The Province of Melanesia
The Diocese of Exeter shares a deeply rooted and historic relationship with the Province of Melanesia, a connection that stretches back to the life and ministry of John Coleridge Patteson, the first Bishop of Melanesia. Raised and ordained in Devon, Patteson travelled to Melanesia as a missionary, laying the foundations for a partnership that has endured for over 170 years. His martyrdom in 1871 is commemorated in churches throughout Devon and on the pulpit in Exeter Cathedral, a lasting reminder of our shared story of faith, mission, and sacrifice.
Today, Melanesia’s close ties with Devon continue to flourish through two‑way exchange visits, school partnerships, and active links with the Mothers’ Union and the four Anglican Religious Orders in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Through these relationships, churches, schools, and communities in Devon and Melanesia share prayer, friendship, and mutual learning. There are rich opportunities for clergy and lay people alike to grow in faith through placements, sabbaticals, and volunteering in Melanesia, experiences that deepen Christian discipleship and nurture global Anglican fellowship.
Patteson’s Way – A Pilgrimage in East Devon
Our diocesan link with Melanesia is also celebrated through Patteson’s Way, an eight‑mile circular pilgrimage route created to mark the 150th anniversary of Bishop Patteson’s martyrdom. The route begins and ends at St Andrew’s Church, Feniton, where Patteson grew up, and leads pilgrims through Alfington, where he served as curate, onward to Ottery St Mary, before returning via Patteson’s Cross, a moving memorial to his witness.
Developed by the Melanesian Mission UK together with the Diocese of Exeter’s Devon Pilgrim project, Patteson’s Way invites walkers to reflect on Patteson’s life, the call of mission, and our continuing connection with Melanesia today. It offers time for prayer, spiritual renewal, and contemplation of the global challenges, such as climate change, that bind our communities together.
This living partnership also supports the Diocese of Exeter’s Pray, Grow, Serve 2035 strategic vision. Our links with Melanesia encourage deeper spirituality through shared prayer (Pray), strengthen the life of our church communities through cross‑cultural encounter (Grow), and inspire acts of service rooted in global Christian solidarity (Serve).
The Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) supports this diocesan relationship by acting as a channel between the UK and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), fostering Christian companionship, amplifying Melanesian voices, and supporting education, schools work, and mission partnerships across the region.
Contact
To find out more about the Diocese of Exeter’s connection with Melanesia, pilgrimage opportunities, or partnership work, please contact:
Mrs Katie Drew
Executive Director, The Melanesian Mission UK
mission@mmuk.netClick here to email Katie
Website: www.mmuk.net
Tel: 01404 851656
