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Bishop Patteson: Martyr of Melanesia

Jon Reed

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John Coleridge Patteson was born in London, England, on April 1, 1827. He was the son of Sir John Patteson, a judge, and his wife, Frances. Patteson was educated at Eton College and Merton College, Oxford, where he studied classics and mathematics. After graduating from Oxford, Patteson decided to become a priest in the Church of England. He was ordained in 1854 and served as a curate in the parish of Alverstoke, Hampshire. In 1855, Patteson was appointed as the first Bishop of Melanesia. Melanesia is a region of the Pacific Ocean that includes the islands of New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.

Patteson's mission in Melanesia was to spread the Christian faith. He travelled throughout the region, establishing churches and schools. Patteson also worked to protect the indigenous people of Melanesia from exploitation and slavery. In 1871, Patteson was killed by cannibals on the island of Nukapu. He had been shot with arrows and then clubbed to death. Patteson's death shocked the world and led to a renewed interest in the mission in Melanesia.

Bishop Patteson: Martyr of Melanesia

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The Melanesian Mission

The Melanesian Mission was founded by Bishop Patteson in 1855. The mission's purpose was to spread the Christian faith in Melanesia. The mission's first base was on Norfolk Island, but it later moved to the Solomon Islands. The Melanesian Mission was a success. By the end of the 19th century, there were over 200 churches and schools in Melanesia. The mission also played a major role in the development of the Melanesian people. The mission's schools provided the indigenous people with an education and helped them to develop their own culture.

The Diocese of Melanesia

The Diocese of Melanesia is the Anglican diocese that covers the region of Melanesia. The diocese was founded in 1861. The first bishop of Melanesia was John Coleridge Patteson. The diocese is currently headed by Archbishop George Takeli. The diocese has over 100,000 members and is one of the largest Anglican dioceses in the world.

The Melanesian Brotherhood

The Melanesian Brotherhood is a religious order for men that was founded by Bishop Patteson in 1858. The brotherhood's purpose is to train indigenous Melanesian men for the priesthood. The brotherhood's first home was on Norfolk Island, but it later moved to the Solomon Islands. The Melanesian Brotherhood has been successful in training indigenous Melanesian men for the priesthood. Over 100 Melanesian men have been ordained as priests through the brotherhood.

Bishop Patteson's Legacy

Bishop Patteson is remembered as a martyr for the Christian faith. He was a courageous and dedicated missionary who gave his life for the people of Melanesia. Patteson's legacy is the Melanesian Mission, the Diocese of Melanesia, and the Melanesian Brotherhood. These institutions continue to work to spread the Christian faith in Melanesia and to develop the Melanesian people.