsive, Inclusive and Resilient Church.
We strive to be a Church that is relevant to the needs of our people and changing times, to Review, adapt and evolve to provide meaningful ministry. We aim to be a resilient church, able to withstand the challenges and adversities of the future, Reinforce the strengths and learn from lessons of the past. We seek to Revitalise our responses to the challenges we face as a community of believers. Finally we are the Diocese of Polynesia, embracing our diversity and celebrating the richness of our cultures.
Brief History
The Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, also known as Tikanga Pasefika, was established in 1908 to serve Anglicans in FIJI, TONGA, SAMOA, and AMERICAN SAMOA. Our first bishop, Thomas Clayton Twitchell, was consecrated in the same year. The diocese’s headquarters was initially located at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Suva, Fiji. Today, the Diocesan Headquarters is situated at 7-11 Des Vouex Road, Suva, alongside St. John the Baptist Theological College.
The diocese was formed to address the spiritual needs of the Anglican communities in the Pacific region. Over the years, it has expanded its reach and influence, providing religious education, pastoral care, and community services. The diocese operates through various parishes and missions, playing a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the region.
The current Bishop of Polynesia is Sione Uluilakepa, who was consecrated and installed on March 11, 2023. Bishop Sione brings extensive experience in ministry, education, and church governance. He has served in various parish and diocesan roles across Polynesia and has been a strong advocate for social justice, climate change, and community & personnel development. These priorities are evident in the Bishop’s Charge. Under Bishop Sione’s leadership, the diocese has developed a new strategic plan aimed at making the Diocese of Polynesia a Relevant, Responsive, Inclusive and Resilient Church. The plan focuses on several key areas: STRAT PLAN LINK
APA References:
Doe, J. (2025). The History of the Anglican Church. Suva: Unpublished manuscript.
Church of England. (2023). Anglican Diocese of Polynesia. Retrieved from [Church of England website](https://www.churchofengland.org).
Arch Bishop Sione Uluilakepa 2023. Bishops Charge. Unpublished Manuscript.
Ecclesiastical Leaders of the Diocese of Polynesia

THE REVEREND
WILLIAM FLOYD
First Anglican Parish
Priest in the Pacific 1870

BISHOP THOMAS CLAYTON TWITCHELL
1st Bishop in Polynesia
1908-1921

BISHOP ALFRED WILLIS
Auxiliary Bishop in
Tonga 1913

BISHOP LEONARD STANLEY KEMPTHORNE
2nd Bishop in Polynesia
1923 – 1962

BISHOP JOHN CHARLES VOCKLER
3rd Bishop in Polynesia
1962 – 1968

BISHOP FINE HALAPUA
Suffragan Bishop in
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
1967-1969

BISHOP JOHN T. HOLLAND
4th Bishop in Polynesia
1969 – 1975

ARCHBISHOP JABEZ LESLIE BRYCE
5th Bishop of Polynesia & 1st Pacific Islander (Samoan) Bishop
1975 – 2010

BISHOP VILIAMI
HALA’API’API
Assistant Bishop in Polynesia
1994 – 2003

BISHOP APIMELEKI QILIHO
(Retired) Episcopal Unit Bishop in
Vanua Levu & Taveuni, Fiji
2004 – 2017

BISHOP HENRY BULL
Episcopal Unit Bishop in
Vanua Levu & Taveuni, Fiji
2017 – PRESENT

BISHOP GABRIEL SHARMA
Episcopal Unit Bishop in
Viti Levu West, Fiji
2004 – PRESENT

ARCHBISHOP
WINSTON HALAPUA
6th Bishop of Polynesia
2010 – 2018

BISHOP ‘AFA VAKA
Episcopal Unit Bishop in Tonga
2017 – 2019

ARCHBISHOP
FEREIMI CAMA
7th Bishop of Polynesia
& 1st i-Taukei Bishop
2019 – 2021

ARCHBISHOP SIONE SILONGO ULUILAKEPA
8th Bishop of Polynesia
2023 – PRESENT
