Today, August 24, 2025, marks the commencement of the 76th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV), a significant gathering for the nation’s largest Christian denomination. Held in the picturesque Endu Village in southeast Ambrym, within the Apsetu Session of the Ambrym Presbytery, the assembly brings together church leaders and members from across the archipelago to discuss vital matters of faith, community, and national importance.

Preparations and Significance

Endu Village has been gearing up for this national event since earlier in the year. In June 2025, reports highlighted the community’s preparations to host the assembly, reflecting the local enthusiasm and logistical efforts required for such a large-scale gathering on Ambrym Island. The choice of location in southeast Ambrym not only honors the Ambrym Presbytery but also symbolizes the church’s commitment to engaging with rural and island communities, where many of its congregations are based.

The PCV, formally established in 1948, has grown to encompass a wide array of ministries, including education, health services, and evangelism. General Assemblies serve as the highest governing body, where decisions on church policy, mission strategies, and societal issues are made. This year’s assembly is poised to address reports from various presbyteries and mission fields, alongside deliberations on pressing church and country-wide concerns, such as community development, disaster response, and cultural integration in a rapidly changing Vanuatu.

Key Highlights and Leadership

The event, running from August 23 to 31, 2025, is expected to draw participants including pastors, elders, members of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union (PWMU), and laypeople from diverse mission fields spanning from the Banks Islands in the north to Aneityum in the south. One of the notable features of the 76th Assembly is the appointment of Pastor Merven Tamata from the North Malekula Presbytery as the Bible Study leader. His role will guide devotional sessions, fostering spiritual reflection amid the administrative proceedings. The assembly is overseen by the PCV’s leadership, including Clerk Pastor Collin Keleb, who was re-elected to his position during the previous gathering in 2024.

Community and National Impact

Attendees can anticipate a blend of worship, fellowship, and strategic planning. As Vanuatu continues to navigate challenges like natural disasters and social changes, the PCV’s assemblies often extend beyond ecclesiastical matters to influence broader national discourse, emphasizing Christian principles in governance and community life.

As the assembly unfolds over the coming week, updates from Endu Village are expected to highlight resolutions and outcomes that could shape the PCV’s direction for the year ahead. With its deep historical ties and widespread influence representing a significant portion of Vanuatu’s population the Presbyterian Church remains a cornerstone of spiritual and social life in the Pacific nation.