May 11, 2003

The Most Revd Ellison Pogo, Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, confirmed this morning that six Brothers from the Melanesian Brotherhood are still being held hostage by Harold Keke and his supporters in the Weathercoast bush of Guadalcanal. The brothers were first reported missing about a week ago.

"The recent report from someone who managed to escape from the camp is that the six brothers are still alive but held as prisoners," the Archbishop said.

Harold Keke, leader of the Guadalcanal Liberation Front, is believed to be responsible for nearly 50 killings in the past year, more than 20 of them being over the past month.

Archbishop Pogo has said that he is writing a letter to Harold Keke to explain the Brothers' mission and ask him for their release.

"The Head Brother and I agree that we must do two things," he said. "To ask friends far & near to pray for the safety and release of the Brothers, and for me to communicate with the militants to establish some form of understanding which will lead to a possible immediate release of the six brothers."

The Archbishop also expressed appreciation for all the prayers that are being said for the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Church of Melanesia and for peace in Solomon Islands.

Anglican Communion News Service