Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu

Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu

The Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu traces its origins back to 1861. The London Missionary Society began working on the island in 1864. Tuvalu was also a mission field of the Samoa Congregational Christian Church. The Tuvalu church became autonomous in 1968. Its doctrinal bases are the Apostolic and Nicene Creeds. About 96 percent of the population of Tuvalu belongs to the church, which plays an important role in the society’s cultural, socio-political, and religious development. The church celebrated its centenary in 2005.

The church is concerned with the effects of global warming on Tuvalu, issues of violence and morality, the prevention of AIDS, and problems of transport and communication affecting the country. The church seeks to enrich its members’ faith, enhance the use of the Tuvaluan language and musical tradition, and promote women’s full participation. Currently, there are no ordained women pastors in Tuvalu. Women are very active in organizing church and community events and celebrations. Other priorities are developing island communities’ churches in the capital for Christians who have migrated from smaller islands and publishing a new hymnal and the first study Bible in Tuvaluan. The church has appointed a full-time chaplain to the hospital and the prison, hoping to establish a chaplaincy for seamen. With the help of a consultant from the Church of South India and a local coordinator, a Sunday school curriculum has been reviewed. Youth activities are organized by the Boys’ Brigade and island youth groups. One of the major projects of the church is to establish a theological institution, to train people for the ministry, and to provide refresher courses for pastors.